2025 NAACP Image Awards: 5 Things to Know About Director Malcolm Washington Before He Takes Over Hollywood
The NAACP Image Awards 2025 will air on February 22 at 8 p.m. on BET, and among the standout nominations in the Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture category is Malcolm Washington for “The Piano Lesson,” alongside Virgil Williams.
While Malcolm comes from a lineage of cinematic greatness, he has been steadily making a name for himself on his own terms. Once an athlete, he transitioned into filmmaking with a clear artistic vision, proving that his talent extends beyond his famous last name.
Now, with “The Piano Lesson,” he's stepping further into the spotlight as a visionary storyteller, earning both critical acclaim and industry recognition. Here are five things to know about Malcolm Washington.
He’s the twin brother of actress Olivia Washington
Malcolm has a twin sister, Olivia Washington, who is also carving her own path in Hollywood. The siblings share a passion for the arts, with Olivia earning roles in various film and television projects, including Hulu’s “I’m a Virgo,” “Breaking,” and more.
He’s a former basketball star turned filmmaker
Before pursuing filmmaking, Malcolm played college basketball at the University of Pennsylvania during the 2009-2010 season and led his school to a state championship in his senior year, ESPN reports.
He was a standout point guard, but his love for storytelling eventually led him to trade the court for the director’s chair.
Studied Film at AFI Conservatory
Malcolm honed his craft at the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory, one of the most prestigious film schools in the world. His education at AFI helped sharpen his storytelling and technical skills. In 2016, he graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in directing.
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The “Piano Lesson” was his directorial debut
Malcom’s directorial debut, “The Piano Lesson,” is a screen adaptation of August Wilson’s iconic play. The film, which he co-wrote with Virgil Williams, has received critical acclaim.
He's collaborated with A-List talent
For “The Piano Lesson,” Washington worked with a powerhouse cast, including his brother John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, and Danielle Deadwyler. His ability to direct seasoned actors showcases his strong storytelling vision.
Watch the NAACP Image Awards live on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on BET.
