Denzel Washington, a two-time Academy Award winner, expressed his disdain for public opinion and cancel culture in a recent interview. After stating his lack of concern for awards, Washington elaborates on his thoughts regarding the pressures of public scrutiny.
In a conversation alongside director and collaborator Spike Lee, Washington challenged the concept of being “canceled” during an interview with Complex News. When prompted about his feelings on cancel culture, Washington countered with, “What does that mean—to be canceled?”
When interviewer Jillian Hardeman-Webb described cancelation as “losing public support,” Washington retorted, “who cares? What made public support so important to begin with?” He further articulated his belief that social media followers have become a currency in today’s society.
Washington stated, “I don’t care who’s following who. You can’t lead and follow at the same time, and you can’t follow and lead at the same time. I don’t follow anybody; I follow the heavenly spirit. I follow God, I don’t follow man. I have faith in God. I have hope in man, but look around, it ain’t working out so well.” He firmly concluded, “You can’t be canceled if you haven’t signed up. Don’t sign up. Don’t get me started. My chest started hurting. You know, chest is getting tight talking about it.”
Washington’s remarks come during the promotional tour for his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, which premiered recently. This collaboration with Lee marks their first in nearly two decades. The film, produced by A24 and Apple, is a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s classic High and Low, featuring Washington as a music mogul embroiled in a ransom plot.
Washington has previously stated his indifference toward accolades, asserting in a conversation with Jake’s Takes, “Man gives the award. God gives the reward.” He emphasized, “I’ve been at this a long time, and there’s times when I won and shouldn’t have won and then didn’t win and should’ve won. On my last day, [Oscars] aren’t going to do me a bit of good.”
Washington, memorably recognized for his roles in Glory and Training Day, continues to advocate for authenticity over public approval as he navigates the complexities of fame in Hollywood.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.