I just heard that with this nomination, Denzel has become the most nominated black actor in history. So as soon as we hang up, I’ll post about that. [Denzel Washington on Tuesday earned his 10th Oscar nomination, for “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”]
Speaking of Denzel Washington, I also understand that 2002 was the first time two black actors competed for the best actor award. Washington won for “Training Day” that year, and now it’s 20 years later and you’re back here. How does that feel?
You know, it’s funny, I don’t think I’ve ever talked about this. So those two times I’ve been nominated before, I’ve only lost to black actors. I lost to Denzel once and the next was Forest Whitaker. So it’s funny, Jada [Pinkett Smith, his wife] and I was talking about the inclusion and stuff [the issue of the lack of diversity among Oscar nominees over the years] and I thought, “I’ve only lost to black actors!” [Laughs]†
Have you spoken to the director of the film?
Yes, we spoke this morning. He is so calm and sweet. I was like, “Dude, your movie is nominated for best picture, you nominated some of your actors. You can laugh a little if you want.” He’s just so humble and happy for others and what I love about him is that he never reaches for himself and even on set that’s part of the beauty of what he was able to create.
You’ve had a big and busy year with the premiere of ‘King Richard’, Publication your memoir, “Will,” last fall, your new Disney+ documentary about the planet and the new one adaptation of the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” next month. And now with this recognition, how do you plan to celebrate all of this?
We celebrate by creating the following. We celebrate the fact that we get to do this for a living. It is as if every day is a celebration of the gift of living and working. I don’t think about it in terms of “gravel, gravel, gravel and four”. Let’s just be thankful for this opportunity, and gratitude is an important part of my belief in how to create great things, to live in constant gratitude. I don’t feel the need to make time for celebrations that way.