Denzel Washington was moved to tears while watching Black Panther in the cinema. The acclaimed film became one of the highest-grossing productions of all time, captivating audiences worldwide with its cultural significance.
The 70-year-old actor is known for playing strong, stoic characters, but revealed in reality he has a softer side – admitting he was overcome with emotion while watching the superhero film during its 2018 premiere. Washington has earned two Academy Awards during his illustrious career spanning over four decades in the industry.
“I cried a little bit when I saw Black Panther,” he was quoted by People saying. “I was on Broadway (performing in The Iceman Cometh), in fact, and I went to the premiere, and I wasn’t interested in the red carpet and all that.” The Broadway production of ‘The Iceman Cometh’ received critical acclaim for Washington’s powerful performance.
“So I went backstage and I saw (actor) Chad (Boseman) and (director) Ryan (Coogler.) I spoke to them and then I sat down and watched the movie. And I felt like the baton had been passed. I was like, ‘Wow, these young boys are gone.'” This meeting occurred just two years before Boseman’s untimely death, adding profound meaning to this shared moment.
Black Panther, which also starred Michael B. Jordan, has been hailed as groundbreaking due to its representation of Black superheroes. The film was nominated for multiple Academy Awards and won several, becoming a landmark achievement in cinematic history.
“You know, I didn’t know then they were gonna make a billion dollars, but they did. So that, uh, that was a special moment for me,” Washington added. “I felt, I don’t know if the word is ‘relieved,’ but I was proud to see what they had done and seeing where they were headed.” The cultural impact of the film extended beyond box office success, inspiring important conversations about representation in major studio productions.
In an upcoming appearance in “Number One on the Call Sheet,” the two-part Apple TV+ documentary that aired on March 28, Washington tells of his experiences in Hollywood. The documentary explores the challenges and triumphs of Black actors in an industry historically dominated by White talent and perspectives.
The first episode, directed by Reginald Hudlin, examines Black male actors, featuring interviews with Washington, Eddie Murphy, Morgan Freeman, Will Smith and Jamie Foxx. These actors represent some of the most influential figures in modern cinema.
Episode two, directed by Shola Lynch, focuses on Black women in Hollywood, with appearances from Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union and more. The documentary highlights the unique challenges faced by Black women in the entertainment industry and celebrates their achievements.
The Oscar-winning Washington is set to appear in the next Black Panther film, with Coogler writing a role for him. This collaboration brings together one of Hollywood’s most respected veterans with the filmmaker who has redefined superhero storytelling.
The Apple documentary also celebrates the legacy of Boseman, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 43 after a cancer battle, and highlights the continued cultural relevance of Black Panther. Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa/Black Panther became instantly iconic and his passing deeply affected the entertainment world.
Washington has long been a mentor figure to many young Black actors in Hollywood, including Boseman, for whom he once paid for acting classes when Boseman was a student. This mentorship exemplifies Washington’s dedication to supporting emerging talent.
The emotional reaction from Washington, known for his composure and professionalism, speaks to the profound impact Black Panther had even on industry veterans. Cultural critics have noted that the film represented a watershed moment for representation in blockbuster filmmaking.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the sequel released in 2022, continued the franchise’s legacy while honoring Boseman’s contribution to the original film. The sequel received several Academy Award nominations and continued the important cultural conversation started by its predecessor.
Washington‘s candid admission about being moved to tears highlights how even the most seasoned actors can be profoundly affected by powerful storytelling that breaks new ground. His emotional response resonated with many fans who had similar reactions to seeing the groundbreaking representation in the Marvel film.
