Jamie Foxx is celebrating his Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his work in “Just Mercy”, and he more than just proud.
The actor appeared on Global’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Tuesday, and he talked to the host about the significance of the film in his life.
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“This is the most important movie I’ve ever done because Walter McMillian is a stone throw away from me or any black man,” Foxx said of his role. “I don’t like the perception of a black man going to jail. I never go visit anybody in jail. I didn’t even visit my father, I wrote him one letter.”
Foxx went on to add, “Sometimes it takes the art to open our eyes to what’s going on. It’s a beautiful, powerful movie. When you see [Just Mercy], you’re going to want to do something to change the narrative.”
Also on the show, Foxx talked about remaining youthful and the advice he got from legendary TV creator Norman Lear about the importance of comedy in his life.
Earlier this week, Foxx revealed to ET Canada that his part in the film is all thanks to Michael B. Jordan.
“I said I credit the man next to me who gave me the opportunity to be in this film,” Foxx said, thanking his co-star Jordan who also acts as executive producer on the legal drama about a wrongly convicted man on death row. “I left him a personal message but it means a lot in this business to have someone look out for your artistic integrity. And I say it’s a group and a team effort.”
While Jordan may be responsible for getting Foxx on board of “Just Mercy”, he’s also looking out for those who have helped him along the way as well as trying to lend a hand to the next generation.
“I’ve worked hard you know but you know a lot of things I can’t take credit for and I feel I don’t want to be an anomaly, I don’t want to be the only, I want to have – I take joy and pride in building things and putting people together and letting people see what I see, you know,” Jordan said. “I like being disruptive. There’s a lot of things, there are a lot of systems and stuff that are outdated and broken and I want to be part of the fix. I want to be part of the change. Whatever I can do in this lifetime, I’m going to try and do it.”
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT on Global.
