Mahershala Ali & John David Washington - Actors on Actors - Full Conversation

[@thandizohorea1267]

"As a black person you are tasked to turn water to wine " I felt that to my core .You have to go over and beyond.

[@sbf254]

of course, no one else has the capacity to tasked the impossible but us. Judah, real Israelite. shalom to my brothers.

[@alady1st]

He spoke the truth in that comment. This is what makes us so great in our craft

[@Tan87ful]

💯💯💯👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@DnewNancy]

What part did we say that?

[@ker_possible]

White people understand it it fully if you give black people knowledge and means, they will dominate, it’s inevitable hence the systemic racism. In sports that are super white, black people were crushing it look what happened to basketball. It was never a black dominated sport.

[@QUITUTINCIPICTURES]

What I like about John David Washington is that he is humble enough to not display an ego because he's son of Denzel, he doesn't have that comfortability of some others who are offsprings of Hollywood royalty. He moves and talks like a genuine newcomer who is grateful for the opportunity to be working on films.

[@sweetlikez]

well said

[@pamela0673]

Yes and that's a great testament to his parents. It makes me admire his father much more. Very chilled out guy. They're both Intelligent gentlemen. Pure class.

[@adamajobe1756]

That’s because of Denzel. He raised his kids to be humble and he made them work for everything they have. That’s why Denzel is one of the greatest!

[@pamela0673]

@@adamajobe1756 Yes indeed, that was my point. Denzel is a great father and he has raised a beautiful man.

[@user-pf1fe1sn5k]

QUITUTINCI TV Legit Facts... it’s so beautiful to see that kind of energy from anyone but from him it carries so much more weight and yet so fly!

[@luvbig41]

@39:53 "Racism is not experienced as the N-word all the time. It's more like he wouldn't even look me in the eye." That's the unadulterated truth.

[@LyricMichelle]

luvbig41 FACTS 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@WhatsBiggin]

I read this comment before the video got there and it STILL hit me like a Mack truck.

[@alady1st]

YESSSSSSS

[@elkaydoug8863]

Whoa!!!!! The N-word experience is so easy to write... but the nuances... Whoa. This comment still hit me like a ton of bricks too.

[@tyanttaylor60]

So true ,so powerful ,so sad

[@WEBACiCi]

I honestly love so much how John David Washington always brings up his mom, Pauletta. He's always persistent on if there wasn't a Pauletta there would be no Denzel.

[@briterry4961]

If you think about it his dad was probably gone a lot shooting movies, so it makes sense that his mom would've been more prominent in his life. Not to say Denzel wasn't a great dad, he just probably spent more time with moms.

[@WEBACiCi]

@@briterry4961 Oh yeah most def. totally agree with you there! I already know that Denzel was holding it down when he wasn't shooting.

[@Rubrick23.]

Na denzel would still be himself. Just with a different women

[@thoomolong]

I'm sure people who knew that Denzel existed before he met Pauletta would be surprised. Especially his parents!

[@TheDirectorb]

I have to say as a young dark skin black upcoming actor and artist, I got tears in my eyes. I look up to these brothas. It’s wild and a blessing that we have the opportunity to witness this greatness. Two black men and DARK SKIN brothas at that. Playing your non typical black characters. Playing two men who changed history in their own way. I love it! Gives me motivation and hope. #blacktors #blackboyjoy

[@spreadlove7761]

See you in the film industry bro never give up, always remember everybody has an opportunity, it's just up to us if we will be prepared for it, be ready when your movie opportunity comes, do your thing man

[@TeaLeaf222]

it truly is beautiful :) Im glad this lifted you up.

[@4bfam]

Someday some young boys will be watching you thinking they can do that and you'll motivate them to keep at it!! Keep going!!!

[@KenoSNeal]

yes🙌👏

[@richardnderitu6423]

You'll make it bro. God bless.

[@ThrivewithJesus]

“ God please guide me to my excellence “ love that, Hallelujah

[@ptpanashe9]

Marlene DR congratulations

[@richarddaniel1350]

That moved me so much.

[@silentthriller]

John David sounds just like his dad at times. It's a great thing to see or... hear rather.

[@krisj827]

Yeah, I can close my eyes and listen to him speak and all I hear is his dad.

[@karong7017]

Yep, if u close your eyes & listen...suddenly Denzel. So true, family have same voice tone and sometimes cadence. My sister & I sound alike.

[@lkjp07]

And he is the spitting image of his mother...

[@paakowgoode1273]

@@lkjp07 and the spitting voice of his father

[@godiseverything1482]

@@krisj827 Same...

[@mmaolisae3675]

"Don't get it right, get it true" That's a WORD! Great pairing - thanks Variety!

[@tyanttaylor60]

So powerful 🙏

[@LoveGigi99]

I thought this was a great pairing but an even better one would’ve been Ali and Viola Davis.. oh that would’ve been powerful!!!

[@MultiJayjack]

PurelyAfrican I can see where you’re coming from... but at the same time looks like JDW admires him. An wanted to hear a lil more about him. An can you blame Ali? He just wanted to do more fulfilling work. An wanted his art to be notice and acknowledged.

[@SeanWonder]

Could've easily listened to another two hours of this

[@AZANlA]

omm

[@tcla3854]

Me too! Extremely intellectual, and authentic.

[@TheMspriss7]

yep me too

[@mandylee4074]

Truly!!

[@screenactingschool]

YES.

[@wyntonmohorn]

This is a beautiful thing. I'm so proud of Mahershala Ali & John David Washington. 2 brothers doing their thing in the game. I can't wait to see them both kill it in 2019. 👊

[@sweetlikez]

i agree

[@allisonr6709]

I would see them both in anything. I don't think they're capable of bad work. And soooo exciting to watch.

[@benjiman7454]

@Michael Quinn Good for you and they are human beings. They're also Brothas. If you're not a Black Man you wouldn't understand, so maybe you should've passed by this as it's over your head

[@ThrivewithJesus]

The sound of their voices, thick liquid sugar.. tasting the sound... Lawd!!

[@joycesolomon9894]

Guurrl!

[@right2myopinion]

Chile, if you dont go sit on the alter....and write poetry 😉

[@oeu3669]

Jerisha Rutlin sit on the alter and write poetry nah you are TOOOO FUNNY 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@indigenousqueen2425]

John David's deep voice.

[@kayrup3712]

Yesss, girl...

[@Largo3point0]

One of my favorites in this series so far. Mahershala was really speaking from the heart.

[@ririsasy]

He is always talking from the heart

[@carolfay1122]

John David Washington is the prettiest thing I've ever seen.

[@kaesthetyc]

Thing ?

[@monikajcm5563]

Beautiful souls. Incredible actors. John David Washington has so much more to do and no one should think he’s there due to his father’s name. But Mahershala Ali is already one of those rare actors who steps on screen and you relax, you know he’s got this, wherever he’s going you’ll follow, because you believe in the character he’s playing. It’s rare, but the feeling is total belief and security. Extraordinary.

[@strongblkwmn]

Monika JcM Wonderfully said, and so true.

[@peachykeen1307]

Dang that was beautiful and true!

[@zinitevioki9015]

Big facts Mahershala is such a great actor I don’t know the other dude

[@iLuvesCOD]

So true.

[@jerrseyy1088]

Perfect description of Mahershala Ali. Beautifully said!

[@michaiabrown940]

Two beautifully handsome humble gentlemen. God bless them both in their careers.

[@MackenzieCrone]

Blackkklansman is AMAZING. It absolutely knocked me out

[@bmags4188]

Mackenzie Crone It was hilarious 😂

[@joycesolomon9894]

otta my seat!

[@kexia5630]

Loved Blackkklansman! It was hilarious and deep at the same time. I think Mr. John David did a fantastic job. Can't wait to see more if him in the future. Especially that new Nolan movie, Tenet.

[@stupididiot6993]

Much better than green book too imo... one of the many things that I thought it did better was instead of acting like racism literally ended at the end of the movie (which Green Book basically did), it reminded us that there are still racial problems that need solving. That news montage at the end could be completely changed to footage from 2020

[@chinouyamale]

These two individuals are elevating the profile of Black men in Hollywood. Ive met Mr Ali and this man is SOLID in this stance. Much respect to him and best wishes to both of them as their careers soar.

[@elephantello1518]

I have a friend like Marhershala. Every conversation is insightful. Appreciate the Mahershalas of this world.

[@belindalindsey607]

Thank you John David for making your own footprint in this industry. I love how you elevate your mother's career path, not taking anything away from your father. Mahershala, what can I say but you have come in quiet, but making a lot of noise, good noise that is. Thank you both and keep representing well.

[@mistakeef]

MAhershala is so deep.. he has such a deep understanding of what acting is.. he comes from such a different place. John David is on his way..

[@WilkineBrutus]

Damn good conversation about personal and professional growth.

[@DendyJungle]

I love that he gave a shout out to the cranberries. Great band. Rip Dolores.

[@thinblacknoodles]

Yes black folks love love love The Cranberries 💖💖💖💖💖

[@nivekian]

It's funny, that Mahershala is like "Denzel is your dad", and John is like "You're Mahershala Ali".

[@gaila.9852]

Timestamp?

[@Synonym_Halo]

Now, this is a conversation I needed to see! Great representation.

[@LyricMichelle]

WOW!!!! What an amazing RARELY ever expressed but HIGHLY experienced viewpoint. “Water into wine”, I mean I’m a new dark skinned black actress who’s been told your look is “in” now. Meaning being black... the complexity in the emotion of hearing that from a white acting coach who doesnt see you for you but a check in a box, a coach that you still somewhat admired at tge time. I want to talk about my choices as an actress, my deep dive, my emotions... yea I’m black, and proud of it, but thats not the only thing I’m proud of. Hear me when I speak, see me when you look. Thank you for this

[@sherylchapman7809]

Lyric Michelle inspiring ~ thAnk you!

[@alady1st]

It's a sad reality and unfortunately your going to hear more comments like that. I know a great black acting coach and the acting company is own by a successful black woman. Are you in southern California?

[@joycesolomon9894]

may you be blessed! may you follow your intuitive creative nature!

[@oeu3669]

S Porchia you should not use your words and energy to normalise this by telling this woman she is going to hear it more. Speak life. Stop retraumatising black women and black folk by telling them their oppression is an ‘unfortunate normal’ thereby maintaining the status quo. If you don’t have anything empowering to say, don’t say anything at all. At all. Because your narrative is false. The danger is in people saying this nonsense so much it is taken as truth. That is how trump became the president of a country - normalising false, dangerous and harmful narratives.

[@oeu3669]

Lyric Michelle Dear Queen, I hope this finds you well. I am very sorry that you had to hear this from someone you are supposed to be so exposed to and vulnerable with, someone who is supposed to empower you. But their bitterness and racist ideology was more important to her in that moment. What she said is not wrong and is very damaging. I do hope you have been able to find a new space. The crazy thing is - I have been told the same thing. So these people are out there. But your purpose is greater. Racists are a dying breed. Your ancestors smashed it - absolutely smashed it out the water. And you stand on the shoulders of giants who produced beautiful art amidst the abuse of the white man. You are as full a soul as they come - if not more to be quite frank. You CAN DO THIS. YOU GOT THIS! Them ancestors are all behind you. You are the living epitome of greatness. Go where you are celebrated and FLOURISH sis!!!🧡💕🧡💛💕❤️💕

[@raphaelgriffiths4005]

I love how genuinely humble these two are.

[@LK-sv2qy]

I love how it's just these two actors having a conversation without being interrupted by an interviewer. Two intelligent people talking about what they're passionate about, genuine, deep conversations.. This is gold

[@aprilloveself7407]

The total fineness in that room!!!! My OVARIES 😍😂

[@DominicanOps]

Kudos to JDW, with Tenet he truly is own man and quite the actor as well.

[@terp02Andrew]

I feel like I'm years late for only discovering JDW because of Tenet.

[@IconiCxEternal]

Very inspired by these two. We may look back at this interview a decade from now as being very big.

[@cindyperron3024]

Seeing these two beautiful men connect in such an authentic, articulate and deeply meaningful way has been delicious, inspiring... This exchange has set the bar so high and relevant in who men are (for me)... wow... Can this please be required viewing for future AOA ?? lots of love and admiration for these gentlemen and gorgeous humans...

[@danilteixeira199]

John David you actually can call Mr. Washington "Dad" hahaha you're so humble it inspires 💗

[@guguemichaels]

As a filmmaker, I just have to say "Woooow" I just hope that one day, I will gain enough fame and respect in the film industry to work with these two dark skin brothers. Nothing but respect!

[@hopekeeley2122]

They have like the most calming voices ever. It’s like getting my ears massaged.

[@JerichaG92]

Been loving the pairings!

[@mysteriousc.6718]

"I was an artist then; I just got into character."- John David Washington 🙌🏾

[@donavanbab]

If they ever reboot blade, give Ali a call

[@thevalenciagaa]

Donavan Bab I second this.

[@Writtenmirror]

Legit!

[@ckelly6313]

Donavan Bab literally was thinking that too! 🤣🙈

[@jcmuyonjo]

turns out you're a prophet.

[@breememe6192]

Now, speak a billion dollars into my account since you out here prophesying 😭🤣

[@kamblisatyajit]

I can listen to Mahershala Ali for hours. I just watched Moonlight and this is the 4th interview of his I am watching now.

[@91WriterzStatus]

The freedom of choice that Mahershala describes Don Shirley possessed during that time is beautiful. ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@winterramos4527]

Absolutely...the fact that Mahershala gained notoriety in these past few years is a beautiful thang. Plus, JW blew me away with TENET. YOU SHOULD CHECK IT OUT

[@maryjane2965]

Mahershala is so fine to me,inside and out 😍😍❤

[@jacobmoney]

Last weel, I watched True Detective Season 3 with Mahershala Ali and it might be one of the best shows I've ever seen in my whole life. And I've seen many many great ones...

[@Chris-ir8yy]

I am loving these conversations. Variety does a great job of matching up and diversifying. I am actually appreciating two brothers chop it up...The interesting thing is Mahershala is 25 yrs in the game thirsty for a lead role AFTER winning an Oscar and John is kinda fresh and humble about it though he is just as successful in a lead role. It's like learning as they learn in my eyes.

[@yvonnefuller336]

What a joy to watch two great performers come together to disuss their art. Gentlemen Of Distinction. Bravo!! Now lets see Tariji P Henson and Regina King do one😍 Variety !! 👌

[@moniquemortonderouselle6846]

Yooo!!! This is the best Actors on Actors I have seen. Two Blactors having an honest convo about being in Hollywood without the White gaze (other than the crew who I'm sure is there). There is a difference between having an open convo teaching another race about your plight verses sharing experiences and relating with your counterparts without judgement. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Thank You Variety! Now give me Regina King and Angela Bassett or Danni Gurira... I just need a female version of this ASAP!

[@nunyabizness214.]

I know I'm 2.5 years late but dayumm, I would definitely love to see dat. Regina and Angela are fantastic actor, watchmen and american horror story were just ♥️♥️uffffff 🔥🔥

[@TheMaybebaby90]

I came for the education about each actor in their films and I stayed for the wonderful chemistry they have together

[@mohshad]

I first saw Mahershala Ali in Luke Cage, he plays Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes and he was amazing. Cornell Stokes draws you into his world and terrifies you like no other villain, he does it without superpowers. He stands out on another level that is hard to explain. And dare I say, one of the best comic book villians.

[@laciewade9538]

look this is sooo supreme black excellence!!!! And i might add that Mahershala fade is sooo crispy BEAUTIFUL CRISP!!! LIKE THEM FADES I GREW UP LOOKING AT IN THE 90Ss!!!!!

[@allenmakere3822]

I just talked to someone about fades in the 90s. They didn't get it.

[@michaiabrown940]

Excellent interview..."God guide me to my excellence."

[@anthonygibson5561]

Amen to that

[@fabbehn0190]

Both so handsome!!

[@Browneyezish]

John David is a beautiful humble Man ❤️ Very Talented

[@TroyTalks.]

I haven't seen any of Mahershala's work yet, but I am already a fan based on his interviews alone.

[@sherylchapman7809]

Troy Talks you would love him in the movie Green Book.

[@mattmac3979]

We so need to see more of this type of dialogue between blacks. It shows we're evolving both on screen and in our thinking. We're reaching higher and we can now see what the media never highlights. These are two intelligent, elegant, cultured men who know who they are. Keep influencing positive change Mr. Ali and Mr. Washington. God bless u both.

[@christine3477]

Omg yes! This is a match made in heaven

[@ririsasy]

John is such a gifted man, he and mahershala talk much more and bigger than the film industry. They talked about life about religion about spirituality. They should become friend seriously.

[@ririschannelx]

Wow the way the speaks about this parents being true artists is so lovely to hear. How lucky!

[@TeaLeaf222]

I love this so much. Beautiful brothers, inside and out.

[@bford3977]

I am always amazed at how in touch and cerebral artists are. I loved this interview. Looking for BIG things from them both ❤❤

[@entertainmentculture2909]

I think John Washington wants too be respected for his acting not for his bloodline

[@gaila.9852]

@Corpsefoot Gaming He definitely is not acting like he is too good for anything. What a bizarre comment.

[@gaila.9852]

@Corpsefoot Gaming When someone’s parent is a teacher or principal at their school, do you think they call them Mom or Dad at school? No, they do not. Why did you even click on this video? All you are doing is embarrassing yourself. Run along now.

[@gloriarose1584]

@Corpsefoot Gaming there’s something called being professional

[@evanfrazier4460]

​@Corpsefoot Gaming we all approach "professionalism" differently and him calling his father Mr. Washington doesn't mean he's "pretending like he's too good." You also don't know the relationship he has with his father, which could factor into how he speaks of him in public. Who cares if he calls him "dad" or not .....

[@gaila.9852]

@Corpsefoot Gaming Have you never heard of an analogy? If he is a clown, why are you STILL here?

[@muemue888]

"Wise man once told me, if it ain't on the page; it ain't on the stage" That's his dad

[@yandia77]

Great interview, truly blessed and inspired by this conversation by both John David Washington and Mahershala Ali. "God guide me to my excellence"- this will be my personal prayer, thanks to Mahershala Ali ' s makeup artist.

[@ElleMS-14]

Too much beauty in one video.

[@ThrivewithJesus]

Lisa Smart God is good 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️

[@calinasantos5290]

Two African American actors talk to each other about telling stories rooted in African American history. #HowRare #WhenWeTellOurOwnStories

[@struss87]

John David is so refreshing. And I'm so excited to see him and Mahershala in more projects. ...It would be a treat to see Mahershala under the direction of Spike. That would be magic.

[@struss87]

Mahershala spoke to me when he said, "There's a difference between gratitude and fulfillment." @36:22 ...LISTEN.

[@karabelles5142]

HOLY SHIT the QUESTIONS, DUDE! these 2 are so articulate and so intelligent WTF! this video needs more views like HELLO!

[@freethought1947]

“I was masquerading as an athlete but I was an artist then, I just got into character.”

[@tcla3854]

This exchange is so refreshing....authentic, intellectual, and vulnerable. I don't think Barbara Walters or Oprah could have done a better job in exposing this much vulnerability. I learned so much...that said, Pauletta and Denzel did a fantastic job with raising a non-entitled young man. As for Merhershala, it's wonderful to see how he acknowledges people (by name) who inspired him. I could listen to this all day!

[@geris4669]

Is it just me or did Mahershala sound like he was getting choked up when he was talking about being guided to his excellence? Or was I hearing myself getting choked up as he was talking? lol

[@celebritytarotreadings7065]

No, I heard it as well but you can't see an inkling of it on his face.

[@geris4669]

@@celebritytarotreadings7065 A true actor through and through

[@gbolahanakitunde1625]

Heard it too

[@partlydave2]

That's a man speaking his heart about his passion.

[@RobynLouise86]

Both

[@lamia6403]

Just two talented, smart and handsome men pouring gold into our ears.

[@LonzellCross]

I have such a profound amount of respect for both of these incredible actors. The quality of their work is remarkable and it's evident that greatness will continue to follow them because they both seem appreciate and love the art and craft of acting. My hope is that these bothers continue to change the minds and hearts of others with their epic performances. Respect and "May God continue to guide them to their excellence."

[@GDSprodify]

Mahershalla is The GOAT!

[@ItsGippetto]

These brothers are so inspiring to me.

[@ririsasy]

What a great discussion. Mahershala always brings something new on the table.

[@kerrajohnson3203]

*I'm just here to listen to John David's voice. He sounds exactly like Denzel.* 😍 *AND he listens to The Cranberries!*

[@jameswomack819]

Dope interview! I was listening to it while driving and am I the only one that heard Uncle Aaron (Spider-Man Into The Spiderverse) and Denzel talking? 😁

[@torferguson3866]

This collaboration is GOLD. Two excellent actors really getting deep into their processes. Eager to continue watching them perform.

[@jerrelhenderson1634]

They are future , of black Hollywood we need more black leading men in movies

[@micheledion2000]

Thank you. I feel great after seeing these two extraordinary men.

[@xfiler-gl7nc]

John David sounds just like Denzel . Just like Colin Hanks sounds like Tom. The force is strong with his one 😂. Just close your eyes and imagine him saying those lines from X or training day.

[@lisalisa9085]

Mahershala is underrated some if not most of his movies are interesting...

[@brittneyberry4934]

Something about Mahershala Ali I'm absolutely in love with lol

[@CrystalWilliamsoncoach]

Between this AoA, the interviews with Nicole Kidman/Amy Adams & Emily Blunt/Hugh Jackman = VARIETY kills it!!!! Thank you!!!!!

[@EzeICE]

Mahershala rocking the True Detective hairstyle!! Oooohhh man can't wait! Also can't wait for John David to do big things in the future.

[@dynasty8651]

Such a rewarding convo to listen too. Props to these two amazingly talented brothas ❤

[@dnb200]

I love this. I feel like I just watched a friendship begin.

[@strongblkwmn]

Such a thoughtful conversation. I felt so at peace while watching. Cannot wait to see what’s in store for these brother’s futures.

[@raulbarata4427]

My two favorites right now. Two amazing black men. Keep up with the good work brothers. It is all love from Mozambique!

[@Renould2010]

Mahershal A. Ali and, John David Washington, great interview on Pier to Pier great insight. Great Interview Brothers. Therefore, awesome to see these Young and, great Bronze African-American Actors. 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿💯💯💯👑👑.

[@ashtonturner2862]

Looking forward to watching True Detective season 3 because of Mahershala Ali.

[@courtneyaustin8217]

This was soo Good. Two phenominal actors speaking to each other as brothers and professionals in their craft. What a vibe.

[@ericastreet6589]

More please, Variety! Thank you!

[@rabymaidahsavage258]

Outstanding, brilliant, these two Giants interviewing each other? Whaaat? LOVE IT!

[@burgesssam]

Amazing conversation. I could've listened to these two talk for hours more.

[@91WriterzStatus]

These conversations/interviews, I absolutely love this segment on Variety.

[@latoyalewis9987]

I wish this was longer.

[@ririsasy]

He called his father Mr.Washington

[@joycesolomon9894]

Love the respect of one artist to another: that is the context of this relationship for his dad as a sublime artist of his craft.

[@lisacox3750]

@Valt No, that has nothing to do with it. If you notice, it's a way to separate himself and their relationship. Otherwise, he would just say "my father". It's because they are in the same industry but John David wants people to see him as his own person separate from Denzel. I worked with a mother and daughter before and they did the same thing. If you didn't know them...you wouldn't even know they were related.

[@leiannb.wrytes8893]

@Corpsefoot Gaming He could still earn a living in the industry as any other artist does who doesn’t have a legend for a parent. It isn’t rational to say that he wouldn’t have a career. As far as Tenet goes, every film isn’t a commercial success. He’ll be alright.

[@2und2sind4]

@Corpsefoot Gaming word

[@FreshCreativeFrog25]

The EXCELLENCE in this video! I could listen to Mahershala and John David talk to each other for hours. The knowledge, the class, and they’re so chill!

[@myfilms999]

True Detective Season 3 here we gooo!!!

[@Freiheit1232]

This was excellent. Quality actors and people.

[@javierpizarro9852]

Imma need another 2 hrs on this interview

[@bcdgo3]

“We all want to be guided to our excellence.” Touched my heart and soul.