Denzel Washington, the two-time Academy Award winner, has recently shared details about his health challenges and reflected on his notable Oscar snub.
During an interview published on February 8, 2024, by The New York Times, Washington disclosed he suffered from a severe tongue injury several months prior. The actor reported, "I bit my tongue almost half-off. It’s affecting my speech. It forces me to slow down. I have to use it." His speech impediment has led him to alternate his acting techniques, particularly as he prepares for his role as Othello on Broadway.
Washington, 70, emphasizes how this injury impacts not just his career but his daily life, noting, "It’s hard because my tongue is swollen. It has affected everything." He continued, describing how he has had to be more conscious of his speech patterns as he navigates both the production and his recovery.
Complementing the revelations about his injury, Washington also addressed his recent snub at the 2025 Oscars for his role as Macrinus in director Ridley Scott's anticipated film, Gladiator II. Many critics praised his performance, expecting him to receive recognition for it, yet the nominations came and went without his name among the contenders. The actor’s response to this omission was refreshingly philosophical.
He remarked, with palpable nonchalance, "Are you kidding me? Awww. Oh, I’m so upset. Listen, I’ve been around too long. I’ve got — I don’t wanna say other fish to fry, but there’s a reality at this age." Washington, whose career spans decades and includes two previous Oscars for Glory and Training Day, conveyed his sense of satisfaction with his work rather than fixation on accolades.
Reflecting on his career, Washington shared, "I was sitting there smiling, going: Look at you. On the day you didn’t get a nomination for an Oscar, you’re working on 'Othello' on Broadway." This sentiment, combining his love for the craft with his unwavering commitment to personal beliefs, also bridges to his discussions about faith.
Washington's faith has become increasingly central to his artistic lens, with the injury nudging him closer to existential reflection. He expressed, "At this point, everything I’m doing is through the lens of what God thinks, not what they think. I don’t know what they think." This approach enables him to find meaningful interpretation within his work, even tackling complex themes like jealousy and envy—universal topics he explores through Shakespeare's Othello.
On stage, he plays the iconic tragic character opposite fellow actor Jake Gyllenhaal, who takes on the role of Iago. Washington's admiration for his co-star adds another layer to his current endeavors, remarking, "He’s nuts. I love him. He’s complicated. But he’s already got a handle on it."
Washington's focus on the craft rather than the recognition exemplifies his maturity as both actor and individual. He has navigated challenges with grace and positivity, noting life’s lessons like the importance of slowing down and appreciating the moment. "The beginning of wisdom is listening and learning to understand more — and that's exciting," he concludes.
Despite missing out on Academy Award recognition, Washington's participation in Gladiator II and his return to Broadway signify his undiminished influence and relevance within Hollywood. His work continues to resonate within the industry, earning him accolades such as the Golden Globe nomination, which toasted his place as the first Black actor to receive 11 nominations from the Globes.
Though Denzel Washington may not be on this year's Oscar ballot, he remains steadfastly optimistic about his career and the impact he wishes to impart through his performances. His eloquent contemplation on vocation, faith, and life depict him not just as a star but as someone focused on much larger truths at play, both on and off the stage.