Denzel Washington on the Oscars: “Humans Give Awards, God Gives Rewards”
🏆 Beyond the Gold Statues
Despite earning nine Oscar nominations and winning twice for Glory and Training Day, legendary actor Denzel Washington insists he does not measure his career by Academy Awards. While promoting his upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest, Washington made it clear: “I don’t act for the Oscars… humans give the award, God gives the reward.”
😅 On Being Snubbed
Recently left out of Oscar buzz for his role in Gladiator II, Washington shrugged off the situation with humor. “Are you kidding me? I’m happy for those who got nominated. I’m happy doing what I do.”
🎤 A Career Philosophy
Washington explained his approach: “I’ve been in this business a long time. Sometimes I won when I didn’t deserve to, and other times I should’ve won but didn’t. That’s life. I don’t care about those things. People always ask where I keep my Oscars. Well, next to the other one. I don’t brag. At the end of the day, they won’t mean anything to me when it’s my time.”
🤝 Words to a Co-Star
His Training Day co-star Ethan Hawke once revealed that after losing on Oscar night, Washington told him: “Losing is better… you give value to the award, not the other way around.”
🎬 About Highest 2 Lowest
Washington’s latest project, Highest 2 Lowest, opens in theaters starting Friday and will stream globally on Apple TV+ beginning September 5. The film is already generating buzz for its powerful themes and Washington’s signature performance.
📢 Final Thoughts
Denzel Washington’s words remind Hollywood that awards may come and go, but the true reward lies in passion, purpose, and legacy. For him, it’s about something much bigger than golden statues.
Do you agree with Washington — are awards overrated compared to the impact of the work itself?
