‘The Piano Lesson’ cast will receive the Gotham Awards Ensemble Tribute
The Gotham Film and Media Institute announced on September 18 that it will present its special Ensemble Tribute Award to the cast of “The Piano Lesson,” which includes John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Corey Hawkins and Erykah Badu. The film, set in 1936, tells the story of a Pittsburgh family brought together — and nearly torn apart — by a precious family heirloom. It’s based on the play by August Wilson, whose works “Fences” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” have also recently been adapted for the screen.
Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director of The Gotham, said in a statement, “‘The Piano Lesson’ is a stunning adaptation, bringing August Wilson’s play to life with captivating cinematic artistry. The remarkable talent, effort, and chemistry of this brilliant ensemble cast forms the heart of the film, elevating its touching story of family legacy. It’s precisely this kind of collaborative excellence that our Ensemble Tribute Award aims to recognize.”
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“Piano Lesson” executive producer Constanze Romero-Wilson added, “What [director and co-writer] Malcolm Washington, his brilliant filmmaking team and ensemble cast of John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu and Skylar Smith have achieved is an August Wilson story in cinematic form. His words still resonate … are still singing, but so are the images, the performances and the intimate window into each character’s inner world. I am honored and grateful to be part of this project which brings August Wilson’s meaningful stories to a new generation of audiences.”
The Ensemble Tribute has previously gone to the films “Fire Island,” “The Hurt Locker,” “Babel,” “Winter’s Bone,” “Moonlight,” “The Favourite” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” most of which earned Oscar nominations or wins for Best Picture. (“Fire Island” contended at the Emmys, where it was nominated for Best TV Movie.) This year’s Gotham Awards will take place on Monday, December 2, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
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