Denzel Washington Says "I'm Not Interested in Oscars" Despite Winning 2, "They Won't Do Me a Bit of Good" When I Die
Actor Denzel Washington is one of the most prolific actors of our time, winning two of the ten Academy Awards he’s been nominated for in films like Training Day, Glory, Philadelphia, Fences, The Tragedy of Macbeth, The Book of Eli, Flight, The Hurricane, and so many more.
He brings professionalism and gravitas to any movie he’s a part of, with a deep respect to the characters he portrays and stories he tells. But while most actors place a lot of importance on the Oscars and other prestigious awards, the accolades don’t really mean anything to Washington.
Speaking to Jake’s Takes (via Variety) on his Highest 2 Lowest press tour, Washington said no acting decision he makes in his career has to do with winning awards.
He explained, “I don’t do it for Oscars. I don’t care about that kind of stuff. 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. I’m not that interested in Oscars. People ask me, ‘Where do I keep it?’ Well, next to the other one. I’m not bragging! Just telling you how I feel about it. On my last day, [Oscars] aren’t going to do me a bit of good.”
Not getting caught up in awards has long been Washington’s mantra. His Training Day co-star Ethan Hawke appeared on Max’s “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” last year and remembered how Washington leaned over to him when Hawke lost best supporting actor on Oscar night to tell him, “It’s better that you didn’t win. Losing was better.”
“You don’t want an award to improve your status. You want to improve the award’s status. That’s the way he thinks,” Hawke said about Washington’s advice in the moment. “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 opens in select theaters on August 15th from A24 and Apple Studios. The movie will be available to stream on Apple TV+ starting September 5th. Watch Washington’s full interview on Jake’s Takes in the video below.