Overview

• During an Aug. 11 interview on Jake’s Takes as part of the press tour for Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, Washington said he is “not that interested in Oscars.”
• He emphasized that he never chooses roles based on awards, declaring “I don’t do it for Oscars” and noting they “aren’t going to do me a bit of good” on his last day.
• Washington framed awards as secondary to faith with the remark “Man gives the award. God gives the reward,” underscoring his spiritual view of achievement.
• The 70-year-old actor, a two-time Oscar winner and ten-time nominee, has maintained this stance through past snubs, including for Gladiator II.
• Highest 2 Lowest opened in theaters on Aug. 15 and will stream on Apple TV+ on Sept. 5, with no sign that Washington’s comments will alter his career direction or the Academy’s practices.