Denzel Washington Was “Bitter” About Losing an Oscar to Kevin Spacey

Denzel Washington Was "Bitter" About Losing an Oscar to Kevin Spacey

As a devoted admirer and follower of Denzel Washington‘s illustrious career, I can attest to his extraordinary talent that has been captivating audiences for decades. The poignant tale of his 1999 Oscar loss for his remarkable portrayal of Rubin Carter in “The Hurricane” serves as a testament to the bittersweet nature of Hollywood’s most prestigious awards.


Denzel Washington, the renowned actor known for films such as Fences, The Equalizer, and more recently Gladiator II, boasts two Oscars in his collection. However, the thespian confessed that losing the Academy Award in 1999 affected him deeply than he initially anticipated. In that year, Washington portrayed Rubin Carter in The Hurricane, a film based on the real-life boxer who was wrongly accused of murder. Directed by Norman Jewison, Washington’s performance in the movie was remarkable and earned him a Best Actor nomination. Regrettably, he didn’t take home the award, as it went to Kevin Spacey for American Beauty instead.

In an interview with Esquire, Denzel Washington shared thoughts on past disappointments related to Oscar nominations, admitting he had felt “disappointed” or “sour” about the experience. He recalled a particular instance when Kevin Spacey was called for the award in American Beauty. “As they announced Spacey’s name,” Washington said, “I remember turning around and seeing only those standing near him. Everyone else seemed to be looking at me.” Although his memory of that exact moment has grown dim with time, he expressed it had left a lasting impression on him.

It’s possible that my interpretation was off. I might have thought people were staring at me. However, upon reflection, I believe I was mistaken; I don’t think they actually were.

Prior to winning the award for “The Hurricane,” Denzel Washington had been nominated for his portrayal in “Malcolm X,” but Al Pacino took home the prize for “Scent of a Woman.” These consecutive losses left the actor feeling bitter. As he went on, he explained…

During a phase, my wife Pauletta was engrossed in watching all the Oscar films – I remarked, “I don’t give a hoot about that.” Essentially, ‘They disregard me? I don’t care.’ You cast your vote. You watch them. I won’t be watching. I felt defeated. I grew resentful. My self-pity spree.

Denzel Washington Could Earn an Oscar for ‘Gladiator II’

Denzel Washington Was "Bitter" About Losing an Oscar to Kevin SpaceyDenzel Washington Was "Bitter" About Losing an Oscar to Kevin SpaceyDenzel Washington Was "Bitter" About Losing an Oscar to Kevin SpaceyDenzel Washington Was "Bitter" About Losing an Oscar to Kevin SpaceyDenzel Washington Was "Bitter" About Losing an Oscar to Kevin SpaceyDenzel Washington Was "Bitter" About Losing an Oscar to Kevin Spacey

In the year 2002, Denzel Washington finally received his first Best Actor Oscar for the movie “Training Day”. Earlier, in 1990, he was honored with a Best Actor in a Supporting Role award for “Glory”. Over the course of his career, Washington has been nominated for nine Academy Awards due to his remarkable performances. Should he be nominated again in 2024, this number would rise to ten.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’ve been thrilled to pieces about the release of “Gladiator II” in European and UK cinemas! The buzz from screenings has been nothing short of electric, with both audiences and critics (generally speaking) hailing Ridley Scott’s long-awaited sequel as a triumph worth waiting for. Each cast member, including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Fred Hechinger, Joseph Quinn, and Connie Nielsen, delivers an outstanding performance, but it’s Denzel Washington who truly steals the show.

In the story, similar to how Rome is governed by joint Emperors Caracalla (Hechinger) and Geta (Quinn), the character Washington portrays is like Macrinus, a former gladiator-turned-slave-owner who acquires Lucius (Mescal). Ambitious Macrinus yearns for power and tries to maneuver himself into Rome’s council, sitting alongside the Emperors. To achieve this goal, Washington gives Macrinus an irresistible blend of charisma and allure. This versatile character is capable of switching effortlessly between warm, friendly discussions and subtle warnings. The captivating performance has sparked much anticipation for Washington receiving another Academy Award nomination next year.

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2024-11-21 03:01