Veteran actor Denzel Washington has a lot more on his mind than winning another Oscar.
He admitted as much during a “Jake’s Takes” interview with journalist Jake Hamilton released earlier this week. And while Washington’s cheekier quips made his “Highest 2 Lowest” co-star Jeffrey Wright crack up, his full explanation was full of earnest introspection.
“I don’t do it for Oscars,” Washington told Hamilton of his acting.
“I really don’t care about that kind of stuff,” he continued. “I’ve been at this a long time, and there are times when I won and shouldn’t have won, and … didn’t win and should’ve won.”
“Man gives the award, God gives the reward,” he reflected. “I’m not that interested in Oscars.”
Washington certainly doesn’t need any more statuettes to cement himself as a screen legend. The actor has 10 Academy Award nods under his belt and won Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” (1989) and Best Actor for “Training Day” (2001).
In an Esquire essay last year, Washington said that he had “shot dope” in his youth and did “a lot of damage to the body” through past drug and alcohol use. He noted God had seen him through the worst, and even mentioned the Oscars.
“God is the true way,” he said at the time, adding: “When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and savior. I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it—you can’t talk like that and win Oscars.”
Washington couldn’t help but boast about his awards a little during his recent chat. He told Hamilton that people often ask him where he keeps his Oscar, only to deliver an admittedly badass punchline.
“I said, ‘Next to the other one,’” the actor quipped.
The wisecrack made Wright close his eyes and chuckle in delight.
“I’m not bragging, I’m just telling you how I feel about it,” Washington continued with a smile, before returning to his point. “On my last day, it ain’t gonna do me a bit of good.”