Dylan (Sean Michael Afable) receives a stern lecture from his domineering father (Tzi Ma).
Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne) agrees to become Akeelah’s (Keke Palmer) spelling coach.
Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne) coaches Akeelah (Keke Palmer) by introducing her to great works of literature.
Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne) discovers Akeelah’s mnemonic device, jumping rope.
ABOVE: Tanya (Angela Bassett) confronts Akeelah (Keke Palmer) at the Regional Bee while Mr. Welch (Curtis Armstrong) and Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne) look on.
RIGHT: Tanya (Angela Bassett) forgives Akeelah (Keke Palmer) and begins to support her daughter’s dream.
The winners of the Regional Bee display their ribbons. From left to right, Dylan (Sean Michael Afable), Javier (J. R. Villarreal), and Akeelah (Keke Palmer).
Akeelah (Keke Palmer) smiles for the cameras with Mr. Welch (Curtis Armstrong) after qualifying for the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Tanya (Angela Bassett) tries to persuade Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne) to continue coaching Akeelah.
Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne) shows Akeelah (Keke Palmer) a bust of Frederick Douglass in Washington, D.C.
Akeelah (Keke Palmer) gives it her all at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Kiana (Erica Hubbard) and Terrence (Julito McCullum) watch as their sister makes history at the televised bee.
Dylan (Sean Michael Afable) and Akeelah (Keke Palmer) share the spelling bee title.
Tanya (Angela Bassett), Akeelah (Keke Palmer), Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne), and Javier (J. R. Villarreal) all celebrate Akeelah’s inspiring win.