Fences tells the story of Troy Maxson, a sanitation worker who once dreamed of being a professional baseball player but was too old once the league began allowing black players. Unable to cope with a lost dream he makes a decision that might destroy his family. The film stars Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, and was adapted from August Wilson’s play.
The film is up for a number of awards include the Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. At Sunday night’s Writer’s Guild of America Awards ceremony, I had the chance to speak with actors Stephen Henderson and Russell Horsnby about the growing praise for the movie as well as August Wilson’s legacy.
“It’s really wonderful that August is being lifted the way he’s being lifted,” Henderson told me on the red carpet. “He was faithful over his story and how he wanted it done and it came around almost 30 years later. And it’s just incredible!” Hornsby added, “It’s a dream come true. I feel that August Wilson helped raised me.”
We also talked about diversity in Hollywood, with Henderson pointing out that documentaries like I Am Not Your Negro illustrates how long African Americans have made literary contributions to society. “We’re in a wonderful time because there are these great artists that keep coming,” he said.
Fences may have lost out to Arrival for for Best Adapted Screenplay at the WGA Awards, but it still has a chance to take home the prize at next week’s Oscars.
(image via screencap)
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