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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


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.
Photos: Inside the International Premiere of THE PIANO LESSON Film

On Tuesday, September 10th, Netflix's THE PIANO LESSON had its international premiere at Toronto International Film Festival at the Princess of Wales Theater. Take a look at the photos from the event here! 
Malcolm Washington Hopes THE PIANO LESSON Film Will Bring August Wilson to New Audiences

Later this year, an adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson will hit Netflix. In a new interview, director Malcolm Washington shed some light on his approach to adapting the play for the screen.
Malcolm Washington and John David Washington to Receive Honors for THE PIANO LESSON at Chicago International Film Festival

Malcolm Washington, director and co-writer of the upcoming adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, along with star John David Washington will be honored at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival for their work on the film, which is also set to open the festival.
Review Roundup: THE PIANO LESSON Film- How Does It Live Up to August Wilson's Play?

Reviews have begun to trickle in for Malcolm Washington's big-screen adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival this past weekend.
THE PIANO LESSON to Make World Premiere at Telluride Film Festival

Malcolm Washington's film adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson will have its world premiere screening this weekend at the Telluride Film Festival. The screening comes ahead of its limited theatrical release on November 8 and its Netflix streaming release on November 22.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld August 22, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is August 22, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos/Video: THE PIANO LESSON Trailer With John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, & More

Netflix has released the official trailer and new photos for The Piano Lesson, the upcoming film adaptation of August Wilson's play in his American Century Cycle. The film is directed and co-written by Malcolm Washington in his feature directorial debut.
Netflix Releases Teaser Art for THE PIANO LESSON Film; Trailer Coming Tomorrow

Netflix has just released the teaser art, along with new details, for the highly anticipated film adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, which will be released later this year. The official trailer for the film will debut Wednesday, August 20th at 6:30 am PT.

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 Awards for his performance in The Piano Lesson.

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