CFDA: While Aaron Dominguez has a string of impressive acting credits on his resume, it wasn’t until last year when everything really changed for him. After securing a part on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building opposite Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin, Dominguez became one to watch in Hollywood.

Now, he is continuing to elevate his profile as a co-star in A24’s highly anticipated drama, The Inspection. Written and directed by filmmaker Elegance Bratton with a cast led by Jeremy Pope, the film follows a troubled young gay man as he enters the Marines to change his life. After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival and closing out the New York Film Festival to rave reviews, Dominguez’s star looks set to keep rising.

It’s a long time coming for the actor, who stems from a family of actors. Growing up between Miami and Atlanta, Dominguez cultivated a love of the arts before deciding to take a leap of faith and pursue a career as an actor full-time. Now, he’s carving a path for himself as one of the entertainment industry’s rising forces.

We caught up with the talent to hear more about style, fashion, and his new movie.

How would you describe your personal style?

Effortless Swagger.

How important is wardrobe when it comes to playing a character? Does clothing play in your process as an actor?

It’s huge. It’s pivotal really to the story into the character. It’s the fabric of what makes the character them. It’s where a lot of the story starts and ends. At times clothing often is the beginning in how we express or begin to express ourselves without words.

Are there any brands in particular you are loving lately?

Yves Saint Laurent, Bode, Nanushka, Gucci, Balmain, Rhude, Fear Of God. Love what all of those brands are doing right now; they are always ahead of the game. Shoutout to my boy Evan Mock as well and the whole crew over at WAHINE! They’re creating some beautiful stuff over there too.

You recently had a huge breakthrough role on Only Murders in the Building opposite Selena Gomez. What did you learn working with her?   

I learned a lot and very quickly in the first season of that show. It was my first lead/series regular job I had ever had, and to work with those professionals and those individuals, I grew very quickly and sharpened my craft and my tools at an accelerated level. You have no choice but to. I worked with Selena closely every day. I thanked her for the space we shared and for her talent, and expressed to her how wonderful she was.  And with Steve [Martin] and Martin [Short]…forget about it, those guys were the best of the best. We’re talking about 40+ years in the biz. That type of longevity in this business is only by design. I tried to soak up as much knowledge from them every chance I got –  even in the stillness or the silence between takes, which wasn’t often with them on set because they had everyone dying of laughter with the constant jokes and bits. But I loved that entire experience. Who knows, maybe I’ll be back there at some point next season?

Talk to us about your upcoming movie, The Inspection. What attracted you to this project?

The script first and foremost. The story was so emotionally driven that you couldn’t help but resonate and/or feel for the character French, who is played by Jeremy Pope. The story is inspired by true events of our director Elegance Bratton’s life. It’s the type of story that not only hits home for so many different people in different walks of life, but that can somehow in some way resonate with anyone and everyone, no matter where you find yourself in the story or within what character. Those are the types of stories I want to tell.  Or help bring to life in any capacity, whether it’s in front of the camera or behind it. I hope that the film ends up challenging everyone who sees it to really take a look in the mirror, and leaves them with the opportunity to evolve and grow. I loved the entire experience that was making that film. It’s the type of special project that doesn’t come very often or more than once. [I am] eternally grateful for the bravery of Elegance Bratton, Jeremy Pope, and everyone over at A24 for making this happen.

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Talent: Aaron Dominguez

Photographer: Dario Castillo

Fashion Editor: Nicky Campbell

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