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PRESS ROOM
Forest Whitaker
Academy Award-winning actor Forest Steven Whitaker, born in Longview, Texas, remains consistently active in filmmaking as an actor, producer, and director, as well as in charity work and politics throughout the year. Thus, if he seems to be out of the public eye, it typically means he is not currently appearing in films, but he can be relied upon to assist the less fortunate or support politicians he believes will contribute to making the country and the world a better place to live. Whitaker has received numerous prestigious accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a British Academy Film Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He earned the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2007 for his performance in 'The Last King of Scotland.'
For a comprehensive account of his illustrious career, Whitaker has been honored with an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Cannes Film Festival Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor, the BAFTA Award for Best Actor, the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Picture Drama, and the Screen Guild Award for Outstanding by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 'The Last King of Scotland' (2006). Additionally, in 2022, he was awarded the Honorary Palme d'Or.
Following his film debut in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Whitaker built a reputation for his intensive character study in films such as Platoon (1986), Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), Bird (1988), The Crying Game (1992), Phenomenon (1996), Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999), The Great Debaters (2007), The Butler (2013), Arrival (2016), and Respect (2021). His other notable appearances include Panic Room (2002), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) as Saw Gerrera, and Black Panther (2018) as Zuri.
Award-Winning Performances and Directorial Work
Whitaker received the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland (2006). He made his directorial debut with the TV film Strapped (1993) and directed Waiting to Exhale (1995), Hope Floats (1998), and First Daughter (2004). He has been starring as Bumpy Johnson in the Epix crime drama series Godfather of Harlem since 2019.
He debuted on Broadway in the revival of Eugene O'Neill's Hughie (2016). Beyond acting, Whitaker is recognized for his humanitarian work and activism. In 2011, he was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, later becoming a Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, and is the CEO of the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), a non-profit organization.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
Recently, in 2020, Whitaker starred as Jeronicus Jangle in the Netflix Christmas musical 'Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.' He appeared as Reverend C. L. Franklin, Aretha Franklin's father (portrayed by Jennifer Hudson), in the film 'Respect,' and is set to star alongside Tom Hardy in 'Havoc.' In 2023, Whitaker will play boxing trainer Doc Broadus in 'Big George Foreman.' He is also set to feature in an episode of 'Extrapolations,' an Apple TV anthology series about climate change.
In 2024, he starred in the MGM+ series adaptation of Stephen L. Carter's novel 'The Emperor of Ocean Park.' His next role will be in Francis Ford Coppola's anticipated project 'Megalopolis.'
Music Production and Collaborations
Significantly, Whitaker collaborated with Babyface as the executive producer for the soundtrack of 'Waiting to Exhale,' which he directed. The album garnered eleven Grammy nominations in 1997, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year for "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)." Three tracks were nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, with "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)," penned by Babyface, winning Best R&B Song. Whitaker was the executive soundtrack producer for 'Hope Floats,' which he directed. Known for Garth Brooks' cover of "To Make You Feel My Love," the album achieved double-platinum status and received a Grammy nomination. Additionally, Whitaker served as the executive music producer and co-wrote eight songs for the soundtrack of 'First Daughter,' which he directed. He also featured in the music video for "In the Dark" by Bring Me the Horizon, released on October 21, 2019.
Humanitarian Work and Activism
Over the past decade, Whitaker has devoted much of his time to humanitarian work, inspired by his mother's teaching: "You don't have to believe what I believe, but you have to believe in something." This principle has helped shape much of his life. In 2012, he established the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), a non-governmental organization. WPDI carries out peace-building programs in conflict-affected communities worldwide, focusing on youth training in conflict resolution and business development in conflict zones. Currently, WPDI's programs are active across Africa, Mexico, and the United States.
Whitaker was appointed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation on June 21, 2011, at the UNESCO headquarters. In his role, Whitaker collaborated with UNESCO to foster and develop projects that empower youth and prevent them from being trapped in cycles of violence. During the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO David Killion hailed Whitaker as the "perfect choice for a Goodwill Ambassador," praising his compassion, humility, and grace and noting that he acts because it's the right thing to do.
Political Involvement and Advocacy
With his growing involvement in areas affected by conflict, Whitaker was elevated to the role of UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation and also served on President Obama's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. His previous roles included serving on President Obama's Urban Policy Committee and working with the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict as an Advocate for Children Affected by War, a subject he was invited to address before the UN Security Council in September 2014. Whitaker engaged with elementary schools through the Turnaround Arts program and is part of the steering committee for the UN's efforts in the Reintegration of Child Soldiers, having been an Advocate for Children Affected by War and for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Furthermore, he supports and actively promotes Hope North, a boarding school and vocational training center in northern Uganda for children who have escaped as soldiers, orphans, and other young victims of the civil war. Whitaker firmly believes that ordinary individuals have the power and obligation to enact change. He famously stated, "Even a seemingly small action can cause ripples that make an enormous impact."
Whenever you encounter Mr. Whitaker, he's likely making a difference by positively impacting people's lives.