Leslie Odom Jr to Receive Spotlight Award From Palm Springs Film Festival
Leslie Odom Jr. will receive the Spotlight Award, Actor from the Palm Springs International Film Awards for his role in “One Night in Miami,” PSIFA organizers announced on Monday.
Odom plays iconic soul singer Sam Cooke in the film from director Regina King and also does his own singing on Cooke classics like “Chain Gang” and “A Change Is Gonna Come.” “I was terrified,” he told TheWrap of playing Cooke in the drama, which is based on an actual night in which Cooke, boxer Muhammad Ali (then called Cassius Clay), activist Malcolm X and football star Jim Brown met in a Miami hotel room after one of Ali’s fights.
Odom also co-wrote and performs a new song, “Speak Now,” in the film.
Past recipients of PSIFF’s Spotlight Award, Actor include Timothée Chalamet, Jamie Foxx, Sam Rockwell and J.K. Simmons.
Also Read: ‘One Night in Miami’ Film Review: Regina King Goes