‘Selma’ Star David Oyelowo to Take Home Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Breakthrough Performance Award

British actor David Oyelowo is set to receive the Breakthrough Performance Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival next year for Selma.

The Lee Daniels’ The Butler star will be feted for his role as late civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the upcoming film Selma on January 3 at the awards gala in California.

A statement from PSIFF chairman Harold Matzner reads, “David Oyelowo’s transformation into Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is truly outstanding.

“He perfectly recreates King’s mannerisms and speech cadence, and moreover, captures the spirit of one of the greatest leaders in history, giving audiences a rewarding portrait of this iconic man that is deeply layered and effecting.”

Previous recipients of the accolade include Lupita Nyong’o, Marion Cotillard and Jennifer Hudson.

Oyelowo is the latest to be added to the 2015 honors roll – Rosamund Pike will also receive a Breakthrough Performance Award for Gone Girl, while Eddie Redmayne, Julianne Moore and the cast of The Imitation Game are due to be feted at the ceremony, too.

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