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IDRIS ELBA is truly one to watch right now. He’s rumored as a finalist to be the next James Bond and he’s often compared to Denzel Washington for his talent and ability to disappear into his characters onscreen. That’s why I’m excited and nervous to see Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom during the Thanksgiving holidays.

I’m excited (for him) because this role could make Idris a household name and I’m nervous because it’s really hard to play a living legend especially one that happens to be a personal hero of mine and so many others. I’ve retraced Nelson Mandela’s steps several times, visiting Robben Island in Cape Town, his home and foundation in Johannesburg and I’ve read every book and every speech Madiba’s ever written, so I know I’ll go into the movie expecting quite a bit from Idris.

The good news from South Africa is that Madiba and the entire Mandela family have seen the movie and were all very pleased with Idris’ portrayal of the iconic leader, so fingers crossed I’ll leave the theater super-impressed with Idris too.

Idris is also a man of style with an abundance of swagger, so it will be fun to have him on fashion watch this awards season. This week, I was thrilled to see him wear the Gucci coat (above) that made my best of menswear for fall 2013.