Jeffrey Wright is one of the most hardworking and prolific artists in the industry. With a career spanning over three decades, he has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including the HBO series Westworld and Boardwalk Empire, and is known for his exceptional performances. Over the years, the 58-year-old has consistently improved the quality of his work, earning him a reputation as one of the best actors in the business.
Now receiving a ton of praise for his outstanding performance in the satire comedy film American Fiction, Wright is up for the Best Actor Academy Award, which brings him one step closer to EGOT status. His work in theater and film is highly impressive, and he shows his love and versatility for the crafts by portraying characters from diverse backgrounds. With strong performances in many high-profile Hollywood projects, it’s highly overdue for him to earn an Academy Award for his exceptional acting skills.
In celebration of the February cover star’s Oscar nomination, we’re looking back on his illustrious film career.
American Fiction (2023)
In the movie, which earned him his first Oscar nomination, Wright stars as Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, a novelist who’s fed up with the publishing industry’s desire for books perpetuating Black stereotypes. He ironically pens a book about gangs, drugs, sex and deadbeat fathers, which becomes a massive hit. Wright showcases his comedic timing in this film, portraying a range of emotions, making his character both lovable and frustrating at the same time.
The Batman (2022)
In the latest DC Comics movie for The Batman franchise, Wright portrays tf James Gordon, a lieutenant commissioner who is a reliable friend to Batman in the fight against criminals. Gordon helps Batman transition from a bad guy to superhero. This was a significant achievement for Wright, who worked hard to ensure that his character brought power to the narrative by helping Batman become his equal.
The French Dispatch (2021)
Wright portrays Roebuck Wright, a food writer based on real-life writers James Baldwin and A.J. Liebling. Wright pays the utmost tribute to Baldwin as he reflects on an incident where an editor offers him a job after bailing him out of jail for staying at a gay bar during a police raid.
Source Code (2011)
Wright plays the role of a manipulative inventor who has created a device that places soldiers who experience traumatic events in the bodies of other people. Wright’s powerful performance earned him some well-deserved Oscar buzz in 2011.
Cadillac Records (2008)
Wright embodies Muddy Waters, the real-life legendary Blues musician with a big ego, who made a name for himself in the music industry. Wright portrayed the role with great attention to detail, nailing down the musician’s singing voice after practicing at a recording studio. Despite mixed reviews, Wright’s portrayal of Waters’ relationship with Cadillac Records and his renditions of his music were show-stopping.
Casino Royale (2006)
Wright joined the James Bond franchise as Felix Leiter, a skilled CIA operative and ally to 007. His impressive performance highlights his relationship with Daniel Craig, both on and off camera, and showcases his character’s charm and charisma.
Broken Flowers (2005)
In this heartwarming movie, Wright plays Winston, a book enthusiast who helps his neighbor find the person who sent him an anonymous letter claiming to be his son. The film beautifully portrays Wright’s humorous side as he skillfully portrays this optimistic and witty character.
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
Based on the 1962 film version with the same name, Wright plays Al Melvin, a former soldier who reminisces on memories of an ambushed patrol and the kidnapping of soldiers during the Gulf War. Wright starred alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Denzel Washington, Kimberly Elise, Dorian Missick and Anthony Mackie.
Angels in America (2003)
After originating a role in Angels in America, his first Broadway appearance, Wright won a Tony award for Best Supporting Actor. He reprised his role in the HBO miniseries. Wright played Belize, a drag queen turned nurse who cares for HIV patients in New York City. He received a Golden Globe and Emmy for his work.
Ali (2001)
In this Muhammad Ali biopic, Wright plays the supporting role of Howard Bingham, a professional photographer who becomes the boxer’s confidante and documents his career. The film features a cast of A-list stars portraying historical figures such as Malcolm X, Don King, and Martin Luther King Jr., and Wright is still a shining star on screen.
Shaft (2000)
Wright plays Peoples Hernandez, a Dominican drug lord who plots against John Shaft II (Samuel L. Jackson) in this blaxploitation movie. Wright’s performance as the spicy villain is remarkable. He delivers the best lines, nails the jokes and engages in a fiery face-off with Shaft. Wright’s mastery of the Dominican accent adds authenticity to his performance, making his performance a clear highlight of the film.
Ride With the Devil (1999)
Wright plays Daniel Holt, a free Black man who co-founded the First Mississippi Irregulars, a military group that supports the Confederacy. Wright’s portrayal of Holt is particularly noteworthy, as he fights for a cause that harms him. Wright’s outstanding performance in this film deserves applause and recognition for the added weight it brings to the movie.
Basquiat (1996)
Wright kicked off his movie career in one of the best performances of his career, playing Jean-Michel Basquiat, an influential postmodern expressionist artist of our nation. Wright plays Basquiat in an eccentric and enigmatic way, capturing the tortured artist’s short life, which was filled with fame, drugs, identity, and a heroin overdose that took his life at the age of 27. Wright is captivating to watch as he captures the essence of Basquiat as he’s engulfed in the 1980s art scene.
Larry Stansbury (@__larrbearrrr) is a writer and content creator based in New York City. His work has appeared on Marie Claire, Us Weekly, New York Post, Entertainment Tonight and many more.