David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo is a British actor, director, and producer known for his work in film, television, and theater. A graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Oyelowo began his professional career on stage and became the first Black actor to portray an English king in a major production of Shakespeare, playing King Henry VI for the Royal Shakespeare Company. This performance earned him the Ian Charleson Award for Best Newcomer in a Classic Play.

Oyelowo gained recognition in the United Kingdom as a cast member on the spy series "MI-5" on BBC before transitioning to international film. He appeared in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "The Help," followed by roles in Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," "Red Tails," and "The Butler." These performances established Oyelowo as a versatile presence in Hollywood.

A defining moment in Oyelowo's career came with his portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Ava DuVernay's "Selma." The film, produced by Oprah Winfrey and Plan B, follows Dr. King's efforts to secure voting rights for Black Americans. Oyelowo received Golden Globe and Film Independent Spirit Award nominations and won the NAACP Image Award for Best Actor for his performance. He also starred in "Nightingale," earning the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries and a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.

Oyelowo has continued to take on roles depicting historical figures, including Seretse Khama in "A United Kingdom" and Robert Katende in "Queen of Katwe." He portrayed Bass Reeves in the television series "Lawmen: Bass Reeves," earning a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film. Oyelowo has also maintained his commitment to theater, starring in the Royal National Theatre production of "Coriolanus."

In addition to his acting career, Oyelowo is a producer and humanitarian. He co-founded Yoruba Saxon Productions, a company focused on developing diverse stories. In partnership with The Geanco Foundation, he established the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship, which funds the education and rehabilitation of girls affected by terrorism in Nigeria. Oyelowo's accolades include a Critics' Choice Award and two NAACP Image Awards, as well as nominations for three Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a BAFTA Award. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to drama.