People in the industry thought it was laughable that I should be going up for things that didn't clearly state what race the part was intended for. David Oyelowo industryintendlaughable Change image and share on social
A film centered around the Second World War with a predominantly white cast would not have the pressure on it that 'Red Tails' has. David Oyelowo castcenterfilm Change image and share on social
I would make the tea on a Daniel Day-Lewis set just to observe how he crafts roles like he did in 'My Left Foot.' That was the equivalent of seeing Haley's Comet for me. I just couldn't understand how that was possible. David Oyelowo cometcraftdaniel share on social
One of the things the BBC does better than anyone is period drama. David Oyelowo bbcdramaperiod Change image and share on social
In my time since moving to the United States, I've found that there is a dearth of great writing for black people. There are stories that depict us in a way that isn't cliched or niche, and that a white person, a Chinese person, an Indian person can watch and relate to. Those are the stories I want to be a part of telling. David Oyelowo blackchineseclich share on social
I love that as a black person I've experienced not being a minority. I think that's helped me to combat the minority mentality people can have here, which can stop them scaling the heights. David Oyelowo blackcombatexperience Change image and share on social
I have a bee in my bonnet as to how few black historical figures one sees on film; incredible stories, stories from which we are living the legacy and which just don't get made. David Oyelowo beeblackbonnet Change image and share on social
What we usually do to great men and women is relegate them to homogenised heroism. Their words and actions become soundbites and images in a way that gives us an excuse not to act bravely in our own lives. David Oyelowo actactionbravely share on social
The only way we are going to get diversity is if the demographics of the decision-makers change... The odd-token bone thrown is not going to do it. Don't pat yourself on the back because you made that black drama; that's not diversity. It's got to be baked into the foundation of where the ideas flow from. David Oyelowo backbakeblack share on social
There are many, many communities, many ethnic minorities, many civilizations that have been brutalised by others and you have to move on. You cannot perpetually stay in that place of blame, otherwise it's just a downward spiral. David Oyelowo blamebrutalisecivilization share on social