Charmaine Bingwa Biography: Early Life | Education | Theatre and Film Career | Emancipation | Awards
Charmaine Bingwa, a rising Zimbabwean talent in Hollywood, was born in Perth, Western Australia on November 13, 1985. She hails from Zimbabwean parents who migrated to Australia. Notably, Charmaine identifies as a lesbian, embracing her unique identity.
Her educational journey led her to Santa Maria College, a Roman Catholic girls’ school in Perth, from which she graduated in 2001. Initially pursuing a career in music, Charmaine completed a Bachelor of Music at university. However, during her final year of study, she discovered her passion for acting, taking it as an elective course. This newfound love for acting led her to sign with an acting agent shortly after graduation.
Theatre and Film Career
In 2013, Charmaine Bingwa made her theatre debut in the play titled “The Motherf**ker with the Hat.” This marked the beginning of her remarkable journey in the world of acting. She continued to shine on stage, earning a Sydney Theatre Award nomination in 2017 for her performance in “Doubt: A Parable.” Notably, acclaimed playwright John Patrick Shanley praised her as “a rare talent” and “a force of nature.”
Charmaine Bingwa-Image Source@zimprofiles
Charmaine’s film debut came in 2018 with the horror comedy “Nekrotronic.” Beyond acting, she ventured into writing, producing, and co-directing the web series “Little Sista,” which secured the prestigious Best Screenplay award at the LGBT Toronto Film Festival in 2018. She also garnered recognition for her work on “Stille Nacht,” which premiered at the Academy-qualifying and BAFTA-recognized film festival Flickerfest.
However, her breakthrough role arrived in 2021 when she joined the CBS series “The Good Fight” cast as Carmen Moyo, a talented and morally complex lawyer. The show’s creators, Michelle and Robert King, were thrilled to have her on board and praised her as the season’s standout performer.
Charmaine Bingwa On Emancipation With Will Smith
Charmaine Bingwa also left a significant mark in Antoine Fuqua’s film “Emancipation” (2022) as Dodienne, the wife of Peter (Will Smith), a runaway slave during the American Civil War. Her performance received rave reviews, with critics and audiences alike describing it as “unflinching,” “incredibly moving,” and “Oscar-worthy.” Charmaine is set to collaborate with Fuqua again in the upcoming historical epic “King Shaka” (2023), where she will portray Isisa, a fierce and formidable warrior.
Her recent credits include “Black Box” (2020), a psychological thriller produced by Amazon Studios; “The Pitch” (2021), a comedy short film; “Trees of Peace” (2022), a Netflix drama about survivors of the Rwandan genocide; and “KAPŌ” (2022), a sci-fi thriller centered around a futuristic prison system.
Awards and Recognition
Charmaine Bingwa’s exceptional talent has earned her numerous awards and scholarships. In 2018, she became the first person of color and the first openly gay recipient of the prestigious Heath Ledger Scholarship, awarded annually to emerging Australian actors aspiring to make their mark in Hollywood. The judging panel, which included luminaries like Matt Damon, Naomi Watts, and Elizabeth Debicki, was impressed by her raw and vivid talent.
Charmaine also secured the Equity Atlantic Award in 2018, enabling her to study at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York. Additionally, she was selected to participate in APRA AMCOS’ Screen SongHubs 2019, a program connecting screen composers with filmmakers.
Beyond her accomplishments in entertainment, Charmaine Bingwa is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry. She has spoken out about the challenges and opportunities for actors of color and LGBTQ+ actors in Hollywood. She has also lent her support to various charitable causes, including UNICEF, Amnesty International, The Trevor Project, and The Actors Benevolent Fund.
Charmaine Bingwa Personal Life
Currently based in Los Angeles, California, Charmaine Bingwa is happily married to Australian actress Nicole Shostak. The couple’s journey began on the set of “Little Sista,” and they sealed their love with a private ceremony in Malibu in 2019. Beyond her acting prowess, Charmaine is also a singer-songwriter who plays the guitar. She has graced the tours of international artists such as Demi Lovato, Fifth Harmony, and Rachel Platten during their visits to Australia.
