Los Angeles: In the final episode of “The Envelope,” Colman Domingo discusses his role in “Sing Sing,” the evolving awards landscape, and the importance of storytelling in rehabilitation, while reflecting on personal aspirations for the upcoming Oscars and Met Gala.
In the finale episode of “The Envelope” podcast, hosted by Kelvin Washington, Mark Olsen, and Yvonne Villarreal, the team engaged in conversations surrounding the current Oscar season and featured a prominent guest: Colman Domingo, the leading actor nominee for his role in “Sing Sing.”
During the discussion, Washington began by prompting Olsen to address the evolving landscape of awards predictions. Olsen noted the recent award shows, specifically highlighting the Directors Guild of America and Producers Guild of America awards, which took place on the same night. He indicated that the film “Anora” had emerged victorious in both events, with Sean Baker being recognised for his direction and production. He remarked on the cyclical nature of awards season, stating, “we make it more complicated than it needs to be. And we’ve now ended up back at ‘Anora,’ where we were in the first place.”
Villarreal shifted the conversation towards their personal hopes for the awards, expressing her desire for Diane Warren to win after being nominated for the 16th time for her song “The Journey” from Tyler Perry’s “The Six Triple Eight.” She emphasised the importance of recognising longtime talents, despite Warren having received an honorary Oscar in the past. Olsen shared his desire for Edward Norton to win for his performance in “A Complete Unknown,” highlighting Nebraskan pride and Norton’s talent. Washington added his enthusiasm for Cynthia Erivo potentially joining the exclusive EGOT club, having won an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony.
The conversation then turned to Domingo, where Villarreal praised his performance in “Sing Sing.” The film’s narrative centres around a theatre programme for incarcerated men, with Domingo portraying Divine G, a character based on a real-life figure who was wrongfully convicted. Domingo shared insights about the growth and inspiration he drew from the character, describing the experience of working within this unique framework. “I wanted to tell their stories and highlight what good work is possible to the people who are incarcerated when you find programmes that help you and help you heal,” he stated.
Villarreal and Domingo delved deeper into the creative process behind “Sing Sing,” discussing how they collaborated organically without a rigid script, starting from an Esquire article that inspired the film. Domingo detailed how the process allowed him to connect with the stories of the men involved and reflected on how theatre served as a vehicle for their healing and rehabilitation. He expressed that he aimed to establish an environment for openness and vulnerability, emphasising the role of tenderness among the participants.
The conversation also explored Domingo’s working schedule during the film’s production. He indicated that the quick pace of shooting – completed in just 18 days in between other commitments – was both thrilling and daunting. He acknowledged the need for preparation but embraced the challenge, relaying, “The schedule just wouldn’t allow it… I’m not afraid of hard work and I will figure it out.”
As the discussion wrapped, Domingo highlighted his upcoming roles in various projects, including a significant part in a Steven Spielberg film alongside actors such as Emily Blunt and Colin Firth. Villarreal then asked about Domingo’s plans for the upcoming Oscars and the Met Gala, both acknowledging his impeccable style and presence on the red carpet. Domingo expressed his excitement for the gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black [Style],” and underscored the importance of honouring his heritage and community through fashion, stating, “Whenever I went to the Met Gala last year… I always want to bring — maybe that’s it — I always like to bring other people with me.”
This episode of “The Envelope” provided an extensive look into the Oscar season’s preparations, through the lens of Domingo’s experiences and the industry’s ongoing evolution. The podcast underscored the intersections of creativity, community, and recognition within the realm of filmmaking and performance arts.
Source: Noah Wire Services
