Denzel Washington is no stranger to Hollywood accolades, but the two-time Academy Award winner says trophies have never been his true motivation.
The 70-year-old actor, known for decades of celebrated performances, is currently promoting his upcoming A24 drama Highest 2 Lowest, which reunites him with longtime collaborator Spike Lee.
Speaking with Jake Hamilton of Jake’s Takes, Washington made it clear that while he respects the recognition, the Oscars are far from the ultimate goal.
“I don’t do it for Oscars, I really don’t care about that kind of stuff. I’ve been at this a long time, and there are times where I won, shouldn’t have won, and times where I didn’t win and should have. Man gives the awards, God gives the rewards. I’m not that interested in Oscars,” he said.
Washington took home his first Oscar in 1990 for Best Supporting Actor in Glory and made history in 2002 as only the second Black man to win Best Actor, for Training Day. Over the years, he has received seven more nominations for roles in films including Malcolm X, Fences and Cry Freedom. Still, his perspective remains grounded.
“People ask, ‘Where do you keep it? I say, ‘Next to the other one. I’m not bragging, I’m just telling you how I feel about it. On my last day, awards aren’t going to do me a bit of good,” he added.
This is not the first time Washington has brushed off award season chatter. Earlier this year, he reacted to being left out of the Oscar race for Gladiator II with similar calm, saying his focus was on his stage work in Othello rather than industry politics.
Washington also shares this mindset with other actors. When Colman Domingo landed back-to-back nominations, Washington offered encouragement, reminding him that the work matters more than the recognition.
While awards may not be his priority, Washington shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to Highest 2 Lowest, he is set to appear in Black Panther 3 and several other projects. Highest 2 Lowest opens in theaters on August 15 as part of the 2025 movie lineup.
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