Rustin

With Sharon working the primary with Tom until late, I watched Rustin on Netflix. This is part of my annual trek to see all of the Oscar nominated films. The film earned a Best Actor nomination at the 96th Academy Awards.

Rustin is a biographical drama film directed by George C. Wolfe from a screenplay by Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black and a story by Breece about the life of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin. Produced by Barack and Michelle Obama's production company Higher Ground, the film stars Colman Domingo in the title role. The cast also includes Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, Aml Ameen, Gus Halper, CCH Pounder, Da'Vine Joy Randolph [The Holdovers], Johnny Ramey, Michael Potts, Jeffrey Wright, and Audra McDonald.

It is based on the true story of Bayard Rustin who helped Martin Luther King Jr. and others organize the 1963 March on Washington. The film shines a light on a lesser-known figure. It highlights his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement while acknowledging the challenges he faced due to his race and sexuality.

I was intrigued by the fact that the movie was produced by Barack and Michelle Obama's production company. I enjoyed it more than I expected. Colman Domingo's performance as Bayard Rustin is interesting, but he is not winning the Best Actor Oscar.