2025 NAACP Image Awards: 5 John David Washington Performances You Can’t Miss
John David Washington has steadily built a career defined by versatility and magnetic performances.
His breakout role in Spike Lee’s 2018 “BlacKkKlansman” catapulted him into Hollywood’s elite, earning him critical acclaim and firmly establishing his star power. Since then, Washington has delivered a string of remarkable performances, from the mind-bending sci-fi of Christopher Nolan’s "Tenet" to the emotionally charged drama of “The Piano Lesson,” the latter of which earned him a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture.
In this adaptation of August Wilson’s iconic play, he delivers a gripping portrayal that honors the material’s cultural weight and timeless themes. To celebrate his well-earned recognition, we’re revisiting five unforgettable performances that showcase his talent and cement his place as one of Hollywood’s most versatile leading men.
“The Creator”
Washington plays Joshua, a soldier caught between human and AI conflicts in the visually stunning sci-fi epic “The Creator” by director Gareth Edwards. The star’s heartfelt performance brings the story to life, making it a must-watch for fans of futuristic storytelling.
“Monsters and Men”
This socially charged drama sees Washington as Dennis Williams, a conflicted cop grappling with loyalty and justice. Directed by Academy Award winner Reinaldo Marcus Green, the film delivers must-see performances from a star-studded cast featuring Anthony Ramos, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Nicole Beharie, Rob Morgan, and more.
“Tenet”
In 2020, Washington starred in Christopher Nolan's science fiction action-thriller “Tenet” as “The Protagonist,” an enigmatic hero navigating time inversion to prevent a global catastrophe. His physicality and commanding screen presence make it a standout in both the actor's repertoire and the sci-fi genre.
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“BlacKkKlansman”
Washington’s 2018 breakout role as Ron Stallworth, a Black detective infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan, is a masterclass in wit and intensity. Directed by Spike Lee, this performance earned Washington widespread acclaim.
The then-rising star proved his ability to handle complex, nuanced characters, ultimately earning Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
“The Piano Lesson”
Washington delivers perhaps one of his most powerful performances to date in the Netflix drama directed by his brother Malcolm Washington.
Set in 1930s Pittsburgh, the story follows a sibling showdown over a family treasure—an ornately carved piano that holds their ancestors' stories of struggle and resilience. Berniece, portrayed by Danielle Deadwyler, wants to keep the piano as a symbol of their heritage, while Washington’s character, Boy Willie, sees selling it as his ticket to owning farmland and building a future.
Watch the NAACP Image Awards live on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on BET.