Denzel Washington: ‘I Didn’t Act for Oscar Awards’

The gleam of Oscar gold holds little allure for Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood’s most decorated actors. Despite two Academy Award wins and ten nominations spanning decades, the Training Day star recently dismissed the industry’s highest honor with characteristic bluntness: “I’m not that interested in Oscars.”

Why Doesn’t Denzel Washington Care About Oscar Wins?

During a revealing segment on Jake’s Takes, Washington unpacked his lifelong indifference to awards. “I don’t do it for Oscars,” he stated. “I’ve been at this a long time, and there are times when I won and shouldn’t have won, and then didn’t win and should’ve won.” The actor’s philosophy hinges on a higher benchmark: “Man gives the award. God gives the reward.”

Washington’s detachment extends to the physical trophies themselves. When asked about displaying his Oscars, he quipped, “Next to the other one. I’m not bragging! Just telling you how I feel about it.” He added soberly, “On my last day, [Oscars] aren’t going to do me a bit of good.” Interviewer Jake Hamilton lightened the moment, joking that God wouldn’t quiz him on statuette counts. Washington fired back, “He might go, ‘That’s why I gave you an extra week.’ [As] long as he says, ‘Now, get on up here,’ I’m all right.”

How Washington’s Perspective Shaped His Career Resilience

This outlook fortified Washington after his surprising snub for 2023’s The Gladiator II. Speaking to The New York Times, he shrugged off the omission: “I was sitting there smiling, going: ‘Look at you. On the day you didn’t get a nomination for an Oscar, you’re working on Othello on Broadway. Are you kidding me?’” With sarcastic flair, he added, “Awww. Oh, I’m so upset,” before turning reflective: “I’ve been around too long. I’m getting wiser, working on talking less and learning to understand more.”

Washington’s two Oscar wins—Best Supporting Actor for 1989’s Glory and Best Actor for 2001’s Training Day—highlight a paradox: an artist revered by the Academy yet unshackled by its validations. Colleagues like director Spike Lee have echoed this sentiment, noting award shows often overlook Black artists’ contributions (Variety, 2023). For Washington, legacy transcends trophies. He prioritizes craft, recently starring in The Equalizer 3 while mentoring young actors through his eponymous fellowship at Fordham University.

In an industry obsessed with accolades, Denzel Washington’s unwavering focus on purpose over prizes offers a masterclass in artistic integrity—proving that true impact outshines any Oscar.

Must Know

Q: How many Oscars has Denzel Washington won?
A: Washington has won two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for Glory (1989) and Best Actor for Training Day (2001). He’s received ten nominations total, most recently for The Tragedy of Macbeth (2022).

Q: What did Denzel Washington say about Oscar snubs?
A: Reacting to his Gladiator II snub, Washington told The New York Times he was unfazed, humorously contrasting it with his Broadway work. He emphasized wisdom and growth over awards.

Q: Why does Denzel Washington downplay his Oscars?
A: Washington believes divine judgment outweighs human validation (“Man gives the award. God gives the reward”). He’s stated Oscars won’t matter “on [his] last day,” prioritizing spiritual legacy over trophies.

Q: Has Denzel Washington criticized award shows before?
A: Yes. In 2020, he noted systemic biases in Hollywood (Entertainment Weekly), urging peers to focus on “the work” rather than external validation. His latest comments reinforce this decades-long stance.