Forest Whitaker plays the wise Rev. Cornell Cobbs in the musical drama “Black Nativity.” He becomes an inspiration for Langston (Jacob Latimore), right, a street-smart teen raised by a single mother who embarks on a surprising journey. (Phil Bray / AP)
Oprah Winfrey and Forest Whitaker discuss the historical drama “The Butler” on stage during the film’s Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences screening of the film on Aug. 6, 2013, in New York. Oprah plays Gloria Gaines, the wife of the butler. (Rob Kim / Getty Images )
Forest Whitaker, producer, and writer and director Ryan Coogler, from the film “Fruitvale Station.” The film debuted at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, winning the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
