During her speech at ELLE Women in Hollywood last night, Danielle Deadwyler, who stars in The Piano Lesson, eagerly embraced the title bestowed upon her in ELLE’s December 2024/January 2025 issue: "The Witness." Deadwyler expressed her gratitude for this humbling honor and explained how it perfectly suits her role as a watcher and a listener who does not forget.
Quoting art historian and curator TK Smith, Deadwyler reminded the audience that "forgetting is foolish and seductive." She reiterated that she does not forget women, trans women, Black women, nonbinary folks, and their contributions. Deadwyler emphasized the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the efforts, craftsmanship, and labor of these individuals time and time again.
During the event, held in partnership with Ralph Lauren, Harry Winston, and TikTok, Deadwyler felt inspired to discuss monuments, drawing parallels to the premise of The Piano Lesson. The movie centers around a family's ancestral piano, which itself serves as a monument. Deadwyler expressed her hope that the film would bring viewers to a profound understanding of the past, present, and future, all sculpted together with love.
In an interview for the same ELLE issue, Deadwyler acknowledged the challenges faced by women in Hollywood, highlighting that these challenges are not unique to the entertainment industry but extend to women worldwide. She explained the constant need to navigate through various obstacles and inequities. Deadwyler emphasized the underrepresentation of Black women onscreen, backed by data and statistics over time. Despite these struggles, she expressed optimism and the continuous efforts to claim space and advocate for themselves.
To learn more about Deadwyler's perspective and her full interview, readers can refer to ELLE's December 2024/January 2025 issue. Additionally, ELLE's Women in Hollywood event can be watched on TikTok, presented in collaboration with Ralph Lauren, Harry Winston, and TikTok.
