Actor Gladiator II opened to solid reviews and a respectable box office performance.
Speaking with Screen International, Washington opened up about the only awards ceremony he hasn’t earned a nomination for yet, the British Academy Film Awards, more commonly known as the BAFTAs. Washington jokingly says, “What’s up with that?” and ponders whether he’s said something bad, before saying that he’s content with the oversight and has enough goals and wants to focus on right now. Read his full comment below:
Yeah, what’s up with that? Did I do something or say something bad? But listen — it’s alright. I’m looking to do my best work now, and I have enough goals and wants to reach for.
What This Means For Denzel Washington’s Career
The BAFTAs Has A Chance To Rectify This.
Despite numerous initiatives toward diversity, including the week-long BAFTA x POC in Play in 2020, which highlighted more than 100 spotlight posts of Black artists and Black-led projects, the BAFTAs remain notorious for overlooking POC performances. In 76 years, zero Black women have won the Best Actress category, and in his four-decade career, Washington hasn’t received a single nomination despite his success at the Academy Awards twice.
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With a varied career across action, comedy, and drama, Denzel Washington has had some truly incredible movie scenes in countless modern classics.
The BAFTAs have a chance to rectify this mistake in its awards ceremony for 2025, as Washington’s performance in Gladiator II is one of his best in years and one of the standout performances in the movie. Several outlets and film pundits predict that Washington is a contender for Best ing Actor, alongside awards season favorite Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain). While a win may go to Culkin instead, a BAFTAs nomination for veteran actor is justifiable.
Our Take On The BAFTAs Overlooking Denzel Washington
This Is Still Pretty Shocking Even If Washington Is Not So Upset About It.
The fact that Washington hasn’t been nominated for any of his performances yet is baffling and reopens the old wound of struggling with diversity in film. Unfortunately, Washington isn’t the only talented male Black actor, who has been overlooked by the BAFTAs, as legendary actor Morgan Freeman has yet to receive a nomination. It’s good to hear that Washington isn't too bothered by the fact, but the actor is deserving of a nomination to clear the big four. Hopefully, next year’s BAFTA Awards will amend this mistake and give Washington the nomination he’s deserved for a long time.
Source: Screen International
