Denzel Washington Speaks Publicly About Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock: 'The Only Solution Was Prayer'

Washington,Tyler Perry, andBradley Cooperwere among the stars seenspeaking with theKing Richardactor, 53, shortly after he hit Rock, 57, over a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, appearing in a possible sequel for the 1997 filmG.I. Jane(Pinkett Smith, 50, publicly revealed that she has alopecia in 2018). Earlier in the conversation, Washington recalled an old adage that resonated with him in wake of Smith slapping Rock during Sunday’s Oscars broadcast, perThe Wrap,The Hollywood Reporter, andVariety.

Denzel Washington Tries to Hunt a Killer with Rami Malek in The Little Things Trailer

Denzel Washingtonis returning to the big screen in the psychological thrillerThe Little Things. The Oscar-winning actor stars as Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon, who is sent to Los Angeles for a quick evidence-gathering assignment only to find himself embroiled in the search for a serial killer. Washington is joining forces with two other Oscar winners:Rami Malek, who plays Sergeant Jim Baxter andJared Leto, who plays the prime suspect in the case, Albert Sparma.

Denzel Washington Wishes He Had Made a Film with Sidney Poitier: 'I Missed That Opportunity'

Photo: Kristy Sparow/WireImage; Michael Kovac/WireImage Denzel Washingtonhas worked with countless A-list talent over the course of his career, but he regrets that he never collaborated with the lateSidney Poitierbefore hisdeath. Washington, 67, toldVarietyhe wished he could have shared the screen with Poitier, who died at age 94 Thursday. Washington’sVarietycover dropped Thursday, the day before the news of Poitier’s death broke. Speaking to the magazine, theFencesactor/director said he wanted to costar in a film with Poitier, who made history in 1964 as the first Black man to win a Best Actor Oscar for his role inLilies of the Field.

Denzel Washington's 'Equalizer 3' Earns Second-Highest Labor Day Weekend Box Office of All Time

Denzel Washington (left) and Andrea Dodero (right) in The Equalizer 3.Photo:Stefano Montesi /Sony Pictures Entertainment /EverettDenzel Washingtonis back at the top of the box office.The Equalizer 3made an estimated $42 million at the domestic box office over the four-day holiday weekend, making it the second-highest Labor Day weekend ever,multipleoutletsreported Monday.Marvel Studios' 2021 movieShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsstill holds the holiday weekend’s record with $94.6 million two years ago.

Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand to Open New York Film Festival with 'The Tragedy of Macbeth'

Photo: Courtesy Apple/A24 Shakespeare is kicking off the 59th New York Film Festival. On Thursday, Apple/A24 and NYFF debuted a first look at a photo ofDenzel WashingtonandFrances McDormandas Lord and Lady Macbeth, respectively, inThe Tragedy of Macbeth, from writer and director Joel Coen. The black-and-white offering is set to premiere during the festival’s opening night on Sept. 24, at Alice Tully Hall inside theLincoln Center for the Performing Arts, according to a release.