Denzel Washington Isn't Mad About 'Gladiators II' Oscars Snub

Denzel Washington isn’t upset that his performance as Macrinus in Gladiator II wasn’t nominated for an Oscar at this year’s ceremony.

“Are you kidding me? Awww. Oh, I’m so upset,” he joked to The New York Times about the snub. “I’m happy for all that did, and I’m happy with what I’m doing.

“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 continued. “The beginning of wisdom is understanding. I’m getting wiser, working on talking less and learning to understand more — and that’s exciting.”

It’s not like Washington hasn’t been celebrated for his acting over the years. He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Glory back in 1989. For 2001’s Training Day, he ended up winning Best Actor. Since then, he’s received eight other nominations throughout his career.

While he didn’t win an Oscar for his Gladiator II role, he did get nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor — Motion Picture.

Maybe Washington will be able to take home an Oscar for his upcoming role in Black Panther 3. After prematurely revealing that he was a part of the film, Washington recently revealed that he apologized for doing so.

"Ryan's a genius," he said during a recent podcast. "I called him and apologized for talking about the movie, and right there sitting with him was his beautiful wife. He's still Ryan, humble and full of ideas. Whatever he writes, I'll read."

During the promo run for Gladiator II, Washington told the world he’d be in Black Panther 3. "Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next Black Panther," he’d said.

Washington’s also set to appear in a number of upcoming projects, such as Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest.