Denzel Washington and wife support son at premiere of ‘The Piano Lesson’
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Denzel Washington, Katia Washington, Pauletta Washington, John David Washington and Malcolm Washington. Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty
At the premiere of The Piano Lesson on Tuesday night at The Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, the Washington family gathered to support son and director Malcolm Washington in his feature directorial debut. The star-studded event marked a significant milestone for Malcolm, who helmed the film adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, set in post-Great Depression Pittsburgh.
The film centers on the Charles family, whose members are at odds over the fate of a family heirloom, a piano carved with symbols by an enslaved ancestor. As tensions rise, the film explores themes of history, legacy, and the emotional significance of preserving the past. The story is deeply rooted in the African-American experience, which Wilson captured powerfully in the stage play that was later brought to life on screen.
At the premiere, Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta were present to cheer on their son, marking an exciting moment for the entire family. Denzel, an actor with an illustrious career spanning decades, was visibly proud of his son’s achievement. The film also served as a family affair beyond the directors, with several family members playing vital roles behind and in front of the camera. The film was produced by Denzel and their daughter Katia, while son John David Washington took on a leading role in the film. In addition, the film features a cameo from Pauletta and their daughter Olivia, making it a true family endeavor.
Malcolm, in a discussion about the film, explained that he had chosen to recast several of the stage production’s original actors for their artistry, noting the extraordinary talents of actors like Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, and Michael Potts. “The opportunity to work with them was so exciting,” said Malcolm. “This film honors so many different productions, and that was one of them.” Malcolm expressed his admiration for these actors and his desire to work with them as a way to build on the legacy of Wilson’s original work.
Honoring your family's past, and paving their future. THE PIANO LESSON starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, and Corey Hawkins is on Netflix this Friday! pic.twitter.com/rrda28nVo1
— The Piano Lesson Film (@thepianolesson_) November 18, 2024
During the film’s private screening for the cast, actor Michael Potts observed a moment when Denzel was notably speechless, clearly in awe of his son’s directorial prowess. “Of course, he’s a proud papa, but speechless at the craft that his son showed through this movie,” Potts remarked. Denzel reportedly said, “Man, I got to go back to school,” in awe of how cinematic and lyrical the film was, a testament to his admiration for Malcolm’s work.
Malcolm, in reflecting on the importance of family in the process, shared how crucial his family’s support was in making the film happen. “If I were moving out of my apartment today, I’d call my family to help me move out and pack up the boxes and rebuild the furniture somewhere else,” he said. “That’s who I would call—the people that I trust.” He emphasized that he felt blessed to be surrounded by such a talented family, which made it possible to bring the film to fruition.
As the evening unfolded, the sense of pride and support from the Washington family was palpable. For Malcolm, the premiere represented not only a personal achievement but also a tribute to the power of family and the rich legacy of African-American storytelling. The film was released on Netflix on November 22, marking an exciting chapter in both the Washington family’s career and in the ongoing celebration of August Wilson’s monumental contributions to theater and cinema.
With a cast of seasoned actors and a deeply personal touch, The Piano Lesson promises to resonate with audiences, bringing the timeless themes of Wilson’s play to new generations. As the Washington family continues to collaborate on such impactful projects, their shared creative vision and dedication to the craft will undoubtedly inspire others.
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