Jurnee Smollett Reflects on Being ‘Called Out’ by Denzel Washington for ‘Stale’ Performance on Set of The Great Debaters

Jurnee Smollett, now a seasoned actress at 38, recently opened up about a pivotal moment early in her career when director Denzel Washington candidly addressed her “stale” performance during the filming of the 2007 drama The Great Debaters. The experience, she shared during an interview with her The Order co-star Jude Law for Us Weekly’s inaugural In Conversation feature, became a valuable lesson in balancing preparation with spontaneity.

Smollett recalled that despite rigorous rehearsals and debate camp sessions under Washington’s guidance, she arrived on set confident yet quickly realized something was missing. “In my head I’m like, ‘I’m gonna crush this, man. I’m gonna kill this scene.’ I get there and I was stale. I was over-rehearsed, and he knew it,” she said. Washington approached her and bluntly stated, “You over-rehearsed.” When she admitted feeling stuck, he reassured her, “It’s OK, we’re gonna shoot everyone else and we’ll shoot you last and by then you’ll loosen up.”

However, even with extra time, Smollett struggled to find the necessary spark. Growing anxious, she recalled a “special shot” focusing on her, but still feeling off. Washington returned with another succinct piece of advice: “If you’re gonna ask a question, get an answer.” That simple directive “opened my head up,” Smollett said, helping her connect deeply with her character’s personal stakes.

Her role involved debating whether people of color should have access to certain universities—a subject that carried emotional weight for Smollett. “It was personal… fighting for your life. That’s how high the stakes are, is what I realized in him saying, ‘Get an answer,’” she explained. The breakthrough led to an emotional take that made the final cut, one that continues to resonate with her.

Jude Law chimed in, noting how such insights can make all the difference: “And it just clicks.” Smollett agreed, describing the environment fostered by Washington as a “safe place to fail big.”

The actors also reflected on the intuitive directing style of The Order’s Justin Kurzel. Law praised Kurzel’s natural understanding of when to be “warm and generous” with actors, highlighting the importance of a director’s empathy in nurturing performances.

Smollett’s candid story offers a revealing glimpse into the pressures and growth that come with acting, illustrating how even moments of struggle can lead to breakthrough performances—especially under the mentorship of a master like Denzel Washington.