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Danielle Deadwyler is a force of nature. The versatile actor’s career has skyrocketed in recent years, with roles that span genres and defy expectations. In 2024 alone, Deadwyler took on a staggering five projects, yet none resonated with her, quite like “The Piano Lesson.”
On this episode of the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Deadwyler opens up about the importance of acknowledging her heritage, being in the Oscar race following her snub for “Till” (2022), her experience working with Malcolm and John David Washington on Netflix’s “The Piano Lesson,” and what lies ahead for her as one of Hollywood’s most exciting rising stars. Listen below.
Deadwyler sees the necessity of the legacy of playwright August Wilson’s work, as it stands as a dedication to preserving Black stories. “August Wilson’s plays are so layered with history and emotion; they’re like love letters to Black America,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to be a part of his world, to help keep those stories alive and bring them to new audiences.”
When it was announced that Malcolm Washington would direct “The Piano Lesson,” there was a fair share of skepticism. Stepping into his first feature directing role, Washington faced the formidable challenge of adapting a revered classic of American theater. Adding to the pressure was that his father, Denzel Washington, had previously directed another Wilson adaptation, “Fences” (2016), and George C. Wolfe had helmed “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020).
But any doubts were quickly dispelled for Deadwyler once she began working with the debut auteur. “Malcolm has this quiet confidence and a real sensitivity to the material,” she says. “From our first meeting, I could tell he was deeply committed to telling this story with respect and authenticity. He has this calm, inclusive style that makes you feel seen and supported, which is everything you need in a director.”
Deadwyler pauses thoughtfully, then adds, “It’s rare to work with someone who listens so intently.”
Though Deadwyler has become known for her intense, historically rich roles, such as “Till” (2022), she isn’t opposed to exploring other genres.
When she was shockingly snubbed for her turn as Mamie Till Mobley in Chinonye Chukwu’s historical drama, cinephiles may have been bummed out, but she wasn’t. She shares: “I hung out with my Mom. She’s been giving me awards all my life. We’ve seen folks not get things we thought they should get all the time. If I’m anything, I’m a student of history. Was I surprised? No. Does it halt one’s movement? No. Are we here right now? Yes, and I’m blessed.”
When asked about the possibility of joining the superhero movie universe — particularly with fans calling for her to play Storm in a potential “X-Men” reboot — she laughs, clearly amused by the idea. “Hey, I’d be open to it,” she says with a smile. “But for me, it has to be smart, it has to push boundaries, and it has to add something to the genre. Superhero films are fun, but I’m most interested in stories that break out of the mold and surprise people. If the right role came along, I’d jump at it.”
Despite her growing fame, Deadwyler remains deeply grounded, constantly circling back to the values and influences that shaped her in Atlanta. “My roots are in Atlanta, and that city has an incredible Black arts community that shaped me as an artist. There’s a certain legacy there, a history of resilience and creativity that I carry into every role. It’s not just about representing; it’s about embodying the richness of that heritage.”
For Deadwyler, this sense of responsibility is personal. Atlanta’s vibrant arts scene — steeped in a legacy of civil rights activism, music, theater, and visual art — nurtured her artistic voice.
During Deadwyler’s childhood, watching movies was a beloved family ritual. She fondly recalls her siblings introducing her to everything from Bruce Lee films to WWE wrestling matches, with cinema as a shared experience and a window into the larger world. “Cinema was a way for us to connect and learn about the world,” she reflects.
Now, as a mother herself, she hopes to pass down that love of storytelling to her child, though she admits it’s not always easy with YouTube and social media dominating the screens. “Getting my kid to sit down and watch the classics with me is tough,” she jokes, “but it’s worth it. Movies have this incredible power to shape our understanding of the world.”
As the conversation winds down, Deadwyler takes a step back to look at the bigger picture. With a sincerity that feels rare in Hollywood, she offers a heartfelt call for unity in a time of social and political polarization. “We’re all connected, whether we realize it or not,” she says. “There’s so much division, so much anger, and we’re losing sight of our common humanity. We need more compassion and more diplomacy. It’s time to learn from our past mistakes and consider the kind of world we’re building for our children.”
For Deadwyler, the message at the heart of “The Piano Lesson” — confronting the traumas of the past in order to create a better future — feels deeply relevant. “We have to face our history, honor it, and learn from it if we’re going to move forward together.”
Let’s hope she’s right.
Also on this podcast episode, “Dune: Part Two” writer, director and producer Denis Villeneuve.
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, Jenelle Riley and Michael Schneider, who also produces, is your one-stop source for lively conversations about the best in film and television. Each episode, “Awards Circuit” features interviews with top film and TV talent and creatives, discussions and debates about awards races and industry headlines, and much more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or anywhere you download podcasts.
English (US) ·