Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
A high point of Elba's career was playing late anti-Apartheid activist and historic South African President Nelson Mandela in biographical drama ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’.
Idris prepared for the role by spending a night locked in a prison cell on Robben Island alone, exactly where Mandela was imprisoned.
Elba’s performance earned him a nod at the Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama.
Idris said upon playing Mandela: “That brings a lump to my throat. I dedicated that role to my dad.
“He reminded me of Mandela, with his big white hair and infectious smile.”