Denzel Washington Dismisses Cancel Culture Fears: “Who Cares?”

Denzel Washington, the revered two-time Oscar winner, is making headlines again, not for a new role, but for his unflinching perspective on fame and public opinion. Days after downplaying the importance of Academy Awards, Washington tackled another modern phenomenon head-on: the fear of being “canceled.”

During a Complex News interview alongside his frequent collaborator, director Spike Lee, Washington was asked point-blank if he worried about being canceled. His response was characteristically blunt. “What does that mean — to be canceled?” he questioned interviewer Jillian Hardeman-Webb. When she clarified it meant losing public support, Washington shot back, “Who cares?”

Pressing further, he challenged the very premise: “What made public support so important to begin with?” As Hardeman-Webb suggested that followers equate to currency in today’s world, Washington laid out his guiding principles. “I don’t care who’s following who,” he stated emphatically. “You can’t lead and follow at the same time… I don’t follow anybody. I follow the heavenly spirit. I follow God, I don’t follow man. I have faith in God. I have hope in man, but look around, it ain’t working out so well.”

His conclusion offered a simple solution to cancel culture anxiety: “You can’t be canceled if you haven’t signed up. Don’t sign up.” He even quipped about the intensity of the topic, joking, “My chest started hurting… chest is getting tight talking about it.”

How Does Denzel Washington Maintain His Perspective in Hollywood?

Washington’s dismissal of cancel culture fears stems from a deeply rooted personal philosophy that prioritizes faith and intrinsic values over external validation. This isn’t the first time recently he’s challenged conventional Hollywood metrics of success. Earlier in the week, on Jake’s Takes, he downplayed the significance of Oscars. “I don’t act for Oscars… I don’t care about that kind of stuff,” Washington asserted. Reflecting on his wins and losses, he added, “Man gives the award. God gives the reward… On my last day, [Oscars] aren’t going to do me a bit of good.” This consistent message highlights his focus on purpose and principle rather than popularity or trophies.

His collaboration with Spike Lee on their fifth film together, Highest 2 Lowest – a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low – showcases this dedication to craft over accolades. In the A24 and Apple film, Washington stars as a music mogul embroiled in a high-stakes ransom plot. Lee, present during the Complex interview, hinted this likely wouldn’t be their last project together, reinforcing their successful creative partnership built on mutual respect, not chasing trends.

What Drives Denzel Washington’s Enduring Appeal?

Washington’s appeal lies not just in his formidable talent but in his authenticity and unwavering self-assurance. His refusal to be defined by public opinion or industry awards resonates with audiences weary of performative fame. He operates by a different compass, one oriented by faith and personal integrity, making his stance against cancel culture less a defiance and more a natural extension of his worldview. This consistency, coupled with his exceptional body of work – including Oscar-winning performances in Glory (1989) and Training Day (2001) – cements his status as an icon who transcends fleeting cultural moments.

Denzel Washington’s powerful message cuts through the noise of modern celebrity culture: true freedom comes not from seeking approval, but from living by unwavering principles and faith. His dismissal of cancel culture fears and Oscar obsession underscores a career built on substance over spectacle, offering a masterclass in enduring integrity. Discover the depth of his latest performance in Highest 2 Lowest, in theaters now.

Must Know

What did Denzel Washington say about cancel culture?
Washington dismissed concerns about being “canceled,” asking “Who cares?” about losing public support. He stated he doesn’t follow public opinion, instead following his faith, and advised, “You can’t be canceled if you haven’t signed up. Don’t sign up.” (Source: Complex News interview, July 2024).

What is Denzel Washington’s new movie?
Washington stars in Highest 2 Lowest, directed by Spike Lee. It’s a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, produced by A24 and Apple. Washington plays a music mogul targeted in a ransom plot. The film is currently in theaters.

Has Denzel Washington won any Oscars?
Yes, Denzel Washington has won two Academy Awards. He won Best Supporting Actor for Glory (1989) and Best Actor for Training Day (2001). He has been nominated multiple times throughout his career.

What did Denzel Washington say about the Oscars recently?
Washington stated he doesn’t act “for Oscars” and doesn’t care much about winning them. He emphasized, “Man gives the award. God gives the reward,” suggesting awards hold little ultimate significance for him. (Source: Jake’s Takes interview, July 2024).

Who directed Denzel Washington in Highest 2 Lowest?
Highest 2 Lowest was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee. This marks the fifth collaboration between Washington and Lee, their first in nearly 20 years, and Lee has indicated it likely won’t be their last.

What is Denzel Washington’s perspective on fame?
Washington prioritizes faith and personal integrity over public approval or follower counts. He stated clearly he doesn’t follow public opinion or trends, focusing instead on his spiritual beliefs and the work itself, rather than external validation.