Virginia Film Festival

Set in the Korean War, Devotion captures the tale of the U.S. Navy’s first Black aviator, Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors), and his dedicated wingman Tom Hudner. Despite Jesse’s status as a decorated first-rate pilot, he cannot dispel the  prejudice and racist hostility that runs rampant in a recently desegregated military.

When Tom joins the unit, Jesse is initially wary of his overly amicable nature. Yet, their intense dedication to their squadron allows them to forge an incredible bond of trust as they are sent into combat for the first time. Featuring a stunning backdrop of beautifully shot aerial sequences, this captivating narrative recounts a story of perseverance and courage, as two remarkable individuals make history while joining the ranks of the U.S. Navy’s most celebrated wingmen.

Presentation of Breakthrough Star Award to Jonathan Majors by Jason George (VAFF Board)
Discussion with actor Jonathan Majors, moderated by Tyler Coates (The Hollywood Reporter)

JONATHAN MAJORS
Emmy, Critics’ Choice, Independent Spirit, and Gotham award nominee Jonathan Majors rose to prominence with his starring role in The Last Black Man in San Francisco. Other highlights include standout performances in Da 5 Bloods, The Harder They Fall, and Lovecraft Country. In 2023, he is set to star in Creed III and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Photo by Jeff Vespa/Shutterstock