Denzel Washington, the two-time Academy Award winner and celebrated Hollywood figure, recently expressed that he does not place much importance on Oscars despite earning two of them during his career. In an interview promoting his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, Washington emphasized his belief that divine recognition outweighs industry accolades.
During the conversation with co-star Jeffrey Wright, Washington, aged 70, explained that the Awards do not define his work or legacy, instead focusing on the lasting impact beyond trophies. His comment,
“Man gives the award, God gives the reward,”
highlighted his view that spiritual or moral merit matters more than physical awards.
Recognition Through Acting and Awards
Washington has been nominated for the Academy Awards ten times, winning Best Supporting Actor for Glory in 1990 and Best Actor for Training Day in 2002. These wins place him among a select group of Black actors recognized by the Academy throughout its history. Despite these honors, Washington often downplays their significance in his life.
He explained in his interview with Jake‘s Takes,
“I don’t do it for Oscars, I really don’t care about that kind of stuff,”
and added,
“I’ve been at this a long time. There’s times I won and shouldn’t have won…and didn’t win and should’ve won — man gives the award, God gives the reward.”
Washington’s attitude points to both humility and realistic acceptance of the unpredictable nature of awards.
In response to frequent questions about where he keeps his Oscar statues, Washington remarked with humor,
“People ask, ‘Where do you keep it?’ I say, ‘Next to the other one,’”
and wryly noted,
“On my last day, they won’t do me a bit of good!”
Historical Importance of Washington’s Oscar Wins
Washington’s achievements also mark historic milestones for diversity and representation within the Academy. His Glory win made him the second Black actor to claim Best Supporting Actor, following Louis Gossett Jr.’s earlier success. Additionally, Washington became the first Black actor to secure Oscars in both leading and supporting categories.
The 2002 ceremony stood out because Halle Berry won Best Actress for Monster’s Ball the same year, marking the first time Black actors won both lead acting awards in one Academy Awards event. Washington’s career has contributed meaningfully to expanding opportunities and recognition for Black performers in Hollywood.
Washington’s Broader Contributions and Industry Influence
Besides his acting accolades, Washington has also received recognition as a producer. His work on Fences, based on August Wilson’s play, earned him a Best Picture nomination in 2016. Most recently, he garnered another Best Actor nomination for his role in 2021’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, affirming his continued relevance in the industry.
Despite his ambivalence towards awards, Washington remains a vital and influential figure in Hollywood, known for his dedication to portraying complex characters and contributing to important stories.
Reflections on Awards from Other Industry Voices
Washington’s views align with reflections from other Black actors who have questioned how much Oscars truly impact systemic change in Hollywood. Halle Berry herself has pondered this issue in the 2025 documentary Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood, expressing uncertainty about the lasting effects of her historic Best Actress win.
Berry noted,
“It’s forced me to ask myself, did it matter?”
highlighting the limited increase in representation; only six additional Black actresses have received Best Actress nominations since her victory, including Viola Davis and Cynthia Erivo. She further questioned,
“Did it really change anything for women of color? For my sisters? For our journey?”
These words emphasize ongoing concerns about diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
Upcoming Releases and Continuing Careers
Washington’s latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, directed by Spike Lee and inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, debuted in theaters recently and will stream on Apple TV+ starting September 5. His ability to work on innovative projects continues to demonstrate his dynamic presence in modern cinema.
Through his reflective stance on awards and consistent artistic contributions, Washington reinforces that true achievement in film is measured beyond trophies — a perspective that invites audiences and industry members alike to reconsider the meaning of success and recognition.
