Why Denzel Washington Remains Unfazed by ‘Gladiator II’ Oscar Snub
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Synopsis
Denzel Washington is unfazed by his exclusion from the Best Supporting Actor category for the 2025 Oscars regarding his role in 'Gladiator II.' He emphasizes personal growth and fulfillment in his current projects, particularly his Broadway role in 'Othello.' Despite the snub, he has received multiple nominations from other prestigious awards.
Key Takeaways
- Denzel Washington is not upset about his Oscar snub.
- He values personal growth and wisdom.
- Washington finds fulfillment in his role in ‘Othello’ on Broadway.
- Despite the snub, he received nominations from other awards.
- ‘Gladiator II’ earned only one Oscar nomination.
Los Angeles, Feb 9 (NationPress) Hollywood luminary Denzel Washington is not troubled by his omission from the best supporting actor category at the 2025 Academy Awards.
Washington discussed his feelings regarding the Academy's decision not to acknowledge his role in Ridley Scott's “Gladiator II,” as reported by variety.com.
“Are you serious? Awww. Oh, I’m so disappointed,” Washington joked.
He expressed: “I’m pleased for all those who received nominations, and I’m content with my current projects. I’ve been in this industry for quite some time. I don’t want to say I have other priorities, but there’s a reality at my age,” he elaborated.
The acclaimed actor mentioned that he is “gaining wisdom.”
“The foundation of wisdom is comprehension. I’m becoming more insightful, focusing on speaking less and learning to listen more — and that’s invigorating.”
Washington stated that his portrayal of “Othello” on Broadway brings him enough fulfillment, regardless of any Oscar nods.
“I was sitting there grinning, thinking: ‘Look at you. On the day you didn’t receive an Oscar nomination, you’re performing ‘Othello’ on Broadway.'”
Even though the Academy overlooked Washington's performance, he garnered nominations for best supporting actor at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and Satellite Awards for his role as power broker Macrinus in “Gladiator II.”
Washington is no stranger to Oscar accolades; he previously won best supporting actor for the 1990 film “Glory” and best leading actor for “Training Day” in 2002.
He wasn’t the only cast member from “Gladiator II” absent from the 2025 Oscar nominations, as the film received only one nomination for the costume design by Janty Yates and David Crossman.
“Gladiator II” serves as a sequel to the 2000 film Gladiator. It features Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.
Jacobi and Nielsen reprise their roles from the original film, with Mescal taking over Spencer Treat Clark’s role. Mescal portrays Lucius Verus Aurelius, the exiled Roman prince who becomes a prisoner of war and fights as a gladiator for Macrinus, a former slave who schemes to overthrow the twin emperors Geta and Caracalla.
