Recently, legendary actor Denzel Washington made headlines when he said that his two Oscars don’t really hold much value to him anymore. And honestly, we can understand how he feels with everything going on in the world.
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Yet as fans of the performances that earned him those Oscars in the first place, we’d be lying if we said that him getting those wins didn’t mean a lot to us. However, if we’re all honest, there a handful of roles Washington has done that didn’t give him that gold statuette and it’s beyond time we talk about it.
In fact, there are more than a handful that are just so good and have solidified his place in the cultural canon, it’s actually a bit insulting to think about how he was snubbed. So it’s in that vein that we rounded up all the films the iconic actor has done that should’ve won but didn’t. Fair warning, you might be pissed off by the end of this list but it’s definitely worth the read.
“Malcolm X”
We feel like this one should really go without saying. Denzel Washington as Malcolm X is one of the most masterful portrayals we’ve seen onscreen. Nearly everything about this film is perfect. He should’ve won for this instead of “Training Day” if we’re all being real.
“American Gangster”
Yet another classic Denzel film that should’ve brought him home that gold hardware. He was so good in this film, it took a minute for me to separate Denzel the actor from Denzel the character. He was way too convincing in the best way.
“Man on Fire”
Any time we get to see Denzel get deep in his action bag, you already know it’s gonna be a wild ride. Thankfully, that’s exactly what we got here!
“Remember the Titans”
If “Remember the Titans” isn’t on your list for the greatest sports movies of all time, then I don’t know what’s wrong with you. Denzel’s monologue about how his team will be “perfect in every aspect of the game” is etched in my brain forever and he definitely could’ve gotten an Oscar for it.
“Inside Man”
Once again, we have Denzel putting us on the edge of our seats in this thriller. It’s honestly more his movie than it is Clive Owens. He absolutely steals the show (no pun intended.)
“Flight”
Who knew Denzel Washington playing a alcoholic pilot would be so enthralling? This is one of those sleeper films that should’ve gotten him way more play.
“Fences”
Anytime you put Denzel Washington and August Wilson together on-stage or onscreen, you’re sure to get magic. And that’s exactly what transpired in “Fences.” And what made it even more special is that he had a powerhouse lead actress a.k.a. Viola Davis, going toe to toe with him.
“John Q”
Denzel as John Q is just one of those films that stick with you long after the credits roll. You couldn’t help but to viscerally feel everything Denzel was putting on the screen. It was simply too good.
“The Great Debaters”
Yet another film that some people may not remember, but Denzel in The Great Debaters is one of those films that made me want to join the debate team when I was in school. It was equal parts historical, aspirational, inspiring and great reminder of why Denzel is one of the greatest actors of all time.
“Antoine Fisher”
Now this one may be a throwback, but we cannot skip talking about Antoine Fisher. Not only did Derek Luke give a helluva performance here, but he was matching energy with Denzel perfectly. It was almost like watching two giants go back and forth. There definitely should’ve been some gold hardware given for this one.
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