On Wednesday, two-time Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington graced the black university campus with his presence along with the cast of the movie, Fences. The stars came together to discuss the release of the highly anticipated film scheduled to hit theaters Christmas Day.
The upcoming drama is Denzel’s third film as a director.
The original screenplay was written by, as Denzel stated, “one of the greatest playwrights in all of history,” August Wilson. The story follows a former Negro League player, now working as a waste collector who is coming to terms with his new found life as the provider for his family. Alongside Denzel Washington who plays Troy Maxson is Academy Award nominee, Viola Davis who plays Rose Maxson.
A screening of the movie was held for Atlanta University Students Tuesday at the Regal Atlantic Station which many attended. Before the cast took the stage, Morehouse President John Silvanus Wilson Jr. took the stage and told the audience that he predicts “Fences” will quickly attract Oscar buzz.
Before the cast took the stage, Morehouse President John Silvanus Wilson Jr. took the stage and told the audience that he predicts “Fences” will quickly attract Oscar buzz.
“I predict that he has an Oscar coming to him. You heard it here first,” Wilson said.
The auditorium was packed with over 500 members of the Atlanta University Center who wanted to meet the cast and discuss the film. Jovan
Jovan Adepo, who plays Cory in the movie attended the dialog as well as castmates Stephen Henderson and Mykelti Williamson.
The cast seemed to enjoy the campus of Morehouse. While conversing with Press, Stephen Henderson reminisced on his times with 1976 Morehouse alum, Bill Nunn.
“I know the kinds of men that Morehouse produces it’s an honor to be here,” Henderson said.
Denzel Washington felt similarly as he reflected on times being at Morehouse to support his son.
“Morehouse feels like home to me; I remember being here with my son and being at the football stadium watching them play it’s good to be here,” Washington said.
One moment of inspiration came from a question asked to Denzel by Morehouse Senior, Temitayo Agoro. Temitayo is the founder of the Instagram phenomenon, @AUCCam when conversing with Denzel, Agoro asked what are Denzel Washington’s views on impacting the community through social media.
“Anything done with positive energy can affect change,” Denzel said. He was deeply interested in talking with students and inspiring them to follow their dreams.
BET was a co-sponsor of the event and with them came North Carolina A&T alum Terrence J, who moderated the dialogue with the cast.
The entire event was full of love, laughter, and support. Students walked away excited to see the film with their families and are still conversing online about their interaction with Denzel Washington.
Fences will be hitting theaters nationwide December 25, Christmas Day. After the impeccable dialogue at Morehouse with the cast, we at The Buzz are anxiously awaiting to see the film.
