Denzel Washington, a Hollywood legend, did not embark on his acting journey with the sole aspiration of amassing gleaming golden trophies, candidly acknowledging, "The Oscars aren't really my cup of tea." Despite amassing an impressive ten Academy Award nominations throughout his storied career, including two victories that crowned his exceptional cinematic endeavors, he recently revealed on Jake’s Takes, "My pursuit isn't fueled by Oscars."
"Such accolades hold little sway over me," elaborated the star of films ranging from Highest 2 Lowest. "I've been in this game for decades, and I've experienced moments where I won when perhaps I shouldn't have, and vice versa. Man bestows the awards, but it's God who grants the true reward."
Washington further mused, "The Oscars aren't a priority for me. Folks often inquire about my Oscar display. Well, they're tucked beside the other one, not that I'm boasting! I'm merely sharing my sentiments. On my final day, those Oscars won't make a whit of difference."
When the interviewer, Jake Hamilton, quipped, "I doubt God ever inquiries about your Oscar tally," Washington chuckled and retorted, "He might joke, 'That's why I granted you an extra week on Earth!' As long as He says, 'Come on up here,' I'm good to go."
This seasoned actor, who starred in The Equalizer 3, previously took home two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for his role in 1989's Glory and Best Actor for his portrayal in 2001's Training Day. Yet, despite his philosophical stance on awards, Washington was notably overlooked for an Oscar nomination earlier this year for his role in Gladiator II. When The New York Times previously asked him about missing out on an Oscar nod for Ridley Scott's film, he responded with a smile, "I was sitting there, thinking, 'Look at you! On the day you didn't get an Oscar nomination, you're working on Othello on Broadway. Really?'"
He then added sarcastically, "Oh, how devastated I am," before continuing, "Let's be real, I've been around the block a few times. I'm growing wiser, learning to listen more and talk less – and that's genuinely exhilarating."
