John David Washington recently starred in a new horror movie on Netflix calledThe 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 Lessonis a musical drama based on the 1987 play of the same nameby August Wilson. It tells the story ofthe 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 Lessonis garnering positive reviews among critics and audiences. OnRotten 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, butThe Piano Lessonhas proved itself to be a captivating and haunting watch that goes beyond just family drama.To some,The Piano Lesson’sstorycould 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
Consideringhow wellThe Piano Lessonis being received, there is a chance that the movie could be the first horror movie sinceGet Outto be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. Back in 2017,Jordan Peele’sGet Outwas 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 Lessonmay finally beGet Out’sfollow-up.
There are a number of accolades thatThe Piano Lessoncould receive in the coming 2025 Oscars season. Aside from just being a Best Picture nominee,The Piano Lessoncould 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, butThe Piano Lesson’schances look pretty strong.
Why The Oscars Often Overlook Horror Movies For Best Picture
Horror movies are often ignored at major award ceremonies, especially in the category of Best Picture. Aside fromGet Out,only a handful ofhorror movies have been recognized as Best Picture nominees, includingJaws, Black Swan, The Sixth Sense,andParasite.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.
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 Lessonis a good example, but there is alsoThe 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 themesand compelling stories that should not be overlooked. Overall, it will be a win for horror movies at large ifThe Piano Lessonreceives a Best Picture nomination at the 2025 Oscars.
The Piano Lesson
Cast
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.
