Anthony Anderson Supports 'Birth of a Nation' Director

Anthony Anderson understands the drama 'Birth of a Nation' director and star Nate Parker is going through -- and clearly believes in second chances.

We caught up with the "Black-ish" star Thursday in Bev Hills and asked if it's fair Parker's 1999 rape trial -- which ended with his acquittal -- is now affecting the biggest film of his life.

Anthony's take on Parker's situation -- focus on the man's work.

For Nate's part ... he released a statement this week addressing the resurfaced story.