Not many actors that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as David Oyelowo. Since the 1990’s, Oyelowo has become a British icon. Whether it’s famous political leaders, gangsters or police officers, Oyelowo has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Selma
Martin Luther King Jr. is a legendary political leader that always inspired my grandfather. I fondly recall with nostalgia joyous memories of a grandpa that appreciated the iconic president which changed America. I remember by grandfather was once a fan of a great leader that fought dire racism in a nation facing terror. He would often strive to educate my family about a political leader that he had once grown up to appreciate. In 2014, David Oyelowo honoured the iconic political leader that had changed America in his movie “Selma”. In the greatest role of his career, Oyelowo portrayed a political leader seeking to prepare his nation for warfare. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Oyelowo has spent most of his career by playing fictional heroes in British period dramas. With “Selma”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary politician that’s well-known. Working alongside LaKeith Stanfield who is also outstanding, Oyelowo honoured a political figure that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Martin Luther King Jr. delivers a rousing speech to his community following the death of a member causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Selma” David Oyelowo’s best movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most history biopics, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about leadership that will resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became a political leader that changed America, it’s a riveting reminder about a great actor with charisma that has made bold movies which attract audiences towards Cinema.
2. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
The Planet of the Apes is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that earned my mother’s appreciation. I remember my mother loved a franchise about apes facing grave danger. She would always gape in awe at a series about apes seeking an escape. In 2011, David Oyelowo honoured the iconic franchise about powerful apes in his movie “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”. In the most technical role of his career, Oyelowo portrayed a scientist that discovers a dangerous virus causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside James Franco who is also outstanding, Oyelowo honoured a franchise about apes which are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Steve becomes aware that his laboratory has been invaded by apes causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the apes franchise, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about animal cruelty which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Caesar’s desire to be an ape, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has manufactured movies throughout his career at which audiences gape.
3. Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is a legendary American president that always earned my cousin’s appreciation. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a cousin that adored the political leader in America. He would often praise a president that changed America with a strong sense of commitment. My cousin would often strive to educate my family about a president he had grown to appreciate. In 2012, David Oyelowo honoured the iconic president earning recognition in his movie “Lincoln”. In the most historical role of his career, Oyelowo portrayed a soldier that sought to prepare for warfare. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Daniel Day-Lewis who is also outstanding, Oyelowo created a political drama that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Corporal Clark is issued orders by Lincoln seeking to prepare for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Lincoln” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with American history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. An extraordinary tribute towards an American president, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor with commendable commitment.
4. Interstellar
Fathers are inspirational figures which impact children’s futures. As far as I remember, I’ve always admired my father. An inspiring role model, he has motivated me to achieve dreams. However, career ended our bond forever. As someone treasuring memories of my father, I adored “Interstellar”. Released in 2014, David Oyelowo’s movie captured fathers separated from children by galactic adventures. In the most authoritative role of his career, Oyelowo portrayed a school principal that seeks to resolve an environmental catastrophe causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional characters under pressure. Working alongside Matthew McConaughey who is also amazing, Oyelowo created a space blockbuster that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which the school principal gives Cooper valuable advice about his daughter causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Interstellar” a sci-fi classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most space movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of frightening hardships estranged children face separated from parents in space, it’s a profound reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies throughout his career which audiences always embrace.
5. The Butler
Butlers are powerful figures that shaped my family. I fondly recall nostalgic memories of a butler that was dedicated towards assisting my family. A larger-than-life soul, he would always strive to provide for my family making it his life goal. As someone treasuring fond memories of a devoted butler, I appreciated “The Butler”. Released in 2013, David Oyelowo’s movie honoured the legacy of a legendary White House butler. In the most conflicted role of his career, Oyelowo portrayed the son of a White House butler that engages in warfare causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional characters that are under intense pressure. Working alongside Forrest Whitaker who is also amazing, Oyelowo honoured a White House butler that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Louise participates in a protest causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Butler” a commemorated masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with American history to appreciate it. A breathtaking tribute towards a legendary White House butler, it’s a brilliant reminder of an actor making memorable movies which audiences will commonly treasure.
6. A United Kingdom
Few figures in the history of Africa are as beloved as Seretse Khama. A renowned African politician, Khama gave the country of Botswana direction. During the 1940’s, Khama attracted controversy when he married a British woman. In 2016, David Oyelowo honoured the African politician with wisdom in his movie “A United Kingdom”. In the most transformative role of his career, Oyelowo portrayed a legendary African politician that guides his country during an era of warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing figures in positions of power. Working alongside Rosamund Pike, Oyelowo honoured a politician that achieved fame years ago. Nearly 90 years after an African politician married a woman from the United Kingdom, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making movies achieving immense stardom.
7. Queen of Katwe
When it comes to the greatest chess players in African history, it’s worth discussing Phiona Mutesi. Mutesi was a strong chess player that was driven to achieve success. An awe-inspiring African icon, Mutesi built a legacy that’s lasting. In 2016, David Oyelowo honoured the girl that loved to play chess in her film “Queen of Katwe”. In the most compassionate role of his carer, Oyelowo portrayed a coach that sought to prepare a chess player for games causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing mentors with a charismatic nature. Working alongside Lupita N’yongo who is also amazing, Oyelowo honoured a chess champion that achieved success years ago. As strong as Phiona’s love for playing chess, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated actor that has produced memorable movies achieving success.
8. The Last King of Scotland
David Oyelowo has often excelled at playing emotional characters facing sorrow. Oyelowo has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional characters facing damage. Oyelowo’s strength for playing emotional characters that are burdened in clearly evident in his movie “The Last King of Scotland”. Released in 2006, Kevin Macdonald’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most anxious role of his career, Oyelowo portrayed a doctor facing warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside James McAvoy who is also amazing, Oyelowo created a historical drama that’s engaging. A towering tribute towards an African politician, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with dedication making memorable movies which deserve immense appreciation.
9. The Help
The Help is a legendary book about segregation that has built a lasting legacy. Since its publication in 2009, Kathryn Stockett’s book has become a beloved literary classic. In 2012, David Oyelowo honoured the iconic book about housekeepers providing help in his movie “The Help”. In the most religious role of his career, Oyelowo portrayed the pastor of a black church facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase talent for delivering dramatic monologues he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Viola Davis who is also amazing, Oyelowo created a period piece that’s captivating. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about housekeepers that are helpful, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career that audiences consider special.
10. The Cloverfield Paradox
David Oyelowo hasn’t always made great movies that audiences follow. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Cloverfield Paradox” falls into the latter category. Released in 2018, Julius Onah’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed a scientist seeking to prevent an alien invasion causing despair. Oyelowo brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Cloverfield Paradox” is a bad movie, it honoured Oyelowo’s legacy. As strong as Kiel’s desire to explore space, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated actor that has established a strong place in the industry producing memorable movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I embrace.
The Film Buff 