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Denzel Washington expresses indifference towards the Academy Awards.

Denzel Washington conveyed that he had dwelt on feelings of self-pity over missed Oscar awards for several years. However, he now considers the entire matter insignificant.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 1 . 8:31 PM

2 min read

Actor Denzel Washington expresses disinterest in the Oscars.

Denzel Washington expresses indifference towards the Academy Awards.

Denzel Washington: The Oscar-Winning Actor Who Puts God Above Awards

Denzel Washington, the acclaimed 70-year-old actor, has won two Oscars in his illustrious career – Best Supporting Actor for "Glory" in 1990 and Best Actor for "Training Day" in 2002 [1][3][4]. However, Washington's relationship with the Oscars is complex, and he has made it clear that he does not prioritise them.

In interviews, Washington has emphasised that he does not work for the sake of awards. He once said, "Man gives the award. God gives the reward" [1][3], indicating that he separates external recognition from his own sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Washington has also acknowledged the subjective nature of awards, admitting there have been times he won when he felt he shouldn't have, and times he didn’t win when he believed he should have [1][3]. This grounded view suggests that awards are not the ultimate measure of his work or worth.

Despite expressing feelings of self-pity and bitterness about missed Oscars in a 2021 interview with U.S. magazine "Esquire" [2], Washington's attitude towards these missed trophies is one of humility and perspective. He focuses on the craft of acting and the internal rewards of his work rather than external validation from trophies.

In his latest project, Denzel Washington plays the lead role in Spike Lee's new film "Highest 2 Lowest," which premiered at Cannes in May and will be available on the Apple TV+ streaming service starting September 5.

References: [1] Denzel Washington: I don't do it for the Oscars. (2021, August 9). BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57933108 [2] Denzel Washington on the Oscars, self-pity, and why he no longer cares about awards. (2021, August 10). Esquire. https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a38887018/denzel-washington-oscars-interview/ [3] Denzel Washington: 'I'm not doing it for the Oscars.' (2021, August 9). The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/aug/09/denzel-washington-i-m-not-doing-it-for-the-oscars [4] Denzel Washington: 'I don't do it for the Oscars.' (2021, August 9). The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/denzel-washington-i-dont-do-it-for-the-oscars-1235010795/