Denzel Washington shares true feelings over Oscars snub after Gladiator II rejection sparked fury from film fans
Denzel Washington has brushed off his Oscars snub for Best Supporting Actor in Gladiator 2, expressing contentment with his current career path.
The Hollywood veteran, who previously claimed Academy Awards for Training Day and Glory, responded to the oversight with characteristic nonchalance.
“Are you kidding me? Awww. I’m happy for all that did, and I’m happy with what I’m doing,” Washington told The New York Times.
His response comes following huge fan backlash at the award nominations, with many furious about some of the actors and films left out, including Washington.
“How have BAFTA still never nominated Denzel Washington?? Also Monica Barbaro not nominated, Margaret Qualley not nominated… but again with Jamie Lee Curtis for an average performance in and movie? Sort your s*** out BAFTA,” one raged last month.
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, set to take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2, will proceed without Washington’s name among the nominees.
In Gladiator 2, Washington portrayed the character Macrinus, adding to his extensive filmography of historical roles.
The Academy instead nominated a strong field of contenders for the Supporting Actor category.
The nominees include Kieran Culkin, Edward Norton, Guy Pearce, Jeremy Strong and Yura Borisov.
The film itself received mixed reviews, with NME awarding it three stars and noting its faithful adherence to the original’s formula.
The review praised the film’s familiar elements, including “swordfighting, rousing speeches, nasty poshos getting what they deserve,” whilst suggesting it couldn’t quite match its predecessor’s iconic status.
Washington reflected philosophically on the Oscar nomination situation, sharing his perspective on wisdom gained through experience.
“Listen, I’ve been around too long. I’ve got – I don’t wanna say other fish to fry, but there’s a reality at this age,” he told The New York Times.
“The beginning of wisdom is understanding. I’m getting wiser, working on talking less and learning to understand more – and that’s exciting,” Washington explained.
Washington found solace in his current theatrical endeavours, particularly his role in Othello on Broadway.
Reflecting on the Oscar announcement day, he shared his positive mindset with The New York Times.
“I was sitting there smiling going: Look at you. On the day you didn’t get a nomination for an Oscar, you’re working on Othello on Broadway,” he said.
The actor recently marked personal milestones, receiving a minister’s licence and being baptised shortly before his 70th birthday.
Washington’s upcoming projects include a role in the newly announced Black Panther 3, though details of his character remain under wraps.
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The actor is also set to star alongside A$AP Rocky and Ice Spice in Spike Lee’s forthcoming film “Highest 2 Lowest”.
Gladiator 2’s reception has been measured, with NME’s three-star review highlighting both its strengths and limitations.
“If you loved Gladiator, it’s odds-on you’ll enjoy this too,” the review stated, whilst noting that the sequel “can only offer a faded memory” of the original’s impact.
The review concluded that despite maintaining respect for its predecessor, the film struggled to create the same memorable moments that defined the first instalment.