Whether inspiring audiences through music, movies, television, books or his foundation, Academy Award®-winning actor and musician Common continues to break new ground, and remains one of hip-hop’s most innovative, positive voices.

 
He was recently seen on the big screen in the Oscar® nominated film, Selma, a film centered on the civil rights marches that changed America. He won a 2015 Academy Award®, alongside John Legend, for “Best Original Song in a Motion Picture” for the song ‘Glory’ from Selma, as well as a Golden Globe® Award and Critics Choice Award. He was also honored with a NAACP Image Award Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in Selma.

 
His numerous acting accomplishments include starring roles in the films American Gangster, Wanted, Terminator Salvation, Date Night, Just Wright, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Luv, Now You See Me and the upcoming films Hunter Killer, Being Charlie and Suicide Squad. He also co-starred for four seasons in the acclaimed television series “Hell on Wheels.”

 
Prior to acting, Common rose to prominence as one of hip-hop’s most poetic and respected lyricists. He has recorded 10 studio albums and garnered multiple Grammy® Awards. His most recent album Nobody’s Smiling debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Chart and was nominated for a 2015 Grammy® Award for Best Rap Album. His first book, The Mirror and Me, teaches lessons of life, the human spirit, and human nature. His follow-up book, I Like You But I Love Me, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and his recent memoir, One Day It’ll All Make Sense was a New York Times best-seller.

 
In 2000, he launched The Common Ground Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to the empowerment and development of disadvantaged youth in urban communities.