Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington Speaks Out on Oscars Slap: ‘The Only Solution Was Prayer’

by
denzel washington

Denzel Washington was a calming presence at the 2022 Oscars. After Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after delivering a questionable joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, Washington was seen as an immediate mediator to the situation and later consoling the Smiths.

A week later, PEOPLE notes Washington was on hand at T.D. Jakes International Leadership Summit and detailed why he assisted.

“No way I could have sat in my seat,” Washington said. “That’s just not who I am.”

Variety notes Denzel would reflect on the moment and what he believes happened to Smith.

“There’s a saying when the devil ignores you, then you know you’re doing something wrong,” Washington said. “The devil goes, ‘Oh no leave him alone, he’s my favorite.’ Conversely, when the devil comes at you, maybe it’s because he’s trying to do something right. And for whatever reason, the devil got ahold of him that night.”

Washington would not reveal what was said during the huddles at the award show that included him and Smith, as well as Tyler Perry and Bradley Cooper, but did reveal prayers were exchanged.

“I don’t wanna say what we talked about, but there but for the grace of God go any of us,” Washington said. “Who are we to condemn? I don’t know all the ins and outs of this situation, but I know the only solution was prayer, the way I saw it, the way I see it.”

The post Denzel Washington Speaks Out on Oscars Slap: ‘The Only Solution Was Prayer’ appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Denzel Washington Hands Samuel L. Jackson His First Oscar

by
FO3kwv5VQAAcglm

Film icon Samuel L. Jackson has received his first Oscar. The 73-year-old star was awarded an honorary Academy Award for his lifetime achievement. The award was given to him by his friend Denzel Washington at the Governor’s Award.

“Sam and I go back in the theater, the Goodman Theatre,” Washington said, according to PEOPLE. “We worked together even before that, at the Negro Ensemble Company. We did a pretty good play called The Soldier’s Play that became great movie, A Soldier’s Story. Wasn’t as good as it would’ve been had Sam been in it, but that’s for another day.”

“Who knows, that little kid from Chattanooga, Tennessee, watching movies, wishing he could be here to get the votes of people who run an organization like this that says, ‘Hey, I deserve something like this,’ thank you, so much,” Jackson said.

The post [WATCH] Denzel Washington Hands Samuel L. Jackson His First Oscar appeared first on The Source.

ICYMI: Will Smith Celebrated by Denzel Washington: “This Is Your Year”

by
Will Smith Award Acceptance Speech 28th Annual SAG Awards TNT 0 12 screenshot

Will Smith won the Screen Actors Guild award for Best Actor for his role as Richard Williams in the film King Richard. In a tearful speech, Smith highlighted the win as “one of the greatest moments” of his career and touched on what it meant to portray Williams.

“Richard Williams is a dreamer like no one you’ve ever known,” said Smith. “He has a power of belief that borders on insanity and sometimes tips over the border, which is absolutely necessary to take something from impossible to possible.”

In the win, Smith won over Andrew Garfield, Benedict Cumberbatch, Javier Bardem, and Denzel Washington. Speaking with PEOPLE, Smith highlighted special words he received from Washington in the recent time they have spent together. “This is your year,” Smith said Washington, his mentor, told him.

“He just hugged me and he said, ‘I’m so happy for you. Just love who you’re becoming,’” Smith said. “He knew me years ago, I would go to Denzel for advice so he’s seen me through the years and he was just telling me how proud he is of who I’ve become and what I’ve become. He was saying that he felt like a weight was lifted off of his shoulders somehow.”

You can see Smith’s acceptance speech below.

The post ICYMI: Will Smith Celebrated by Denzel Washington: “This Is Your Year” appeared first on The Source.

Will Smith Celebrated by Denzel Washington: “This Is Your Year”

by
Will Smith Award Acceptance Speech 28th Annual SAG Awards TNT 0 12 screenshot

Will Smith won the Screen Actors Guild award for Best Actor for his role as Richard Williams in the film King Richard. In a tearful speech, Smith highlighted the win as “one of the greatest moments” of his career and touched on what it meant to portray Williams.

“Richard Williams is a dreamer like no one you’ve ever known,” said Smith. “He has a power of belief that borders on insanity and sometimes tips over the border, which is absolutely necessary to take something from impossible to possible.”

In the win, Smith won over Andrew Garfield, Benedict Cumberbatch, Javier Bardem, and Denzel Washington. Speaking with PEOPLE, Smith highlighted special words he received from Washington in the recent time they have spent together. “This is your year,” Smith said Washington, his mentor, told him.

“He just hugged me and he said, ‘I’m so happy for you. Just love who you’re becoming,’” Smith said. “He knew me years ago, I would go to Denzel for advice so he’s seen me through the years and he was just telling me how proud he is of who I’ve become and what I’ve become. He was saying that he felt like a weight was lifted off of his shoulders somehow.”

You can see Smith’s acceptance speech below.

The post Will Smith Celebrated by Denzel Washington: “This Is Your Year” appeared first on The Source.