HomeCelebrity"I Don't Care. I Gave Up": Denzel Washington Says He “Got Bitter”...

“I Don’t Care. I Gave Up”: Denzel Washington Says He “Got Bitter” After Losing Best Actor Oscar To Kevin Spacey In 2002

Denzel Washington is busy promoting his upcoming film ‘Gladiator II, wherein he stars alongside a stellar cast including Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal. The film would be one of the many acclaimed films that the actor has under his belt. However, despite his talent, the actor has complaints about not having won an Oscar award despite coming so close to it.

He recently spoke about his loss at the 2000 Academy Awards, which included losing to the Best Actor Oscar Kevin Spacey for his role in ‘American Beauty‘. Washington was nominated that year for his role as Rubin Carter in ‘The Hurricane‘, and despite having already won an Oscar for ‘Glory‘, the loss stung even still. Here’s everything he said and how he remembers the experience.

Denzel Washington Narrated His Ordeal Of Losing An Oscar To Kevin Spacey

Denzel Washington (Image: AP)
Denzel Washington (Image: AP)

Denzel Washington recently sat down for an interview with Esquire wherein he narrated his vivid memory about losing the Oscar in 2002. “At the Oscars, they called Kevin Spacey’s name for American Beauty,” Washington said in the interview.

I have a memory of turning around and looking at him, and nobody was standing but the people around him. And everyone else was looking at me. Not that it was this way. Maybe that’s the way I perceived it. Maybe I felt like everybody was looking at me,” he added. “Because why would everyone be looking at me? Thinking about it now, I don’t think they were,” the actor said.

Related: “You’re Being Manipulated By Both Sides”: Denzel Washington Opens Up About U.S. Politics After Donald Trump’s Win

Washington admitted the loss hurt him badly. “I’m sure I went home and drank that night. I had to,” he said, adding that he didn’t blame Spacey for the outcome. “I don’t want to sound like, ‘Oh, he won my Oscar,’ or anything like that. It wasn’t like that. I pray for him. That’s between him and his maker.”

Denzel Washington Eventually Ended Up Winning Several Oscar Awards

Denzel Washington during the screening of 'The Equalizer 2'
Denzel Washington (Image: AP)

After his defeat to Kevin Spacey, Denzel Washington went through a disillusionment period with the Oscars. “I went through a time then when [my wife] Pauletta [Washington] would watch all the Oscar movies — I told her, I don’t care about that. Hey: ‘They don’t care about me? I don’t care,'” he said. “You vote. You watch them. I ain’t watching that. I gave up. I got bitter. My pity party,” the actor said.

In case you missed it: Denzel Washington Set To Join ‘Black Panther 3’ In One Of His Last Movie Gigs

But Washington’s persistence finally paid off. Two years after the loss of ‘American Beauty‘, he won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Alonzo in ‘Training Day‘. Looking back at that bitter period, Washington said, “So I’ll tell you, for about fifteen years, from 1999 to 2014 when I put the beverage down, I was bitter.”

And today, after many nominations and several Oscar wins, Washington found solace at peace with himself and his journey, molding his career with his experiences both in the professional and personal arena to leave a great mark in Hollywood.

Aishwarya
Aishwaryahttps://firstcuriosity.com/
Aishwarya is a Senior Sub-Editor at First Curiosity. Working as a news writer for over 3 years, she has written on an array of things for a couple of media houses in different capacities. With writing as her outlet, she is now exploring the world of art and glamour. Her love for films and writing stems from her fondness for words and all things artsy. An avid reader and writer alike, Aishwarya likes to delve into any and all forms of art.

More from Author

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at the US Open (Image: AP)

Travis Kelce Reveals His Favorite Taylor Swift Tracks, Including Some Personal Surprises

0
Travis Kelce might have scored big on the field, but when it comes to his favorite Taylor Swift songs, he's just as passionate. During...
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner (Image: Instagram)

Ben Affleck Reunites With Ex-Wife Jennifer Garner To Serve Thanksgiving Meals

0
Even when they are no longer in a relationship, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner prove you can still reunite for a good cause. On...
Taylor Swift (Image: X)

Billboard Apologizes To Taylor Swift For Controversial Tribute Featuring Her Naked Wax Doll From...

0
Taylor Swift manages to stay in the headlines for more reasons than one. Apart from her skyrocketing fame and success, the pop sensation has...
RELATED ARTICLES

Trending on FC