BRITISH actor Daniel Kaluuya expressed a deep sense of gratitude and pride during the unveiling of a statue commemorating his iconic role in Get Out in London’s Leicester Square today (October 8).
The statue, inspired by Kaluuya's character Chris Washington, memorialises the cultural impact of the 2017 thriller, which was celebrated for its bold commentary on race relations and social dynamics.
Kaluuya, 35, rose to global fame with his portrayal of Chris, a young Black man navigating a deeply unsettling experience at his white girlfriend's family estate. The character's struggle, including the haunting moment he is hypnotised and falls into the symbolic "sunken place," resonated widely and earned him an Oscar nomination, cementing his status as one of the UK’s most respected actors.
During the ceremony, Kaluuya reflected on the milestone, describing the statue as a marker of personal and professional growth. “(It feels like) a blessing,” he said. “You work hard, put your head down, do what you feel is right, and hope it impacts and touches people.” He noted that the statue represents not only his journey but also the journey of many others, stating, “It’s as much a representation of the people as it is my work.”
The statue, voted for by the public, led Kaluuya to reflect on his career journey, describing it as both a recognition of his achievements and a call to keep pushing forward. “It just shows how far I’ve come, but also it’s a mark of how far we’ve got to go,” he said. “It makes me really focused and go, alright cool – there’s more to do.”
The unveiling in Leicester Square is part of a broader series of statues celebrating British film icons. As one of Britain’s most acclaimed actors, Kaluuya’s place in London’s cultural landscape now stands as a testament to his impact on film and society. "To be part of this history, especially in Britain, especially in London, it means the world to me," he said, adding, "So yeah, I’m blessed."
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