Mahershala Ali breaks down recalling emotional Moonlight scene

Mahershala Ali became emotional while revisiting one of the most heartbreaking scenes from Moonlight during a conversation at the BFI London Film Festival, where the Oscar-winning actor reflected on the film's enduring impact and offered a cautious update on his role in Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.

Speaking during a Screen Talk hosted by Amon Warmann on October 17, Ali discussed the 2016 drama directed by Barry Jenkins, which earned him his first Academy Award for his portrayal of Juan, a drug dealer who becomes a father figure to a young boy named Chiron. As he recalled one of the film's most powerful moments, the actor struggled to hold back tears. 

The scene that moved Ali features Chiron asking Juan during a dinner-table conversation whether he sells drugs. Reflecting on the moment, Ali described the heartbreak of watching a child already struggling with his circumstances confront the reality of the adult he has come to trust.

“You see this like crisis for this young boy who's already in crisis,” Ali said, describing the scene as heartbreaking.

When Warmann asked why Moonlight continues to resonate with audiences a decade after its release, Ali paused as he became overwhelmed with emotion, wiping away tears before continuing.

The actor explained that the film's ability to give humanity and depth to people whose experiences are often overlooked is part of what makes it so meaningful. He also drew on personal memories when developing Juan, using the example of a man he had known since childhood who served as a father-like figure in his neighbourhood.

Ali recalled that the man, who had played basketball with him and worked as a substitute teacher, was eventually imprisoned while Ali was still in college. The experience influenced how he approached Juan, helping him understand the complexity of people whose lives cannot be reduced to a single label.

The conversation also touched on Ali's experience following his success with Moonlight and his subsequent role in Green Book, for which he won his second Academy Award. The actor acknowledged the controversy surrounding the 2018 film, particularly criticism related to its portrayal of pianist Don Shirley and the concerns raised by Shirley's family.

Despite the backlash, Ali said he continues to stand by his work on the film and the experience of making it. He also reflected on the difference between professional achievement and personal fulfilment, explaining that winning consecutive Oscars gave him a sense of accomplishment without necessarily providing lasting satisfaction.

The discussion eventually turned to Ali's upcoming animated project, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, in which he is expected to reprise his voice role as Aaron Davis, also known as the Prowler.

Ali was careful not to reveal details about the highly anticipated sequel, particularly when asked how he distinguishes between different versions of the character in the Spider-Verse. “I don't want to give anything away or spoil anything, I've got to be careful,” he said.

When pressed about whether he had completed his voice-recording sessions, Ali jokingly replied, “I might not even be in it, man! I don't know, man! I don't know!”

The comments offered little concrete information about the film but highlighted the secrecy surrounding the next instalment of Sony's animated superhero franchise. Ali previously voiced Aaron Davis in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, while a different version of the character appeared towards the end of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

Ali also discussed the demanding production schedule of HBO's True Detective, recalling how filming the first season's three timelines required extensive hours and lengthy sessions in the make-up chair. He described the experience as exhausting, particularly while balancing the demands of the production with family life.

The actor is currently appearing in HBO's crime drama Task alongside Mark Ruffalo and has also been promoting his film Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother, directed by Bassam Tariq.

As Moonlight marks its 10th anniversary, Ali's emotional recollection serves as a reminder of the film's lasting influence and the deeply personal experiences that can shape an actor's performance. Meanwhile, his guarded comments about Beyond the Spider-Verse leave fans waiting for more details about his return to the animated franchise.