Denzel Washington Expresses His Views On #OscarsSoWhite
From frivolous topics like the “Uncle Denzel” meme to issues pressing the socio-racial climate of Hollywood with #OscarsSoWhite, Mr. Washington effortlessly deflects any negative energy with his confident, yet wise swagger.
In his 60 Minutes interview with Bill Whitaker, set to be aired this Sunday (Dec. 18), the Fences star is questioned on his view point of his seventh nomination amidst the criticism surrounding the Oscar’s regarding their lack of diversity, CNN reports. The Magnificent Seven actor claims that he “doesn’t have to think about it, [he’s] lived it.”
WATCH: Denzel Washington And Viola Davis Shine In The Trailer For “Fences”
He addresses the fact that he’s lived the multi-faceted stages of the #OscarsSoWhite issue from being “the guy at the Oscars without [his] name being called” to being “the guy at the Oscars when [his] name is called” and then the most heartbreaking of all, being the guy at the Oscars “when everybody thought they was going to call [his] name and they didn’t.” He’s experienced the plight before it became a hashtag-endorsed Twitter, as well as real-life, movement.
Mr. John Q hasn’t been a stranger to dropping “the real” lately with addressing the dichotomous relationship between using the media to be informed, while simultaneously being misinformed. So, it shouldn’t have been surprising that he’d have some wisdom to spread on this topic.
READ: Denzel Washington Blasts The Media For Its Promotion Of Fake News
When prompted with how he would react to people who think the entire process is unfair, Washington basically tells his fellow thespians to suck it up and keep moving. His exact words: “Yeah and so what? What are you going to do? Give up? If you’re looking for an excuse, you’ll find one… You can find it [race] wherever you like. You can’t live like that. Just do the best you can do.”
Tune into CBS this Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. EST, to peep the entire 60 Minutes interview. Also, if you’re in the N.Y. or L.A. area check your local theater times to view his latest, Viola Davis co-starred, Fences ahead of the official Christmas release date. For now, check out the trailer for the interview below.
WATCH: Viola Davis Gives Moving Speech At The Critic’s Choice Award
