After spending just a short amount of time with Ava DuVernay and Omari Hardwick, it was evident to see that the two have quite the chemistry. It’s a given, considering the duo’s work history. DuVernay made history at the Sundance Film Festival this year by becoming the first African-American woman to win the festival’s Best Director Award for her new film Middle of Nowhere, starring Hardwick, newbie Emayatzy Corinealdi and David Oyelowo. Not too shabby considering it was only her second feature film.
“He [Hardwick] is the only actor that I’ve worked with twice,” says DuVernay. Hardwick, who has starred in films like Kick-Ass, For Colored Girls, Miracle at St. Annaand Sparkle, met DuVernay two years ago when he was cast in her feature debut I Will Follow. Since then, the two have shared a beautifully rare working relationship and friendship. “Working with Ava, you just smile all day. It’s like those best moments with your brothers or your sisters,” says Hardwick.
We recently chatted up the two about their favorite places to dine and indulge in La-La Land.
