Yesterday was the 97th Academy Awards ceremony. It’s impossible not to reflect on Denzel Washington’s storied career, winding down his workload and perhaps approaching retirement with his acknowledgment. He’s hands down one of the most celebrated actors of our time. Probably ever.
While Washington has won two Oscars—Best Supporting Actor for Glory (1989) and Best Actor for Training Day (2001)—there are more roles he might have been snubbed.
We’re talking about his work as Malcolm X in Malcolm X (1992) and Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter in The Hurricane (1999). Yup, he was robbed.
These performances, which earned him nominations but failed to take home the W, showcased his generational talent and highlighted his ability to embody complex, real-life figures with depth and authenticity.
In 1992, Washington delivered a transformative performance as the titular character Malcolm X in Spike Lee’s biographical epic. His portrayal of the controversial civil rights leader was a masterclass in acting, capturing Malcolm X’s essence and evolution from a street hustler named Red to a global icon of social justice and Black empowerment. Washington’s dedication to the role was nothing short of method acting. It was evident in every scene, from his fiery speeches to his quiet moments of introspection. Despite widespread acclaim, he lost the Best Actor Oscar to Al Pacino, who won for Scent of a Woman. While Pacino’s performance was undeniably compelling, but many critics and fans argue that Washington’s portrayal of Malcolm X was a once-in-a-generation achievement that deserved the highest honor. So, yea, Pacino or not, he was kind of robbed.
Seven years later, Washington stunned audiences again with his portrayal of Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter, in The Hurricane (1999) where he played a wrongfully imprisoned boxer fighting for his freedom. Some would argue this role eclipsed Malcolm X. Here, Washington brought raw emotion and physical intensity to the role, embodying Carter’s resilience and determination from the boxing ring to his prison cell. His performance was a powerful reminder of the human cost of injustice and the strength of the human spirit. Yet, at the 2000 Oscars, the Best Actor award went to Kevin Spacey for American Beauty. While Spacey’s performance was lauded, let’s be real, Washington’s work in The Hurricane remains a standout in his career. Another highway robbery. The Hurricane was a testament to Washington’s ability to yet again, elevate a real-life story into a cinematic masterpiece on screen like no other.
Washington’s certified snubs for these roles were not just a reflection of the Academy’s occasional missteps but also a stark reminder of the nature of awards. Both Malcolm X and The Hurricane were more than films; they were cultural touchstones that challenged audiences to confront issues of race, justice, and identity on the big screen. Washington’s performances in these films were not just acting—they were acts of protest through storytelling that resonated far beyond the silver screen. His ability to humanize these larger-than-life figures and allow them to connect with global audiences is a testament to Washington’s rare artistry and commitment to his craft as a thespian.
As we just celebrated the 97th Academy Awards, it’s worth honoring, yet again, Denzel Washington’s enduring career through his roles that, despite not earning him an Oscar, solidified his place as one of the greatest actors of all time. Period. His two performances in Malcolm X and The Hurricane remain benchmarks of acting excellence that reminded us that true greatness often exceeds awards ceremonies. While the Academy, as prestigious as it is, may not have recognized Washington’s roles with gold statues, history has cemented those performances as true defining moments in the highest form of cinema—and milestones in Washington’s extraordinary legacy.