Top 10 Coolest Things About Lakeith Stanfield

Lakeith Stanfield has built one of the most interesting screen careers of his generation, moving seamlessly between prestige dramas, audacious indies, studio hits, and even anime voice work. From breakout parts to leading roles, he keeps turning up in projects that matter—commercially, critically, or culturally—and he often does it while taking creative risks. Here are ten film- and TV-centered highlights that show why his body of work stands out.

‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ (2021) – earned him an Academy Award nomination

Stanfield portrayed FBI informant William O’Neal in Shaka King’s historical drama about the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. His performance earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards, a rare instance where two principal actors from the same film were nominated in the supporting category. The film also won multiple major awards across the season and cemented its place in modern civil-rights cinema. Stanfield’s role required extensive research into COINTELPRO-era events and archival interviews with O’Neal.

‘Atlanta’ (2016–2022) – defined a singular TV presence as Darius

On Donald Glover’s series, Stanfield played Darius, a philosophical friend whose perspective anchored many of the show’s surreal turns. The series won top industry honors, including Emmys and Golden Globes, and became a critical touchstone for creatively boundary-pushing television. Stanfield appeared throughout the run, contributing to episodes that blended comedy, social commentary, and dreamlike storytelling. The ensemble—led by Glover with Brian Tyree Henry and Zazie Beetz—helped make the show a fixture on “best of the year” lists.

‘Sorry to Bother You’ (2018) – led Boots Riley’s breakout satire with the famous “white voice” device

Stanfield starred as telemarketer Cassius Green in an Oakland-set satire that veers into sci-fi territory. The film became widely known for its “white voice” dubbing gag, performed for his character by comedian David Cross, as part of its critique of code-switching and corporate culture. It premiered to strong festival buzz and became a notable indie success. The ensemble included Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler, Steven Yeun, and Armie Hammer, with a soundtrack and production design that emphasized the film’s bold, oddball tone.

‘Get Out’ (2017) – delivered the plot-catalyzing turn as Andre/Logan

Stanfield played Andre Hayworth—later seen as Logan King—whose chilling scene at a party and viral “Get out!” moment became a key signal of the film’s central conspiracy. Jordan Peele’s debut became a cultural phenomenon, earning major awards and widespread critical acclaim. Stanfield’s role, though brief, is pivotal to the mystery’s setup and resolution. The film’s success expanded opportunities for many of its cast members across genre and prestige projects.

‘Uncut Gems’ (2019) – connected the Diamond District world to real-life sports stakes

As Demany, Stanfield’s character bridges Adam Sandler’s jeweler with NBA star Kevin Garnett, linking the story’s high-risk bets to real athletes and nightlife clients. Directed by the Safdie brothers, the film is noted for location shooting in New York’s jewelry district and appearances by professionals from that scene. Stanfield plays a central part in the flow of merchandise and money that drives the plot’s escalating pressure. The movie’s sound design, overlapping dialogue, and handheld camerawork amplify that tension throughout his sequences.

‘Knives Out’ (2019) – anchored the ensemble’s investigation as Detective Elliott

Rian Johnson’s modern whodunit assembled a large cast around the mystery of a bestselling author’s death. Stanfield appears as Detective Elliott, working alongside Benoit Blanc’s private-eye inquiry as interviews unfold and alibis collide. The film launched an ongoing mystery franchise, with Stanfield’s character featured in the first installment’s police team. Its screenplay and editing highlight the interrogations where Elliott steers the official side of the case.

‘Yasuke’ (2021) – voiced the title character in a Netflix anime series

Stanfield provided the English-language voice of Yasuke, the African retainer who served under Oda Nobunaga, in an anime series created by LeSean Thomas and animated by MAPPA. The production combined historical inspiration with fantasy elements and mecha action. Flying Lotus composed the score and served as an executive producer. Stanfield’s voice work extends his screen career into animation while maintaining his connection to genre-bending projects.

‘The Changeling’ (2023) – starred and served as an executive producer

On Apple TV+, Stanfield headlined and executive-produced this adaptation of Victor LaValle’s novel, combining folk horror, dark fantasy, and New York City history. The series follows a rare-book dealer whose search for his family entangles him with mythic forces. Its production design emphasizes real New York locations alongside fairy-tale imagery. Stanfield’s dual role underscores his growing involvement behind the camera in shaping projects.

‘Short Term 12’ (2013) – delivered a breakout that led to awards recognition

Stanfield’s early performance in Destin Daniel Cretton’s indie drama drew significant attention and led to an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male. The film, set in a group home for at-risk teens, became a launching pad for several cast members. Its success on the festival circuit translated into critical end-of-year recognition. Stanfield’s work here helped establish the grounded intensity that would mark many of his later roles.

‘Straight Outta Compton’ (2015) – portrayed Snoop Dogg in a hit musical biopic

In F. Gary Gray’s biographical film about N.W.A., Stanfield appears as Snoop Dogg during the period when the rapper collaborated with Dr. Dre. The movie achieved strong box-office results and contributed to renewed mainstream interest in West Coast hip-hop history. It recreates recording-studio sessions and touring milestones with attention to period detail. Stanfield’s characterization adds connective tissue between the group’s story and figures who shaped the genre’s next era.

Got another favorite Lakeith performance I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!