- It's been a dream and a half.
(upbeat music)
- [Narrator] LaKeith Stanfield
has quickly established his place
as one of Hollywood's hottest stars.
From the small screen to the big screen,
this award-winning actor possesses a level of talent
coupled with a unique sense of humor
that set him up for success.
The Southern California native's raw talent
and passion for acting comes from iconic black films
that told unique inner city stories.
Growing up in Victorville,
he used the arts as a mental and physical escape.
He told GQ magazine, "I'd walk through these desert planes
and come up with scripts, stories, characters, ideas,
and it was just me talking to the ether, talking to God,
and nothing else to get in the way of that.
I'm making comic book strips in my head.
All kinds of stuff."
During high school, LaKeith appeared in short film,
"Short Term 12," about troubled teens.
The film was featured in the 2009 Sundance Film Festival,
and despite taking three years
to get the film financed and then recast,
the director, unable to find anyone to embody the character,
tracked down LaKeith to reprise the role.
In 2014, when he landed a role
as Jimmie Lee Jackson in Ava Duvernay's, "Selma."
A wire audience got to witness the handsome, dynamic actor.
"You look in his eyes and see this vulnerability,
and this sweetness," said Duvernay.
Following that role, a slew of compelling performances
in movies like "Dope," "Straight Outta Compton,"
and his breakout role
in the Academy Award Winning, "Get Out,"
solidified this young brother's
powerhouse performer status.
Donald Glover, who saw LaKeith
dancing by himself at a party,
immediately knew that Stanfield was the perfect fit
for what would become the show, "Atlanta."
The show, which premiered in 2016,
stars LaKeith as Darius Epps alongside Donald Glover,
Brian Tyree Henry, and Zazie Beetz.
His role showcases LaKeith's one of a kind range
as a wise beyond expectation friend
with a unique worldview to Donald and Brian's characters.
The critically acclaimed show gone on
to win numerous awards, including several primetime Emmys,
and a 2016 NAACP Image award.
It was in 2018 when the role of leading man
was bestowed upon Mr. Stanfield.
His portrayal of Cassius Green in "Sorry To Bother You,"
left movie goers and critics in awe.
A wild satire about capitalism and race
written and directed by Boots Riley
had LaKeith bringing an unforgettable character
to life on screen
alongside the legendary Danny Glover,
Terry Crews, and Tessa Thompson.
And he's not stopped since.
- It's been a dream and a half.
I'm so glad that I'm working with someone
that has such a great vision,
and I think it's really great that he's being honored.
He's been working on this for years.
I don't know if people know that,
but he's working on this for years
and finally was able to manifest it
and bring it to an audience.
So it's just really nice to be a part of that process.
- [Narrator] "Knives Out" was another jaw dropping gig
for the actor, but it was his Oscar nominated performance
for best supporting actor that had him on screen
with "Get Out" star Daniel Kaluuya in their film,
2021's "Judas And The Black Messiah."
LaKeith added another dynamic credit to his filmography
in yet another role as the deadly Cherokee Bill
in the award-winning all black principal cast Western,
"The Harder They Fall."
Aside from the silver screen,
LaKeith has cozied up to delivering
head turning unique fashion looks on red carpets.
The former model takes every opportunity
to give photo ops and press.
Visuals that nearly rival his onscreen performances.
From low key looks, to eclectic vibes,
to a couture moment in his St. Laurent
'70s inspired jumpsuit with a plunging neckline,
LaKeith is fearless.
LaKeith's talent isn't limited to film and television.
The star is planning to release music as Htiekal,
his first name backwards,
and appeared in the visuals
for SZA's "I Hate You" in early 2022.
He's also racking up the collaborations
with other creatives in the industry
via his Three Dead Crows collective
he calls a media structure.
This brother will not be put in a box.
So what's next for the Academy Award nominee?
A Disney film, of course.
He'll be taking the lead as Ben Matthias
with co-star Tiffany Haddish
in the latest remake of Disney's "Haunted Mansion."
The story will follow a family that moves
into the iconic mansion
where Stanfield would play a widower
who once believed in the supernatural,
but is now a tour guide in New Orlean's French Quarter.
A role he will no doubt body.
Film, television, fashion, and music,
LaKeith Stanfield has things on lock.
There's no doubt we've yet to see
all this dynamic actor can deliver to his fans.
(upbeat music)