In a candid revelation, esteemed actor Denzel Washington has openly expressed his profound indifference towards the prestige and recognition associated with Academy Awards, despite his own impressive collection of two Oscars and nine nominations. During a recent promotional tour for his new film, Washington articulated that his professional decisions are entirely divorced from the pursuit of accolades. He posits that human-granted awards are fleeting and ultimately inconsequential, particularly when juxtaposed with the concept of divine reward. This perspective, a consistent thread throughout his distinguished career, underscores a deeper philosophy that values intrinsic fulfillment over external validation. His stance offers a refreshing counter-narrative to the pervasive emphasis on awards within the entertainment industry, prompting reflection on what truly constitutes success and legacy for an artist.
\nDenzel Washington's Perspective on Accolades
\nDuring a recent stop on his promotional circuit for the forthcoming A24 and Apple Studios production, 'Highest 2 Lowest,' the venerable Denzel Washington engaged in a revealing discussion with 'Jake's Takes.' On that day, August 13, 2025, the celebrated actor unequivocally stated his detachment from the allure of the Academy Awards. With a career boasting nine Oscar nominations and two prestigious wins – for his compelling performances in 'Glory' as Best Supporting Actor and 'Training Day' as Best Actor – Washington conveyed that these milestones carry little weight in his professional calculus. He firmly declared that his acting choices are never predicated on the pursuit of awards, asserting, \"I don't do it for Oscars. I don't care about that kind of stuff.\" He further elaborated on his nuanced view of awards, reflecting on past wins and losses: \"I've been at this a long time, and there's time when I won and shouldn't have won and then didn't win and should've won. Man gives the award. God gives the reward.\"
\nWashington reinforced this sentiment by playfully remarking on the location of his two statuettes, stating they are simply \"next to the other one,\" underscoring their negligible importance in his life. He concluded with a poignant observation about mortality: \"On my last day, [Oscars] aren't going to do me a bit of good.\" This philosophy was notably evident earlier this year when Washington, despite widespread critical acclaim for his role in 'Gladiator II,' did not receive a Best Supporting Actor nomination. His response to The New York Times regarding this perceived snub was characteristically nonchalant: \"Are you kidding me? Awww. Oh, I'm so upset. I'm happy for all that did, and I'm happy with what I'm doing.\"
\nThis enduring mantra of indifference to awards has been a hallmark of Washington's career. Ethan Hawke, his co-star from 'Training Day,' recounted an insightful moment on Max's 'Who's Talking to Chris Wallace?' last year. Hawke recalled that when he lost the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, Washington leaned over to him and offered sagely advice: \"It's better that you didn't win. Losing was better.\" Hawke elaborated on Washington's unique mindset, explaining, \"You don't want an award to improve your status. You want to improve the award's status. That's the way he thinks.\" He concluded by likening Washington's influence to that of a legendary athlete: \"That's what I'm talking about playing with Babe Ruth. The Academy Award has more power, because Denzel has a couple. It didn't elevate who he was.\" 'Highest 2 Lowest' is set to premiere in select theaters on August 15, with its streaming debut on Apple TV+ following on September 5.
\nDenzel Washington's perspective on awards serves as a powerful reminder that true artistic merit and personal fulfillment transcend external validation. In an industry often fixated on accolades, his words offer a refreshing call to focus on the intrinsic value of one's craft and the lasting impact of one's work. It inspires us to consider what truly defines success in our own lives, beyond superficial recognition.