Actor Denzel Washington expresses disinterest in the Oscars.
In a significant change of heart, Denzel Washington, the acclaimed actor, has expressed a more indifferent stance towards the Academy Awards. During interviews in August 2025, he emphasised that the awards don't hold the same importance as they once did, stating, "Man gives the award. God gives the reward" [1][2][3][4][5].
Washington, who has won two Oscars early in his career (Best Supporting Actor in 1990 for Glory and Best Actor in 2002 for Training Day), has moved away from focusing on winning Oscars towards valuing the spiritual or personal aspects of his craft. He clarified, "I don’t do it for Oscars. I don’t care about that kind of stuff" [2][4].
This change in attitude is particularly evident in his discussions on the YouTube channel "Jake’s Takes," where he shared these candid views [2][3][4]. Washington acknowledged the unpredictability and subjectivity of awards by reflecting on times he won when he felt he shouldn’t have, and times he lost when he deserved to win [3][5].
His current perspective suggests a healthy detachment from the Oscars as markers of success or validation. This shift comes as Denzel Washington plays the lead role in Spike Lee's new film, "Highest 2 Lowest", a thriller which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May and will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ from September 5 [6].
Sources:
- The Guardian
- Variety
- Deadline Hollywood
- The Hollywood Reporter
- IndieWire
- Apple TV+ Press Release
Despite distancing himself from the importance of the Academy Awards, Denzel Washington continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Amidst this change, he remains candid about his thoughts on the Awards and the role of celebrities, frequently expressing indifference toward them on platforms like "Jake’s Takes." [Variety, Deadline Hollywood, The Hollywood Reporter]
