Bob Marley: One Love scores big NAACP nominations

Almost a year after its release, Bob Marley: One Love has cemented its place as a cinematic triumph, with its most recent accolade being a 2025 NAACP Image Award nomination.

Cornelius Grant, who played the role of 'Bucky Marshall,' sees the film's success as another victory for Jamaica.

"It means a lot to me, and it speaks volumes because for a movie like dat, and it rank inna di top-five greatest of all-time biopics, win one award already, and got nominated for four, went number one on Netflix - it's a great achievement for Jamaica overall because it's a Jamaican story taking the world by storm," Grant told THE STAR.

Since its February 2024 debut, Bob Marley: One Love has been on a winning streak. It snagged the BET Awards' Best Movie for 2024, outperforming blockbusters like The Little Mermaid and The Color Purple. The film also dominated Netflix, claiming the number one spot for two weeks.

Now, the biopic is up for four prestigious NAACP Image Awards British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir earned a nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his compelling portrayal of an adult Bob Marley. Lashana Lynch received a nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her powerful performance as Bob's wife, Rita. The movie's soundtrack, a homage to Marley's timeless music, has also garnered a nomination for Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album and a 2025 Grammy nod for Best Reggae Album.

Grant believes the film's authentic storytelling gives it a unique edge. Bob Marley: One Love has so far made more than US$180 million worldwide.

"The international market is hungry for content from di rest addi world. We see where European movies are taking over the market, but [with] the invent of Netflix, many actors are becoming megastars in their own country just by being in a Netflix film. With our movie, it just different [because] dem a get fi learn di Jamaican culture at di same time," he said.

Despite the film's success, Grant remains cautious about the state of Jamaica's film industry.

"Mi nuh feel like wi getting it, enuh, but it is getting there, it's coming. Wi have to start seeing where it's not a one-off ting. Movie release has to be constant, and there's a lot of filming going on now in terms of Jamaican content. A lot of local content is now being released. So it's a good look, and the time is now to take action as creatives," he shared.

Grant envisions a future where Jamaica produces fully independent films with entirely local casts and crews.

"Den mi can seh di worl accept and recognise wi," he added.

The 56th NAACP Image Awards, celebrated as one of the world's most prestigious multicultural award shows, will announce its winners on February 22. The event will be broadcast live from the Pasadena Civic Center on BET and CBS, shining a spotlight on the best in film, music, and culture.