John David Washington recently starred in a new horror movie on Netflix called The Piano Lesson, and this movie has the chance to finally break a long-running streak at the Oscars. Released in early November 2024, The Piano Lesson is a musical drama based on the 1987 play of the same name by August Wilson. It tells the story of the Charles family, who delve into their difficult history as they decide what to do with their heirloom piano. The movie was directed by Malcolm Washington and stars John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, and Danielle Deadwyler.
Currently, The Piano Lesson is garnering positive reviews among critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has a Certified Fresh 91% critics score and a 64% audience score. Arguably, this good reception should be no surprise considering the big names behind this project, but The Piano Lesson has proved itself to be a captivating and haunting watch that goes beyond just family drama. To some, The Piano Lesson’s story could even be considered a horror, capturing the horrifying and tragic events that create generational trauma.
The Piano Lesson Could Become The First Horror Movie Since Get Out To Be Nominated For Best Picture At The Oscars
What Nominations The Piano Lesson Could Receive
Considering how well The Piano Lesson is being received, there is a chance that the movie could be the first horror movie since Get Out to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. Back in 2017, Jordan Peele’s Get Out was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture. Although the film only won the first award, its other nominations were still impressive, considering that straight horror movies rarely get the attention and praise they deserve, especially at award ceremonies. The Piano Lesson may finally be Get Out’s follow-up.
There are a number of accolades that The Piano Lesson could receive in the coming 2025 Oscars season. Aside from just being a Best Picture nominee, The Piano Lesson could rack up nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Actor for John David Washington, and most notably, Best Supporting Actress for Danielle Deadwyler. Deadwyler has been an absolute stand-out among critical reviews, and this would be her first Academy Award nomination. Oscar nominations won’t be announced until January, but The Piano Lesson’s chances look pretty strong.
Why The Oscars Often Overlook Horror Movies For Best Picture
Horror Movies’ Bad Rap Explained
Horror movies are often ignored at major award ceremonies, especially in the category of Best Picture. Aside from Get Out, only a handful of horror movies have been recognized as Best Picture nominees, including Jaws, Black Swan, The Sixth Sense, and Parasite. Notably, many of these movies aren’t even necessarily labeled as horror movies, but as thrillers or dramas. Ultimately, the Oscars usually overlook horror movies because, as a genre, horror is generally looked down upon. Because of the overload of silly slashers and simply poor horror movies, the genre is often seen as mere fluff without any true substance.
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The Piano Lesson Ending Explained: How Boy Willie & Berniece Fight Sutter’s Ghost
The ending of Netflix’s powerful historical drama The Piano Lesson requires siblings at odds to come together and harness their ancestral strength.
Yet, 2024 alone has proven that this is not the case. The Piano Lesson is a good example, but there is also The Substance, It’s What’s Inside, and the upcoming Robert Egger’s film, Nosferatu. These horror movies are not just meant to scare audiences, but have important themes and compelling stories that should not be overlooked. Overall, it will be a win for horror movies at large if The Piano Lesson receives a Best Picture nomination at the 2025 Oscars.
In The Piano Lesson, a brother and sister clash over selling a family heirloom piano—he sees it as a path to wealth, while she views it as a vital link to their heritage. Their uncle tries to mediate, but the conflict reveals deep truths about identity, legacy, and the past.
- Director
- Malcolm Washington
- Release Date
- November 8, 2024
- Writers
- Virgil Williams , Malcolm Washington
- Cast
- Samuel L. Jackson , John David Washington , Danielle Deadwyler , Ray Fisher , Corey Hawkins , Michael Potts , Skylar Smith , Stephan James , Erykah Badu , Malik J Ali , Charity Jordan , Isaiah Gunn , Matrell Smith , Jerrika Hinton , Gail Bean , Hanniel Joseph , Pauletta Washington , Olivia Washington , Kylee D. Allen , Deetta West , Jay Peterson , David Atkinson , Tony Fox , Melanie Jeffcoat , Owen Harn , Charles Green
- Runtime
- 125 Minutes