Bankolé, Isaach de

Zachari Bankolé (born 12 August 1957), known professionally as Isaach de Bankolé, is an Ivorian actor, active primarily in France and the United States. He won the 1987 César Award for Most Promising Actor for his performance in the film Black Mic Mac, and rose to international prominence for his starring role in Claire Denis's 1988 film Chocolat. He had a significant supporting role as a loyal friend of the main character in The Brutalist (2024). He is known to international film audiences for his roles in the films of director Jim Jarmusch, Mamadou in James Ivory's A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries (1998), Timothy in Lars von Trier's Manderlay (2005), the villain Steven Obanno in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale, and the River Tribe Elder in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Black Panther (2018) and its 2022 sequel. He also played President Ule Matobo on the Fox television series 24 (2008–2009).