Denzel Washington Challenges Actors of Color To Keep Fighting Homogenous Oscars
Two-time Oscar winner and six-time nominee Denzel Washington recognizes that the Academy Awards might have an issue with diversity. Still, he says that's no reason for actors of color to throw up their hands and concede to the system.
In a preview of a forthcoming interview with 60 Minutes, Washington says he's experienced the best and worst Hollywood's had to offer. And for all his successes, he says there a moments in which he's sure he's gone unjustly unrecognized.
"I don't have to think about it, I’ve lived it," he says. "I’ve been the guy at the Oscars without my name being called, I've been the guy at the Oscars when my name is called, I've been the guy at the Oscars when everybody thought they was going to call my name and they didn’t. I've lived it."
Still, Washington advises actors of color to keep fighting the system. Sitting out the ceremony — like Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith and additional actors did at the 2016 show — isn't going to change business as usual.
"Yeah, and so what? You going to give up?" he said. "If you’re looking for an excuse, you’ll find one. You can find it wherever you like. You can’t live like that. Just do the best you can do."
The full interview will air Dec. 18 at 7:30 PM on CBS.
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