Veteran actor Denzel Washington, at 70, has responded with characteristic grace and humor to his omission from the 2025 Academy Award nominations for his role in “Gladiator II.” 

Despite receiving critical acclaim and securing Best Supporting Actor nominations at both the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, 

Washington was notably absent from the Oscars’ list of nominees this year.

Reflecting on the day the nominations were announced, Washington shared, “I was sitting there smiling, going: ‘Look at you. 

On the day you didn’t get a nomination for an Oscar, you’re working on Othello on Broadway.'” 

He added with a touch of sarcasm, “Are you kidding me? Awww. Oh, I’m so upset.” 

Washington emphasized his contentment with his current endeavors, stating, “I’m happy for all that did, and I’m happy with what I’m doing.” He further reflected, 

“Listen, I’ve been around too long. … —I don’t wanna say other fish to … —and that’s exciting.” citeturn0news12

In “Gladiator II,” directed by Ridley Scott, Washington delivered a compelling performance as Macrinus, a role that garnered widespread praise. However, the Academy’s Best Supporting Actor category this year favored other talents, including Yura Borisov (“An …  Kieran Culkin (“A …  Edward Norton (“A Complete …  Guy Pearce (“The Brut … “), and Jeremy Strong (“The Apprentice”). 

Throughout his illustrious career, Washington has been honored with two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” in 1990 and Best Actor for “Training Day” in 2002. He has also received multiple nominations for films such as “Malcolm X,” ” … .,” and “The Tragedy … .” 

Beyond the silver screen, Washington is currently captivating audiences on Broadway with his portrayal of Othello, sharing the stage with Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago. Discussing their collaboration, Washington described Gyllenhaal as “a complicated guy,” elaborating, “He’s crazy. He’s … .” 

Washington also touched upon his approach to preparing for roles, noting a preference for immersing himself in the present moment rather than over-rehearsing. He explained, “I don’t like to learn the lines … … Because then I’m the voice I’m listening … .” 

In a candid reflection on his career, Washington acknowledged a period of bitterness following a previous Oscar snub in 2000, which led to personal challenges, including struggles with alcohol. He revealed that he has been sober since 2014 and now focuses on personal growth and understanding. 

As he continues to engage in diverse and challenging projects, Washington remains a paragon of resilience and dedication in the entertainment industry. His response to the recent Oscars snub underscores a profound sense of self-awareness and an unwavering commitment to his craft.

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