Denzel Washington’s Refreshing Take on Oscars Snubs

Actor Denzel Washington made headlines this week—not for a performance, but for his candid take on awards.

The two-time Oscar winner told “Jake’s Takes” on Monday, Aug. 11 that he’s “not interested in Oscars” and emphasized a more eternal perspective: “Man gives the award. God gives the reward.” 

Washington’s comments came as he promoted “Highest 2 Lowest,” a Spike Lee-directed reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low,” co-starring Jeffrey Wright.

The film opens Aug. 15 in theaters and hits Apple TV+ Sept. 5.   With 10 Oscar nominations under his belt, including wins for “Glory “(1990) and “Training Day” (2002), Washington’s detachment from the awards ceremony resonates.  

Washington Doesn’t Act for the Awards

Washington framed the accolades dialogue with a spiritual slant. Describing his acting journey, he said, “I don’t do it for Oscars. I really don’t care about that kind of stuff,” adding, “There’s times I won and shouldn’t have won … and didn’t win and should’ve won.” When asked where he keeps his statuettes, he joked, “Next to the other one.”  

He continued, “I’m not that interested in Oscars.” The interviewer noted, “I don’t think God asks how many Oscars you have.” Washington replied with a laugh, “He might go, ‘That’s why I gave you an extra week.’”

His remarks reflect a consistent thread in his career: a foundation in theatre. Washington said he remains “a stage actor first,” citing his roots in Mount Vernon, New York, and his recent Broadway return in “Othello” as reminders of where his craft was shaped.

Washington’s Response to a Snub

If Washington felt any sting from recent Oscar omissions—most notably for “Gladiator II”—he didn’t let it show.

He spoke with the New York Times in February of 2025 and gave a candid response. When asked about the snub, he deadpanned, “Awww. Oh, I’m so upset.” The delivery carried equal parts humor and indifference, reinforcing his earlier statements about keeping awards in perspective.

“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 added. “The beginning of wisdom is understanding. I’m getting wiser, working on talking less and learning to understand more — and that’s exciting.”

In addition to his two wins, he has also been nominated for “Cry Freedom,” “Malcolm X,” “The Hurricane,” “Flight,” “Fences,” “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”

The 70-year-old has plans to retire soon. He told Australia Today in November 2024, “I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. Probably not that many.”

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