With Judas and the Black Messiah, Dominique Fishback Steps Into the Spotlight

Dominique Fishback is having her moment. The 29-year-old actress and playwright, who made a splash earlier this year in the Netflix hit Project Power, hits the screens again this week in drama Judas and the Black Messiah. The film, which tells the story of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton’s betrayal by FBI informant William O’Neal, is already among 2021’s most talked-about features. Directed by Shaka King and produced by Black Panther and Creed director Ryan Coogler, its themes of protest, systemic racism, and wide-scale injustice feel especially resonant in 2021. 

For Fishback, who stars as Deborah Johnson, the love interest to Daniel Kaluuya’s Hampton, the role felt like the culmination of all she’s been working towards. She was a member of the Black Student Union while studying theater at New York’s Pace University. While a part of the organization, Fishback learned of Hampton’s story and developed a broader understanding of African-Americans’ cultural contributions. Post-college, she had a Broadway breakthrough with her 2016 play, Subverted, an exploration of Black identity where she plays 22 different characters. Upon learning that King would be adapting Hampton’s life for the screen, Fishback knew she wanted to be a part of the project. “When I first heard of Judas, I was informed that Shaka wanted me to play the love interest to Daniel’s Chairman Fred. I was excited. I had been manifesting a romantic role for a long time,” shared Fishback via email. ““What better story to tell [and] people to represent and who better to tell it with?” 

Given the travel restrictions and event constraints currently in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, Judas wasn’t able to receive the star-studded premiere it deserved. Still, for its virtual debut, Fishback pulled out all the stops with a little help from her glam squad. Stylist Madison Guest, hair stylist Monaè Everett, makeup artist Billie Gene, and manicurist Aja Walton collaborated on two striking looks for the occasion. First, an ice blue tulle Prabal Gurung gown with a fantasy feel, then an all-white Georges Hobeika halter dress with a retro vibe. Fishback dubbed the latter ‘Brooklyn Monroe’ in honor of its Seven Year Itch-esque silhouette. “Not getting to have an actual red carpet premiere was disappointing, but the plus side was getting to wear two extraordinary dresses,” says Fishback. “They were perfect because when your dreams come true, it is monumental. How else do you commemorate such a moment.”

Though she didn’t get to share an IRL moment with her castmates, the crew, and Hampton’s family, who served as advisors on set, Fishback is grateful for the profound experience.  “These people have undeniably and irrevocably changed my existence,” she says, noting that she hopes audiences walk away from the film with new understanding. “There’s power in the people. In our collective presence and morality. Self-determination is worth fighting for.”

Here, the rising star takes Vogue along for her virtual premiere experience. 

Hair: Monaè Everett for Epiphany Management using Sebastian Professional
Makeup: Billie Gene for Exclusive Artists Management using Mac Cosmetics
Manicurist: Aja Walton for Essie
Stylist: Madison Guest for The Only Agency