And looking at the trailer for Bastille Day, in which the East-London actor blows everything up, we’re far from done with the idea. The film tells the story of a CIA agent and an American pickpocket conducting an anti-terrorist mission in Paris.
Elba's double win is also significant in the context of the outcry over this year's all-white Oscar acting nominees, especially given that his Beasts of No Nation performance was among those many believe should have been recognised.
The British actor won outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role for Beasts of No Nation, and outstanding performance by a male actor in a TV movie or miniseries for Luther.
Elba’s speech, marking a year since the launch of UK broadcaster Channel 4’s 360° Diversity Charter, called on a “Magna Carta moment” for broadcasters in terms of the need for greater representation in front of and behind the camera.