Age: 52
male
Mahershala Ali (/məˈhɜːrʃələ/ mə-HUR-shə-lə; born Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore on February 16, 1974) is an American actor. He has received multiple accolades, including two Academy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2019, and in 2020, The New York Times ranked him among the 25 greatest actors of the 21st century. After pursuing an MFA degree from New York University, Ali began his career as a regular on television series Crossing Jordan (2001–02) and Threat Matrix (2003–04), before his breakthrough role as Richard Tyler in the science fiction series The 4400 (2004–07). His first major film role was in the David Fincher-directed fantasy The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008). He gained wider attention for supporting roles in the final two films of the original The Hunger Games film series and in House of Cards, for which he received his first Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Ali won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performances as a drug dealer in the drama Moonlight (2016) and as Don Shirley in the comedy-drama Green Book (2018). He is the first Black actor to win two Academy Awards in the same category and the second Black actor to win multiple acting Oscars. Ali won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program for executive producing We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest (2020). In 2019, he played a troubled police officer in the third season of the HBO anthology crime series True Detective, and in 2020, he starred in the second season of the Hulu comedy-drama series Ramy. He was nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards for both performances. Ali has also played Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes in the first season of the Netflix series Luke Cage (2016) and voiced Aaron Davis in the animated films Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023). Description above from the Wikipedia article Mahershala Ali, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Mahershala Ali
Sidney Poitier
for Sidney Poitier in Harmony in Struggle
Suggested by kamsismith
"Harmony in Struggle" is a compelling biopic that delves into the extraordinary life of the legendary Harry Belafonte. From his humble beginnings in Harlem to becoming a global icon, the film explores Belafonte's unwavering commitment to social justice, civil rights, and the transformative power of music. As a singer, actor, and activist, Belafonte's journey is a tapestry of resilience and courage. The film captures the vibrant energy of the 1950s and '60s, portraying Belafonte's pivotal role in breaking racial barriers in the entertainment industry and his deep involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Through powerful performances of his timeless hits like "Banana Boat Song" and "Day-O," viewers will witness the emotional highs and lows of Belafonte's career. The film will also highlight his collaborations with other influential figures of the time, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Sidney Poitier. "Harmony in Struggle" doesn't shy away from the personal struggles Belafonte faced, from navigating racial prejudice in the entertainment industry to the strain on his family life. The biopic paints a comprehensive portrait of a man whose commitment to justice and equality extended beyond the stage. Ultimately, "Harmony in Struggle" celebrates the indomitable spirit of Harry Belafonte, showcasing how one man's artistry and activism shaped a generation and paved the way for future artists to use their platforms for social change.
