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John David Washington

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BIO

John David Washington produced and starred alongside Zendaya in the Sam Levinson directed film Malcolm & Marie. The film’s production set the example for others on how to safely film during COVID-19. The film was released on February 5th, 2021 on Netflix. He stared as “The Protagonist” in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film Tenet which released internationally on August 27, 2020 and domestically on Sept 3, 2020. He was also recently seen in the Luca Guadagnino produced film Beckett released on Netflix in 2021. John David played the lead in Blackkklansman, directed by Spike Lee and produced by Jason Blum and Jordan Peele. He appeared alongside Adam Driver and Laura Harrier. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to a standing ovation and won the Grand Prix. John David received multiple nominations for his portrayal of Ron Stallworth during the 2019 awards season including a Best Actor nomination for both a Golden Globe and SAG Award. Up next John David will be seen in the upcoming untitled David O. Russel movie where he stars alongside Christian Bale and Margot Robbie. It was also recently announced that he will star in the latest sci-fi story from director Gareth Edwards titled True Love. John David was previously seen in Monsters and Men directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, where he played the role of ‘Dennis’ alongside up-and-comers Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Chante Adams. The script was selected and developed as part of the 2017 Sundance Directors Lab. John David received a nomination from the Independent Spirit Awards for Best Supporting Male for his performance. He can also be seen in the Anthony Mandler helmed All Rise, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, starring Jeffrey Wright, ASAP Rocky, & Jennifer Hudson. The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize. In the fall of 2018, he appeared in Fox Searchlight’s Old Man and the Gun, directed by David Lowery playing opposite Casey Affleck, Elisabeth Moss, and Robert Redford. John David got his film debut as a child in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X in 1992. He returned to the big screen in 2017 in Lionsgate’s Love Beats Thymes, directed by RZA, opposite Common and Jill Scott. Prior to acting, John David spent six years playing professional football. Shortly after, he booked his first-ever audition to play ‘Ricky Jerret’ in the HBO series “Ballers” with Dwayne Johnson. His performance as ‘Ricky’ generated rave reviews.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2022
Boy Willie


Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2023 - Distinguished Performance Award

John David Washington, The Piano Lesson


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2023 - Theatre World Awards

John David Washington, The Piano Lesson

Videos

News


THE PIANO LESSON, WICKED & More Receive NAACP Image Awards Nominations

NAACP has announced the full list of “56th NAACP Image Awards” nominees, with Wicked and The Piano Lesson nominated for Outstanding Motion Picture and Wicked's Cynthia Erivo nominated for Entertainer of the Year.
LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Harry Lennix, Kara Young & More Will Star in PURPOSE on Broadway

Complete casting has been announced for the highly-anticipated Broadway transfer of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s production of Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ new play, PURPOSE. Check out who has joined the cast!
Colman Domingo, Angelina Jolie, & More Win Awards at The Gothams

The Gotham Film & Media Institute has announced the winners of the 34th edition of The Gothams at a ceremony held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
John David Washington Expresses Desire to Return to the Stage

In a new interview, The Piano Lesson's John David Washington shared his love for the theatre and his eagerness to do a play by Shakespeare or Tennessee Williams.
Video: Danielle Deadwyler Is Living Her Dream Bringing August Wilson to the Big Screen

Danielle Deadwyler is starring in the new film adaptation of The Piano Lesson, and it is a privilege that she is not taking for granted. Watch our full interview with Deadwyler as she chats more about her all-star cast and creative team.
THE PIANO LESSON Will Be Screened at the 92Y With a Conversation With John David Washington

Join award-winning actor John David Washington for a special screening of his new project, The Piano Lesson, followed by a conversation. Learn more about the event here!
Video: Why Malcolm Washington Made THE PIANO LESSON As His Directorial Debut

Filmmaker Malcolm Washington recently visited CBS Mornings to discuss his new film adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson and explained why he chose to make this project for his directorial debut.
Photos: John David Washington, Denzel Washington, & More Attend THE PIANO LESSON Premiere

Danielle Deadwyler, John David Washington, Denzel Washington, and more attended the Los Angeles premiere of The Piano Lesson. Take a look at photos from the LA premiere here.
Video: THE PIANO LESSON New Trailer Featuring John David Washington

Netflix has unveiled a new trailer for The Piano Lesson, the new film adaptation of the August Wilson play. The film will be available on Netflix starting November 22. Watch the new trailer here.
Video: John David Washington Shares Challenges of Reprising THE PIANO LESSON Role in Film Adaptation

John David Washington, who appeared as Boy Willie in the 2023 Broadway revival of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, is reprising the role in the new film adaptation and recently shared some of the challenges of bringing the show to the screen. Watch the interview now!
Broadway Streaming Guide: November 2024- Where to Watch THE PIANO LESSON, SPELLBOUND & More

This November, Broadway fans have a slew of new content to enjoy including Alan Menken and Glenn Slater's animated musical Spellbound, Eddie Redmayne's new thriller series, and the screen adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson. Check out the lineup here!
Video: THE PIANO LESSON Director and Cast Discuss New Film Adaptation

The Piano Lesson director Malcolm Washington and stars John David Washington and Danielle Deadwyler all visited Good Morning America to discuss and preview the highly anticipated film adaptation of the August Wilson play. Watch the interview now!
Review: THE PIANO LESSON at A Noise Within

Barely six months since braving Wilson's KING HEDLEY II, the company and director Gregg T. Daniel are back an impactful - if leisurely – PIANO LESSON. Where HEDLEY was grim, this one is ghostly, rueful and full of music.
Interview: Ray Fisher in MACBETH at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ

Broadwayworld recently had the outstanding opportunity to see 'Macbeth' at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey with Ray Fisher in the lead role as Macbeth.  We interviewed him to gain some insights about his career and the show.
Video: Samuel L. Jackson Discusses New Scenes in THE PIANO LESSON Film

Samuel L. Jackson is shedding light on the upcoming film adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson over the years. The actor visited Good Morning America this week and discussed the difference between Wilson's original material and what is on display in the film. Watch the interview now!
Video: Samuel L. Jackson Previews THE PIANO LESSON, Shares New Clip on THE TONIGHT SHOW

Samuel L. Jackson visited The Tonight Show on Monday, where he previewed Malcolm Washington's upcoming film adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson. Jackson also shared a short clip from the film, which can be seen as part of the interview. Watch it now!
Santa Fe International Film Festival To Honor Actor Bryan Cranston With Lifetime Achievement Award

The Santa Fe International Film Festival will honor Bryan Cranston with its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to film and television.
THE PIANO LESSON Cast to Receive The Gotham Awards Ensemble Tribute

The Gotham Film & Media Institute has announced that The Piano Lesson, directed by Malcolm Washington and co-written by Washington and  Virgil Williams, will receive The 2024 Gotham Awards Ensemble Tribute at the 34th Annual Gotham Awards Ceremony, taking place live and in person on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. 
Meet the Cast of OUR TOWN, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will begin previews on Tuesday, September 17 ahead of an opening on Thursday, October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre for a strictly limited engagement. Meet the cast of Our Town here!
Denzel Washington Reveals Next August Wilson Adaptation

In a new interview, producers Denzel Washington and Todd Black shed some light on their ambitions to adapt the whole of Wilson's American Century Cycle. With three already under their belts, they revealed the next play making the jump from stage to screen.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has John David Washington been in?

John David Washington has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has John David Washington been in?

John David Washington has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has John David Washington been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Piano Lesson and Theatre World Awards (Theatre World Awards) for The Piano Lesson.

What awards has John David Washington won?

John David Washington has won the Theatre World Award for his performance in The Piano Lesson.

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