Denzel Washington Says He “Got Bitter” After Losing Best Actor Oscar to Kevin Spacey

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen his fair share of twists and turns, I can relate to Denzel Washington‘s emotional journey at the Oscars. Just like when my character gets betrayed by an NPC in a game, only to come back stronger and more determined later on, Denzel faced a similar setback with Kevin Spacey taking the Oscar that year.


I can’t forget the moment when Kevin Spacey beat me for the Best Actor Oscar in 2000. Looking back, I remember feeling a mix of surprise and admiration, knowing full well the caliber of talent he possesses. It was an honor to be in his company that night.

1999 found me nominated yet again by the Academy, this time for my portrayal of Rubin Carter in “The Hurricane.” That year, I was competing against heavyweights like Kevin Spacey from “American Beauty,” Richard Farnsworth in “The Straight Story,” Russell Crowe in “The Insider,” and Sean Penn in “Sweet and Lowdown.” Despite a fierce battle, it was Kevin Spacey who took home the Oscar that year. However, I had already bagged the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama that same year, making it a double celebration for me!

During the Oscars, Kevin Spacey’s name was announced for American Beauty, a moment he later shared with Esquire magazine. He remembers turning around to find only people close to him standing, while everyone else seemed to be looking at him. Reflecting on it now, he doubts that they were, as perhaps it was just his perception or the feeling that all eyes were upon him since there was no apparent reason for such attention.

Washington further elaborated on his feelings, “Indeed, I spent that evening at home with a drink, it was necessary. I don’t want to give the impression that winning an Oscar was like, ‘Oh, he won my award,’ or anything of that sort. It wasn’t like that. There were rumors in town about events happening on the other side of the street, and that’s a matter between him and his higher power. I have no involvement in that. I pray for him. That’s a personal matter between him and his divine entity.

Denzel Washington received his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1990’s “Glory.” Interestingly, he was also nominated for Best Actor in “The Hurricane,” which was his second time receiving such a nomination. Previously, he had been nominated for Best Actor in 1993’s “Malcolm X”; however, Al Pacino won that year for “Scent of a Woman.

During a period, my wife Pauletta Washington would spend time watching all the Oscar-winning films – I simply didn’t see the point. When she said they didn’t care about me, I felt the same way. “I don’t matter to them? Then neither do I,” I thought. So, I stopped caring and even threw a pity party for myself. For approximately fifteen years, from 1999 to 2014 when I quit drinking, I was bitter and disillusioned.

Two years have passed, and it wasn’t until then that Washington claimed the Academy Award for Best Actor, portraying Alonzo in the 2001 film “Training Day”. Since then, he has garnered an additional four nominations for Best Leading Actor at the Oscars.

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2024-11-20 08:54