Carrying on the dream. The cast and crew behind the Oscar-nominated film Selma hit the movie's namesake city in Alabama on Sunday, Jan. 18, to march in recognition of Martin Luther King Day, which is officially recognized today.
Star and producer Oprah Winfrey, soundtrack contributors John Legend and Common, star David Oyelowo, and director Ava DuVernay honored the late civil rights hero Martin Luther King, Jr. just days after his Jan. 15 birthday.
The group traveled to Selma, Ala. to march with locals in recognition of Dr. King's work. The city was the site of historic Civil Rights Movement protest marches and an integral part of King's fight for racial equality. As shown in Selma, King led a 54-mile march in March 1965 from the city to Mongtomery, Ala. to push for the eventual passing of the Voting Rights Act. On the first day of the march, protesters were attacked by police personnel in what is now known as "Bloody Sunday."
While in Selma, Legend and Common performed their Golden Globe-winning single "Glory." The song, which was penned by the pair for the movie's soundtrack, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song just last week.
Joined by a choir and a small orchestra, Common shared photos and videos from his performance with Legend, who sat at a piano as he crooned. "Honored to be performing #Glory w/ @johnlegend in Selma on this great weekend. #History," he wrote via Twitter.
"Today in Selma was so humbling… I had the honor of performing #Glory with @common and the Tuskegee University Gospel Choir on the Pettis Bridge in Selma today," Legend added. "Thank you to the people of Selma who welcomed us into your town. We enjoyed ourselves immensely."
Director DuVernay, who screened her film in the town, wrote, "Such a joy, a privilege, an honor to be in the city of Selma today with my parents, my siblings + my #SelmaFilm family. Onward! #SelmaisNow." Star Oyelowo, who plays Martin Luther King, Jr., also gave an inspiring speech at the event.
The stars' trip to Selma follows a disheartening moment for the group. The film was nominated for just two Oscars, Best Original Song and Best Picture — a move that was seen by many as a snub from the Academy. While Oyelowo was heralded for his performance, all of the nominees for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress are white celebrities.