In a night of historic Oscar firsts, make sure Daniel Kaluuya’s name is added to the list. By winning the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award Kaluuya became the first British male Actor of African descent to win an acting Oscar. Kaluuya triumphed for his role as Black Panther activist and Chairman Fred Hampton in Shaka King’s “Judas and the Black Messiah.”
The 32-year-old actor won his first statue on just his second nomination. He was previously recognized for his role in Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” in 2018. Kaluuya won a number of honors for “Judas” including the SAG Award, the BAFTA Award, and the Golden Globe.
Kaluuya’s other credits include “Black Panther” (which earned him a SAG Award win for Best Ensemble), “Black Mirror,” “Widows” and “Queen & Slim.”
When asked about the numerous accolades coming his way for his performance earlier this year, Kaluuya told The Playlist, “The fact they recognize it, and then you’re being recognized by your peers. It feels good. So what I’m saying like that it’s more about giving it more opportunity to reach more audiences, you know what I’m saying? So more people would just go, ‘Oh, let me watch this film. Oh, I want to watch this film I’ve heard about this.’ A lot of films don’t get an opportunity where people can even say, ‘I heard about that.’ So it’s a blessing that we’re in that conversation, and people are watching as well.”
Upcoming projects on Kaluuya’s slate including the “Untitled Jordan Peele Horror Event” and, possibly, “Black Panther 2.”