Oprah Winfrey Praises Colman Domingo’s Soulful Performance in ‘Sing Sing’

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Oprah Winfrey chose to celebrate Valentine’s Day by honoring a special sort of affection – the bond between old friends and collaborative artists – when she applauded Colman Domingo for his outstanding portrayal in “Sing Sing.

Winfrey couldn’t resist this invitation,” she declared as she confidently walked onto the Arlington Theatre stage in Santa Barbara, where she was there to bestow the Montecito Award upon Domingo during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on a Friday evening.

Oprah Winfrey didn’t need to journey too far because the broadcast icon has long resided in Montecito. In essence, the festival essentially happens in her backyard. Moreover, it’s worth mentioning that Winfrey was previously honored with this very award in 2014 for her work on “The Butler,” which is where her bond with Domingo initially formed.

Oprah explained to the crowd about the remarkable coincidences, ‘I’m here by a higher power’s plan.’ Her mother, Edith, instinctively knew that Oprah had a special gift. She didn’t simply express this; it resonated deep within her spirit. She recognized his talent and believed it merited recognition – so much so that during the run of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show,’ Edith Bowles would faithfully tune in every day and write letters to me, praising her son’s abilities.

Even though Edith Bowles’ letters didn’t reach Oprah Winfrey at the time, and she passed away in 2006, Winfrey stated, “Edith Bowles is still making things happen from beyond, and it was her influence that brought us together for a moment like this.” A tearful Domingo watched on as she spoke.

Oprah Winfrey and John Malkovich have joined forces on several projects: they appeared together in “The Butler” and “Selma” (2014), with Winfrey producing and Malkovich playing the abusive character, Mister, in the 2023 musical adaptation of “The Color Purple”. They also collaborated for an Audible production of Malkovich’s play “Wild With Happy”. However, it was his performance in “Sing Sing” that truly impressed Oprah.

Oprah Winfrey, who knows his talents well, expressed her astonishment when she watched Domingo’s performance as John “Divine G” Whitfield in ‘Sing, Sing.’ She stated, “I’ve never witnessed anything quite like that before.” The film, based on a true story of a theater troupe for incarcerated men, portrays a heartwarming tale of human connection that underscores the possibility of healing. Winfrey was deeply moved by this powerful, genuine, and unfiltered storytelling.

Oprah Winfrey, who is acquainted with his skills, was taken aback when she saw Domingo’s portrayal of John “Divine G” Whitfield in ‘Sing, Sing.’ She admitted, “I have never seen anything like that before.” The movie, which is inspired by a real-life theater troupe for men in prison and tells their story, offers an inspiring message about human connection that suggests healing is always possible. Winfrey was left speechless by the courageous, raw, and authentic way the story was told.

Oprah’s heartfelt words concluded a deeply emotional night as Domingo reminisced about his career during a lengthy chat with Roger Durling, SBIFF’s executive director. This unique gathering served as another significant milestone on the awards season trail, given that Domingo is up for the best actor accolade at the Oscars. This marks his second consecutive nomination in this category, having previously been recognized for his role as Bayard Rustin in Netflix’s “Rustin,” making him the first person since Denzel Washington to receive two consecutive nods in this particular category.

What I admire so much about Colman is his constant dedication to his work,” Winfrey shared with EbMaster shortly after leaving the stage. “What makes this moment special – whether it’s when he dazzles us with another stunning outfit or shines in another captivating scene – is that his aim wasn’t solely to reach this point. His objective was merely to serve the work. And now, we get to witness the fruits of all that persistence, hard work, love, and devotion, which eventually pay off years later, not always when or how we anticipate.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can certainly empathize. It’s not unfamiliar territory for me – it happened during the peak of my favorite movie series. “I know what it’s like to be the focus, right there in the heart of the limelight – in the very seat where your journey begins. And to be able to accept it gracefully, to have the wisdom and openness to embrace it with love, and to use that recognition to uplift others, that’s what makes such moments absolutely captivating.

In the quiet confines of a modest backroom, Winfrey and Domingo find themselves comfortably seated on a cozy sofa. A hint of joy flickers across Domingo’s face as Winfrey delves into her admiration for his captivating act in “Sing Sing.

Winfrey remarked that it seemed as if she was observing a piece of his very essence, for there was an exposed fragility and stripping bare of defenses.

Several notable scenes resonate vividly in her memory: one instance being when Domingo’s character, Divine G, shares that the prisoners don’t use the N-word among themselves but rather call each other “beloved”; another is when he, the resilient leader of the group, experiences a breakdown on stage; and finally, a poignant moment at the end of the film where Oprah Winfrey remarks, “[Domingo] embodies his masculinity and individuality in such a powerful and uplifting manner that it seems as if he, as well as the character, are doing so.” As she looks at Domingo, she adds, “You managed to feel that deep within yourself. That authenticity comes from such a genuine place. After that heartfelt hug, I was left in tears on the floor.

Domingo added a laugh to the conversation, referencing his recent chat with Taraji P. Henson regarding the synchronization of their projects. In 2023, he took on three roles simultaneously – he was busy filming ‘Sing Sing’ during the 18 days that fell between ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Rustin.’

After completing our work, I jet-setted off to New York. I took a day’s rest, and then it was time for the next phase – production. I feel that my preparation for ‘The Color Purple’ set the stage for this. I arrived with an aspect of myself that was already battle-scarred and extremely vulnerable. Considering I would be performing alongside actors who have actual real-life experiences, Domingo explained, “I knew I needed to contribute a piece of me. I had to give more of myself than I ever have in any film.

Oprah agreed wholeheartedly, stating, “Every experience in your life has the potential to be useful at some point. This applies regardless of what profession or path you’re following; every moment is contributing to the next.

On the stage, Domingo described “Sing Sing” as a “subtle act of rebellion,” attributing this to its portrayal of vulnerability and emotional intimacy between Black men, which is seldom depicted on screen. Given this context, what worries might Domingo harbor concerning Hollywood’s recent reversals of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, specifically regarding the prospect of making a film like “Sing Sing” in the future?

What stands out is that, as I glance over at Raúl [Domingo, who happens to be my producing partner and husband], I don’t harbor the same fears. Instead, I am filled with confidence and conviction that we will manage to secure partners and the necessary personnel. We simply keep on rolling up our sleeves and getting things done. It seems that my experiences playing Rustin have prepared me for this – just roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Domingo uses “Sing Sing” as an illustration: it was financed independently and produced on a modest budget, allowing them to cast a primary group of previously incarcerated men without seeking approval. He stated, “There are four professional actors among them, but that’s not appealing to the typical film investors. However, we believe, ‘We’re going to bring about change in our unique way.’

In his discussions with colleagues about the industry’s condition, they all share a common viewpoint. Domingo summarized their thoughts by saying, “It’s crucial to take charge. Just like my friend David Oyelowo puts it, we can become our own studios.” He added, “We should work on projects that resonate with us, then seek out platforms for them, find allies, build connections. That seems like the best approach. I’m not afraid of what might happen; instead, I’ll keep my head down and stay focused on the task at hand.

What’s her perspective on it? “Completely the same as his,” she responded with a grin, as they both stood up, and then drifted out of the room to carry on with their festivities.

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2025-02-16 03:47