Denzel Washington Sets New Golden Globe Awards Nominations Record
Denzel Washington has made history with his acclaimed role in the film Gladiator II, earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture at the Golden Globe Awards.
This nomination marks his eleventh Golden Globe nomination, setting a new record for Black performers. Washington had previously been tied with the legendary Sidney Poitier, who was nominated for a Golden Globe 10 times during his illustrious career.
Like Poitier, Washington has won two Golden Globe Awards—one for Best Supporting Actor in 1989 for Glory and another the following year for Best Film Drama Actor for The Hurricane.
Denzel Washington attends the Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere of “Gladiator II” at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on November 13, 2024 in London, England.
Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Washington’s latest nomination comes for his portrayal of Macrinus in Gladiator II, the highly anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott’s iconic 2000 film, Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe. Scott, a director whom Washington has long admired, invited him to join the cast, and the experience proved to be a deeply humbling one for the actor.
“Before I even worked with Sir Ridley Scott, I was a fan of his movies and his talent,” Washington shared upon receiving his Golden Globe nomination. “But then he invited me into his tent (most recently into his Colosseum of ‘Gladiator II’) and the entire experience has been stunning.”
Washington went on to praise the scale of the production, noting the vastness of the set and the talented ensemble cast.
Honoree Denzel Washington speaks onstage during the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Denzel Washington at Dolby Theatre on June 06, 2019 in Hollywood, California.
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“The sheer size of this particular production and the incredible cast of actors and crew he assembled, not to mention what he literally built of ancient Rome, humbles me — it humbled me every day on set,” he said. “And giving me Macrinus — to embody, to enjoy, to create — what an incredible honor this is, and has, been.”
As Washington continues to break barriers, there has been speculation about his future in Hollywood, with some suggesting he might retire after the release of his upcoming films. However, the actor has made it clear that retirement is not in his immediate plans.
“I didn’t say I was going to go into retirement. I said that it has to be a level of interest for me. I’m more interested in getting behind the camera, so that’s about five years out,” he explained.
Denzel Washington attends the “Gladiator II” Paris Special Screening at Pathe Palace on November 10, 2024, in Paris, France.
Marc Piasecki/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
“I’m not retiring,” Washington emphasized, acknowledging the physical demands of action roles as he gets older. “It’s not like on June 5, that’s it. But to think that I’m going to run as far as they are or as far as you are, I’d be a fool.”
Washington’s continued success and historic Golden Globe nomination further solidify his place as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and respected actors, and with Gladiator II, he has once again shown his ability to bring depth and gravitas to any role, regardless of the scale.
The 2025 Golden Globe Awards will air live on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on CBS and stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
Denzel Washington attends the “Gladiator II” TIFF Asia Premiere at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya on November 5, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan.
Toru Hanai/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
