Denzel Washington took a break from promoting Gladiator II to support his family at the premiere of Netflix’s The Piano Lesson on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles.
The event was a family affair, with Denzel joined by his wife, Pauletta Washington, and three of their children: Katia, John David, and Malcolm Washington.
The film, co-produced by Denzel, marks Malcolm’s directorial debut and stars John David in the lead role of Boy Willie. Adapted from August Wilson’s acclaimed play, the drama explores a family’s struggle over the fate of a treasured heirloom piano.
During an interview with Deadline, Malcolm shared that the project was inspired by his late grandfather, Pauletta’s father. “A big part of [The Piano Lesson] was based on my grandfather,” Malcolm said. “When I think of what I want to be as a man, I think of him… In this way, he is guiding me.”
Denzel further expressed pride in his sons’ achievements during an interview with PEOPLE in September, stating, “I’m happy that people will get a chance to see what a filmmaker Malcolm is. I’m excited about our future together with August Wilson.”
However, the cast of The Piano Lesson also features Danielle Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson, Erykah Badu, Gail Bean, and Corey Hawkins. The film is in theaters now and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting Friday, Nov. 22. Meanwhile, Gladiator II hits theaters the same day.
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