Fences (film)

Fences is a 2016 American period drama film directed by Denzel Washington and written by August Wilson, based on Wilson's 1985 Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. The film stars Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson, and Saniyya Sidney. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, it tells the story of Troy Maxson, a working-class African-American man struggling with race relations in the United States, and his strained relationships with his wife, son, and brother.

The film explores themes of race, family, responsibility, dreams deferred, and the complex dynamics of African-American life in mid-20th century America. Troy, a former Negro League baseball player denied his chance to play in the major leagues due to racial segregation, works as a garbage collector and struggles to provide for his family. His bitterness and disillusionment manifest in his overbearing and often destructive behavior, particularly towards his son Cory, who aspires to play college football.

Fences premiered at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles on December 16, 2016, and was released in the United States on December 25, 2016, by Paramount Pictures. It received critical acclaim, with particular praise for the performances of Washington and Davis. Both Washington and Davis were nominated for Academy Awards for their respective roles, with Davis winning Best Supporting Actress. The film was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.