EXCLUSIVE: The Piano Lesson breakout Skylar Aleece Smith has signed with Cultivate Entertainment Partners for representation.

Smith plays the pivotal supporting role of Maretha in The Piano Lesson, an adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Brooks, and Ray Fisher. Directed by Malcolm Washington, the film, which received the Ensemble Tribute award at the Gothams earlier this week, explores family legacy and the weight of history. The film is produced by Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, Todd Black (Fences, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), and Katia Washington (Fences, A Journal for Jordan).

Smith’s credits also include Antoine Fuqua’s harrowing drama feature Emancipation, starring Will Smith. 

“Skylar Aleece Smith is a rare talent whose performances leave a lasting impact,” said Sean Butler & Patrick Strøm, founders of Cultivate. “With The Piano Lesson, she’s cemented her place as one of the brightest stars of her generation.”