The actors deliver remarkable and deeply emotional performances in the A24 prison drama.
The film, Sing Sing tells the story of Divine G (Colman Domingo), a man convicted of a crime he did not commit which results in him being imprisoned at Sing Sing.
At the heart of the narrative is a transformative theater program within the prison, where Divine G and his fellow inmates find solace, purpose and resilience, as they navigate the harsh reality of incarceration.
The film’s portrayal of the healing powers of arts and the humanity of its characters has garnered widespread acclaim since its release in July 2024. Colman Domingo won Best Actor at the 2024 Gotham Awards on December 2. Most importantly, his portrayal sheds light on people with stories just like his character.
Domingo is known for advocating for societal issues through his work—consistently making art that matters.
“The people that I stand shoulder to shoulder with in the theater taught me to be an activist with my work,” said Domingo. “I’m not inherently doing work that’s political, but it is by nature because I go to the center of human beings and really tell the story from their perspective and really people who might live on the fringe of society in some ways,” said Domingo.
Playing alongside Domingo is breakout star Clarence Maclin, who is playing a version of himself in the film. Maclin was previously incarcerated at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility and took part in a theater company to help individuals with similar backgrounds.
Maclin was honored with the award for Outstanding Supporting Performance. As a co-writer of the film, he was able to honor his past experiences through art.
“It just gives me another level of hope for humanity that our film gets recognized the way it is because this film is intended to heal,” said Maclin.
Maclin also noted that while building his portrayal he reflected on his time in prison.
“It came from a lot of the things that I’ve experienced, witnessed, along with my own personal experiences,” said Maclin. “Different elements of him had to show different things to reach different people,” said Maclin.
Maclin also shared that Domingo embraced his co-stars and how the “ensemble” quickly grew close.
“All the advice I got from him and the genuine openness that he came with, he came on board with us,” said Maclin. “He approached us in a humble way that enfolded and became one of us,” said Maclin.
Sing Sing and its cast have truly impacted audiences, making them deserving of these honors.
