Denzel Washington Is As Unimpressed With Oscar Awards As We Are

Denzel Washington abandoned Hollywood norms by admitting he really doesn’t care about Oscar awards — and we respect him for it.

Hollywood’s obsession with the Oscars is as fake as the spray tans on the red carpet. Year after year, stars act as if a golden statue is the ultimate validation of their worth, gushing through rehearsed speeches while pretending to be “shocked” by their wins. Washington stands out among them with his distinctly different perspective.

The legendary actor admitted that while he appreciates the honor, he’s indifferent about the actual awards in interview published Thursday by Variety.

“I don’t do it for Oscars. I don’t care about that kind of stuff,” Washington said.

TOPSHOT – US actor Denzel Washington arrives for the screening of the film “Highest 2 Lowest” at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 19, 2025. (Photo by Antonin THUILLIER / AFP) (Photo by ANTONIN THUILLIER/AFP via Getty Images)

Washington has nine Academy Award nominations and two Oscar wins to his name, but he doesn’t get sucked into the popularity contest and the charade the award shows have become.

“I’ve been at this a long time, and there’s time when I won and shouldn’t have won and then didn’t win and should’ve won. Man gives the award. God gives the reward,” he said.

The famous actor went on to say that while others in the industry are fixated on taking home the hardware, it’s really not something he puts much focus on.

“I’m not that interested in Oscars. People ask me, ‘Where do I keep it?’ Well, next to the other one. I’m not bragging! Just telling you how I feel about it,” he told the outlet.

Putting things in perspective Washington said, “On my last day, [Oscars] aren’t going to do me a bit of good.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 13: Denzel Washington attends the Los Angeles special screening of Apple Original Films and A24’s “Highest 2 Lowest” at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on August 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

The interview was published shortly after Washington was snubbed in the Best Supporting Actor category for “Gladiator II.”

At the time, he made it clear to The New York Times that he genuinely didn’t care that he wasn’t nominated. (RELATED: Denzel Washington Appears To Scold Photographer In Seemingly Tense Exchange, Video Shows)

“Are you kidding me? ‘Awww. Oh, I’m so upset.’ I’m happy for all that did, and I’m happy with what I’m doing,” he sarcastically told the outlet.

Washington earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in “Glory” and best actor for “Training Day.”