What is the Native Son Award? History explored as Colman Domingo becomes one of the recipients this year

Actor and playwright Colman Domingo received the Native Son Award on June 11, 2025. The award was presented to him by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. On accepting the award, he expressed his gratitude for being honored and appreciated the gesture as a meaningful surprise.

According to Page Six, Colman Domingo also mentioned how much he valued his friendship with Anna and felt thankful to be surrounded by his peers. The Native Son Awards recognise gay Black men for their exceptional work in media, politics, arts, and similar fields.

This year was the eighth edition of the awards. As per the official website, the award honors:

"Mavericks and Black gay Excellence."

Moreover, the awards are presented by Emil Wilbekin’s Native Son Now, named after the 1940 novel, Native Son, written by Richard Wrightan. The association works towards the upliftment of gay Black men. In a statement to Vogue, Wilbekin said:

“This moment means that Black men can be seen, heard, respected. Not living behind the curtain, but in the forefront. I want us to fling the doors open… be free, be clear, be liberated, and celebrate our Black joy.”

Meanwhile, Colman Domingo shared with Vogue that being recognized as a Native Son felt like receiving meaningful validation, not just from his community but also from the history and legacy of those who came before him. He felt honored to follow in the footsteps of influential figures like James Baldwin and Bayard Rustin.

Besides the actor, other Native Son awardees were Derrick Adams, Phill Wilson, Paul Tazewell, Dr. David J. Johns, and Sean Bankhead. While presenting the award to Colman Domingo, Anna Wintour said:

“This spring, I seemed to have popped up almost everywhere he goes. I, of course, cannot get enough of Colman, and I’ve come to understand that’s a fairly universal experience.”

Colman Domingo thanked Emil Wilbekin at the Native Son Award ceremony

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wilbekin shared in a news release that as Native Son approached its 10th anniversary, it was remarkable to reflect on how much the movement had expanded and why it remained essential.

He pointed out that the work they had done and the safe spaces they had built were crucial during a time when the community faced serious threats, such as losing key protections and dealing with harmful anti-LGBTQ laws.

Emil Wilbekin stressed that Native Son was dedicated to staying strong through these challenges to preserve and highlight the voices, presence, and stories of Black gay and queer men.

At the Native Son Award 2025 ceremony, Colman Domingo expressed his gratitude to Emil for creating a space that supported everyone, not just him. He emphasized that the moment wasn’t only about him, as it represented the entire community.

Earlier this month, Colman Domingo sat down with the hosts of The View, where they asked about the Met Gala 2025, where he also served as the co-chair. He said:

“It was an extraordinary night. It feels like you are inside of living art. You really are part of an installation and especially this topic. I mean who celebrates the black dandy? That was beautiful.”

Trending

Colman Domingo talked about his Met Gala experience and said that he and Anna Wintour had become friends and even texted each other, which still felt surprising to him. She once messaged him asking about his Met Gala outfit, and he assumed she wanted to see it.

So, he sent her the sketches but didn’t hear back right away. He spent the day waiting, feeling a bit anxious, until he finally got a message from her later saying it was a "work of art."

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback