TV & Film | Entertainment
Netflix film Rustin is now nominated for the Outstanding Film - Streaming or TV category at the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. The biographical drama centers on gay activist and organizer Bayard Rustin, played by Colman Domingo, who served as a mentor for Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was the leading architect on the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
Last year, Gaye Magazine received the opportunity to interview Rustin lead Colman Domingo and director George C. Wolfe to learn of their experience in making the film and get their perspectives on Bayard Rustin’s life as a civil rights legend.
When asked about his experience as lead in the film, Domingo said,
“When I got the role I was excited, but terrified, because it’s a great responsibility especially knowing that LGBTQIA+ characters are usually in the fringe of the story...”
“[For] such a complex man like Rustin, I wanted to make sure I did all that I could to tell his story in such a complex way. I didn’t want to leave anything behind, I didn’t want to leave behind his wit, his intelligence, his sexuality, his charm, his being a little messy, all of it is interesting and I think that’s what makes it a full character.”
“I feel like if I did my job well, there’ll be many more stories with us in the center.”
Today, following their acceptance of the prestigious Governors Award at the 2023 Emmys Ceremony, GLAAD announced its nominees for the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards with 310 nominees spanning 33 categories, including film, television, documentaries, reality programs, and children’s programming to name a few.
Created in 1985 in New York City, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is the premiere LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization. GLAAD strives to champion inclusive representation, understanding, and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals and culture in the media.
Since 1990, The GLAAD Media Awards has historically honored media for equitable and accurate representations of LGBTQ+ people and issues. Currently, the GLAAD Media Awards enjoys the distinction of being the most prominent annual LGBTQ+ awards show in the world.
In a newly released statement, GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis says,
“For 35 years, the GLAAD Media Awards has provided the global stage for LGBTQ creators, alongside industry talent and leaders to be celebrated and supported. At a time when the LGBTQ community is under attack by false narratives and misinformation, when less than half of American say they are familiar with transgender and nonbinary people, and when one in five Gen Z adults identify as LGBTQ, this year’s nominees powerfully reflect the realities of LGBTQ existence today, in our communities and around the globe. Amid a summer of union strikes across Hollywood, the stakes have never been higher to maintain the progress of LGBTQ visibility and representation across all media, from film, television, music, journalism, publishing, and more.”
According to GLAAD, the nominees for the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards reflect work published, released, or broadcast between January 1 and December 31, 2023.
The GLAAD Media Awards will take place in Los Angeles, CA at the Beverly Hilton on Thursday March 14, 2024 and in New York City, at the Hilton Midtown, on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
Watch Our Interview with Colman Domingo here: