Colman Domingo gives emotional acceptance speech at Native Son Awards

Fashion icon Anna Wintour made a surprise appearance at the Native Son Awards on Wednesday (June 11, 2025), celebrating outstanding Black gay men’s achievements, receiving thunderous applause as she walked onstage.

Colman Domingo, who co-chaired Wintour’s signature Met Gala, got emotional accepting his award. But Wintour wasn’t the only one making him tear up.

Stacey Thomas, Deon Jones, Emil Wilbekin and Colman Domingo at the 2025 Native Son Awards celebrating Black Queer Excellence presented by Gilead Sciences honoring Colman Domingo, Paul Tazewell, Derrick Adams, Dr. David J. Johns, Sean Bankhead and Phill Wilson hosted by Don Lemon held at the IAC Building on June 11, 2025. Photo Credit: Udo Salters/INSTARimages

“I’m here with my brothers and sisters,” he said, emotionally addressing the crowd, including founder Emil Wilbekin, Kalen Allen, Broadway producer Irene Gandy, Cynthia Erivo, Lena Waithe, and Don Lemon, who hosted the gala for the third time.

“Thank you so much, Anna, for this beautiful surprise to honor me this way… I love our friendship,” Domingo said.

Colman Domingo at the 2025 Native Son Awards celebrating Black Queer Excellence presented by Gilead Sciences honoring Colman Domingo, Paul Tazewell, Derrick Adams, Dr. David J. Johns, Sean Bankhead and Phill Wilson hosted by Don Lemon held at the IAC Building on June 11, 2025. Photo Credit: Udo Salters/INSTARimages

“Emil, thank you so very much. I truly appreciate you for creating a space like this for all of us… This is never just about me. It’s about all of us,” he said after asking fellow actors to stand up.