Denzel Washington Says Winning an Oscar Early Was Not Good for His Career

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As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has witnessed the ebb and flow of Hollywood’s landscape, I find Denzel Washington‘s perspective on the Oscars particularly insightful. His experiences, spanning from his early win for Glory to his recent work with Ryan Coogler and Steve McQueen, offer a unique glimpse into the complexities of the film industry.

The Oscars can be a contentious subject for fans of cinema and those working within the ranks of Hollywood. Numerous actors have spoken out against the Academy recently, from Brian Cox calling the awards “absolute nonsense” and a “fallacy” because they only judge “work that comes out between Thanksgiving and Christmas,” to Sean Penn accusing the Oscars of “cowardice” for ignoring political films like The Apprentice, to Samuel L. Jackson insisting it isn’t an honor just to be nominated, it’s an honor to win. And now Denzel Washington is adding his voice to the chorus of criticism surrounding the Oscars.

The actor who’s earning recognition for his role in “Gladiatior II,” has shared with ScreenDaily that receiving an Academy Award early on in his career wasn’t always the advantage many might assume it to be. Washington, who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1990 for his portrayal of Private Trip in “Glory,” found that instead of expanding possibilities, the win actually limited them.

Washington explained:

Obtaining an Academy Award resulted in a series of less-than-satisfactory films for me, as it seemed that the focus shifted towards “Now you can earn this amount of money…” My representative tried to position me as a leading actor or action star, among other roles, and I had financial obligations to fulfill.

He didn’t provide specific details about which movies from his career post-“Glory” he deemed as “poor films,” but it’s possible he was referring to a series of action films Washington made in the 1990s such as “Ricochet,” “Virtuosity,” “Fallen,” and “The Bone Collector.

Washington Says He Only Wants To Work With “The Best”

In 2002, Washington claimed his second Academy Award for the movie “Training Day“, and since then, he’s become more selective when choosing acting projects, preferring to collaborate with directors whose creative visions align better with his own artistic goals. The actor has disclosed that discussions about possible future roles have taken place between him and Ryan Coogler and Steve McQueen.

I prefer collaborating with outstanding talents, as there are limited opportunities in the industry. I reach out to individuals like Ryan Coogler and Steve McQueen because I’m eager to absorb their knowledge and skills as filmmakers. Ridley Scott, renowned for ‘Gladiator II,’ serves as my inspiration due to his relentless work ethic; it’s not a burden but an exhilarating experience for him. I aspire to emulate this passion for work and dedicate every ounce of myself to each project I undertake.

Washington’s film adaptations of August Wilson’s 10 plays, known as the Century Cycle, for Netflix are still ongoing. The 2024 release included “The Piano Lesson”, a dramatic piece from 1987 revolving around a family pondering over their ancestral piano. Interestingly, Malcolm Washington, Denzel’s son, directed this production, adding a personal touch to the project. Up next, Denzel will be featured in “Highest 2 Lowest”, a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 thriller “High and Low”, directed by his frequent collaborator Spike Lee.

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2024-12-25 18:31