BET Awards 2025: Colman Domingo Is the Actor’s Actor—8 Performances That Deserve Their Own Awards
If range were a person, it would be Colman Domingo. In an industry full of overexposed names, Domingo has earned his flowers slowly, steadily—and with unmatched grace. Now a 2025 BET Awards Best Actor nominee, he’s finally getting his moment.
Here are eight roles that prove why actors revere him—and audiences are catching up.
1. “Rustin” (2023)
Domingo’s portrayal of civil rights icon Bayard Rustin earned him his first Oscar nomination—and now a BET nod. He embodies Rustin’s intellect, dignity, and conflict in one of the year’s most commanding performances.2. “Zola” (2020)
As a manipulative, unstable pimp, Domingo stole every scene in this Twitter-thread-turned-film. His code-switching voice was terrifying. Brilliant and unpredictable.3. “Fear the Walking Dead” (2015–2023)
As Victor Strand, Domingo evolved from con artist to complex antihero. He brought gravitas to a genre that rarely gets dramatic respect.
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4. “Euphoria” (2019–)
Domingo’s recurring role as Ali, Rue’s wise but flawed sponsor, gave Euphoria its heart. His diner scene with Zendaya was one of the show’s most emotional high points.
5. “If Beale Street Could Talk” (2018)
In a small but memorable role, he played the father who would do anything for his son’s freedom. Quiet, loving, and powerful.
6. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020)
As the band’s trombonist, Domingo helped bring August Wilson’s words to life on screen, holding his own against Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman.
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7. “The Scottsboro Boys” (Broadway)
Before Hollywood, he was a Broadway star. Domingo’s Tony-nominated performance as Mr. Bones showed his versatility as a dancer, singer, and actor.
8. “Candyman” (2021)
In a horror reboot with a message, Domingo’s role as a creepy neighborhood historian added layers to the film’s racial allegory.
Colman Domingo doesn’t need to go viral—his performances speak volumes. His BET nomination feels not just earned, but essential.
