Daniel Kaluuya on Sunday won the Oscar for best supporting actor for his magnetic portrayal of the late Black Panther leader Fred Hampton in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah.’
He beat a packed field including his co-star in the film Lakeith Stanfield, along with Sacha Baron Cohen (‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’), Leslie Odom, Jr. (‘One Night in Miami’) and Paul Raci (‘Sound of Metal’).
What other agencies reported (Standard Channel)
Kaluuya, 32, emerged as front-runner for the Academy Award after also winning at the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and British BAFTA ceremonies.
Damalie Namusoke, mother of Oscar nominee British actor Daniel Kaluuya, arrives for a screening of the Oscars on April 25, 2021 in London. AFP PHOTO
Born in London to Ugandan parents, Kaluuya describes himself as a working class kid who got his first big break in the entertainment industry as a teen actor and writer on the young adult British TV series ‘Skins.’ He first came to international attention in the 2017 surprise hit black comedy horror movie ‘Get Out,’ which brought him a lead actor Oscar nomination.
In ‘Judas and the Black Messiah,’ he plays Black revolutionary leader Hampton, who was shot dead by Chicago police in 1969 at the age of 21. The film was made with the blessing and participation of Hampton’s son, Fred Hampton Jr. Kaluuya has said his aim was to honor Hampton’s legacy.
Kaluuya worked in British television and theater before landing small roles in movies such as ‘Johnny English Reborn’ and thriller ‘Sicario.’
He won acclaim for playing a man who lives surrounded by screens in the surreal TV series ‘Black Mirror’ before being cast in ‘Get Out’ as a Black man who goes to visit his white girlfriend’s wealthy parents.
That led to part in the 2018 superhero movie ‘Black Panther’ and a starring role in the independent film ‘Queen & Slim.’
Other winners
Anthony Hopkins wins best actor Oscar for ‘The Father’
Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins won the Oscar for best actor for his acclaimed role as a dementia patient in the film ‘The Father.’
Hopkins, who at 83 is the oldest actor to win a competitive Oscar, bested the late Chadwick Boseman, whose poignant role in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ had won him praise and a Golden Globe just months after he died of cancer at age 43.
‘Nomadland’ wins big at pandemic Oscars as Zhao makes history
US road movie ‘Nomadland’ emerged as the big winner at the Oscars on Sunday with three major prizes, including a history-making award for director Chloe Zhao, as Hollywood celebrated its most glamorous night with a unique pandemic-era gala.
Zhao’s drama about marginalized Americans roaming the West in vans was honored for best picture, director and actress for Frances McDormand, who now is in elite company with her third Academy Award.