How Denzel Washington’s Advice Inspired Colman Domingo’s Back-to-Back Best Actor Nominations
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Colman Domingo, a 55-year-old actor whose career continues to soar, recently achieved a historic milestone in Hollywood: back-to-back Best Actor Oscar nominations. This remarkable feat places him alongside industry giants like Tom Hanks, Russell Crowe, and Johnny Depp, who have also received consecutive nominations. Domingo’s 2025 Oscar nominations for his roles in Rustin and Sing Sing represent a significant achievement, especially considering that such nominations hadn’t occurred for eight years prior to his. What makes this achievement even more special is the advice Domingo received from Denzel Washington, a two-time Oscar winner, during their collaboration on the 2020 film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
A “Great Pearl” of Advice
In a recent interview with People as part of the magazine’s 2025 Oscar Portfolio, Domingo reflected on the advice that Washington shared with him, which Domingo described as a “great pearl.” Washington’s words, offered more than five years ago, have since become a guiding principle in Domingo’s career. As Washington explained, “You know, Colman. A lot of times, for a long time, you think it’s about the awards. Then you start winning all the awards. And you’ll realize at some point it’s not about the awards, it’s about the reward. The acknowledgment, the awards are great stuff, but it’s the reward of doing good work and making good work happen, and figuring that out for yourself.”
This advice emphasized intrinsic motivation over the pursuit of external validation—a perspective that resonates deeply with Domingo. Reflecting on Washington’s words, Domingo shared, “So that’s a great pearl from Denzel,” further elaborating that while acknowledgment and awards are gratifying, it is ultimately the satisfaction of doing meaningful work that matters most. This philosophy has driven Domingo’s career, which spans across diverse roles, including his voice work in Disney+’s Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and an upcoming role in The Electric State.
Oscar History and Comparative Analysis
Domingo’s consecutive nominations place him in rare company, alongside celebrated actors like Hanks, Crowe, and Depp. His nominations, for Rustin in 2024 and Sing Sing in 2025, are still pending, as the 97th Academy Awards are set for March 2, 2025. These back-to-back nominations are significant, as they come after an eight-year gap since the last actor received consecutive Best Actor nods.
By contrast, Denzel Washington also achieved back-to-back nominations in 2017 and 2018 for his roles in Fences and Roman J. Israel, Esq., though he did not win either time, losing out to Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea) in 2016 and Gary Oldman (The Darkest Hour) in 2017. Domingo’s journey mirrors Washington’s, but with an added layer of historical context: in 2024, he made history as the first Afro-Latino actor to be nominated in the Best Actor category for Rustin. This marks a groundbreaking achievement in the Academy Awards’ history.
| Actor | Year(s) | Nominated Films | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denzel Washington | 2017, 2018 | Fences, Roman J. Israel, Esq. | Nominated (did not win both) |
| Colman Domingo | 2024, 2025 | Rustin, Sing Sing | Nominated (outcomes pending) |
The historical comparison of their nominations highlights the rarity of such a feat, underscoring Domingo’s place in Oscar history, especially considering the long gap between back-to-back nominations in the Best Actor category.
Reflections on Washington’s Wisdom
Domingo’s reflections on Washington’s advice underscore its personal impact, particularly as he navigates another competitive awards season. He expressed admiration for the recognition that comes with accolades, stating, “I love the idea of being feted and winning these awards, and being acknowledged is so fantastic and wonderful, because it gives you more fuel to keep doing what you’re doing. But it is about the reward,” aligning perfectly with Washington’s perspective on the intrinsic value of the work itself.
Sources like CinemaBlend and Geo.tv have echoed this sentiment, noting that Washington’s guidance serves as a reminder that the true satisfaction of acting comes not from external accolades but from the process of creating meaningful and impactful work.
A Legacy of Artistry
Colman Domingo’s career trajectory, shaped by Washington’s wisdom and his own commitment to his craft, reflects the values of an actor who is deeply invested in his art. His recent achievements—both the Oscar nominations and the broader success of his career—serve as a testament to the power of intrinsic motivation and the fulfillment that comes from doing meaningful work. As Domingo continues to make waves in the industry, it’s clear that his dedication to his craft, coupled with Washington’s sage advice, has shaped him into one of Hollywood’s most promising talents.
Whether he wins an Oscar in 2025 or not, Domingo has already achieved a significant reward: a career driven by passion, purpose, and the unyielding pursuit of artistic excellence.