“Judas and the Black Messiah” premiered in theaters and on HBO Max on February 12 telling the true story of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton (played by “Get Out” Oscar nominee Daniel Kaluuya), including how the FBI infiltrated the Panthers and ultimately assassinated him in 1969. Scroll down for our exclusive video interviews with top Oscar contenders from the film.
In addition to Hampton, the film tells the parallel story of William O’Neal, the petty criminal-turned-informant who betrayed him. He’s played by LaKeith Stanfield, who also appeared in “Get Out” with Kaluuya; they shared in a SAG Award nomination as members of the ensemble cast. Stanfield also earned a SAG ensemble nomination for his work in the FX comedy series “Atlanta,” an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his breakthrough performance in “Short Term 12” (2013) and a Gotham bid for his leading role in “Sorry to Bother You” (2018), but he has yet to be nominated for an Oscar.
Co-writer, director and producer Shaka King is also aiming for his first Oscar recognition; this is his second feature film following his Spirit Award-winning feature directing debut “Newlyweeds” (2013). “Judas” is additionally produced by Charles D. King (“Fences,” “Mudbound”) as well as Ryan Coogler, who previously directed the Oscar nominee “Creed” (2015) and Oscar Best Picture nominee “Black Panther” (2018).
Will “Judas” bring them all to the Oscars? The academy loves biographical stories and have nominated multiple films exploring the fight for civil rights, including “Selma” (2014), “Hidden Figures” (2016) and “BlacKkKlansman” (2019) in recent years. The film resonates all the more strongly after a year of Black Lives Matter protests across the globe in response to continued incidents of police brutality. Follow the links below to see what some of the film’s creative team have to say.
Shaka King, Director/Co-Writer
LaKeith Stanfield, Actor
Daniel Kaluuya, Actor
Dominique Fishback, Actor
Charles D. King, Producer
Sean Bobbitt, Cinematographer
Charlese Antoinette Jones, Costume Designer
Sam Lisenco, Production Designer
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