There's Oscar buzz surrounding Denzel Washington and Viola Davis' new movie, Fences.ย And rightfully so. From the trailer, and even reviews from their Broadway run, Fences looks to be a must-see film. But Washington isn't shying away from the #OscarsSoWhite conversation, because he's lived it.
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In his upcoming interview with 60 Minutes, Washington discusses not only his career but also what he thinks about the lack of diversity at the Oscars.
โI donโt have to think about it; Iโve lived it,โ Washington says. โIโve been the guy at the Oscars without my name being called. Iโve been the guy at the Oscars when my name is called. Iโve been the guy at the Oscars when everybody thought they were going to call my name and they didnโt. So Iโve lived it.โ
Washington has been nominated for an Oscar six times but has only won the award twice. In 2002 he wonย Best Actor in a Leading Role for Training Day, and in 1990 he won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Glory. But many felt that he was robbed of the award for his portrayal of Malcolm X in Spike Lee's 1993 film. Many people also felt that his win for Training Day was overshadowed because of the type of role he played in the film.
Washington does acknowledge that the playing field is uneven when it comes to black actors and black films, but that's not stopping him from doing his craft.
โYeah, and so what? You going to give up? If youโre looking for an excuse, youโll find one. โฆ You can find it wherever you like. Canโt live like that. Just do the best you can do," Washington says.
Washington's 60 Minutes interview airs Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET and 7 p.m. PT.
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