Watch Denzel Washington’s Emotional Reaction to Hearing His Son Brag About Him

From The Pioneer Woman

It's always nice to hear a bit of praise when it comes to the work you're most passionate about. That praise hits a bit harder when you hear that it's coming from your son, who argues that you are one of the best of all time. That's exactly what happened to Denzel Washington while promoting his new film The Little Things, set to release in theaters and HBO Max at the end of the month. While speaking with Access Hollywood, the actor was surprised by comments his son made in an interview about his famous father, leaving the elder Washington speechless and a bit choked up.

After being asked about the New York Times naming his father the best actor of the 21st century, John David told Access Hollywood, "I think it’s about time. I think he is one of the greatest to ever do it so it was a very proud moment for our entire family.” When Access parroted the words to Denzel, the Fences actor and director had to follow up and ask exactly what his son had said before sitting silently for a minute. With a big gulp, he finally said, "I'm speechless," completely forgetting the initial question that the interviewer had posed.

Keeping it in the family, Washington added that they should also keep an eye on his daughter, Olivia, noting, "His sister is a great actor. Olivia Washington." Olivia will appear alongside her father in the upcoming The Little Things. As Denzel settles into a new chapter of his career, he's become a powerhouse multi-hyphenate, producing films like Fences, Roman J. Israel Esq., and this year's potential Oscars juggernaut, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

Forging his own way in the business, John David is set to star alongside Zendaya in the Sam Levinson's bottle drama, Malcolm and Marie, which will debut on Netflix in February. All of that is to say, when you're in the Washington family, it seems greatness begets greatness.