Denzel Washington suits up as Roman J. Israel, Esq. in first photos

Denzel Washington is rocking the slickest eyewear of his career in the first look photos for Roman J. Israel, Esq.

The unique style of the two-time Oscar winning actor’s titular character features in the first round of stills released from the upcoming dramatic thriller directed and written by Nightcrawler scribe Dan Gilroy, about a “driven, idealistic defense attorney whose life is upended when a turbulent series of events challenge the activism that has defined his career,” according to the official synopsis. Colin Farrell costars as a wealthy lawyer who enlists Roman’s help at his firm, while Selma actress Carmen Ejogo also has a supporting role.

The Toronto International Film Festival additionally announced Thursday the film will have its world premiere as part of the annual event’s 42nd edition, completing the already-announced roster of special presentations. The festival previously launched Nightcrawler into the awards conversation back in 2014, as Gilroy’s writing went on to receive a nod from the Academy.

“The Toronto International Film Festival has a wonderful history with both Dan Gilroy and Denzel Washington,” Cameron Bailey, TIFF’s artistic director, said of the film via statement. “Three years ago TIFF had the honor of premiering Gilroy’s directorial debut, Nightcrawler, at the Festival. In addition to previously screening The Equalizer and presenting the World Premiere of Training Day, which earned Washington an Oscar for Best Actor, the Washington-starring The Magnificent Seven was our Opening Night film last year. A project that teams up both of these remarkable creators is one not to be missed.”

Roman J. Israel, Esq. opens in limited release on Nov. 3, with expansion to more cities planned for Nov. 10 and a nationwide rollout landing Nov. 17. The 42nd Toronto International Film Festival kicks off Sept. 7 and runs through Sept. 17.