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Denzel Washington an acclaimed Academy Award winning actor displayed his extensive career impact throughout the year. Denzel Washington received his 11th Golden Globe nomination for role in “Gladiator II” breaking the prior record for most nominations for Black actors initially set by Sidney Poitier in prior ceremonies. Washington earned this most recent nomination for supporting role as Macrinus a character in the new action oriented “Gladiator II”.
Denzel Washington shared in a November interview his perspective on ending his Hollywood acting projects saying he was most interested in working alongside the best film directors and he did mention that he likely does not have that many film projects left in his acting future. He shared his goals with Australia's "Today" show which showed his professional goals and transition to working in roles behind camera. Washington also discussed upcoming role in a Broadway’s “Othello” which was a role that he played initially in his youth showcasing some of his previous passion for theatre acting. Washington has planned a third portrayal of “Othello” in movie format along with the role of Carthaginian general Hannibal on a coming Netflix production. He is additionally working alongside director Steve McQueen for an upcoming unnamed project while considering the third “Black Panther” installment.
Denzel Washington further mentioned his upcoming movie role as King Lear stating ‘After that I’m going to retire’. Days later however Denzel clarified this comment with BuzzFeed by saying he will remain in film acting while being much more involved in production roles. He considers the current chapter of his life in the ‘return’ portion as a new life segment after spending many years both learning and earning as a highly rated actor during this time. Washington’s earlier statement made on Australia's "Today" show caused some concern regarding his retirement with his later clarification coming as needed among his large global audience.
Denzel Washington engaged in a heated exchange with fans trying to take photographs and request signatures outside New York City's Museum of Modern Art. “Training Day” actor attended a film benefit honouring Samuel L Jackson during this visit last year which showed that after posing for photos with some fans Washington grew noticeably agitated. A video captured Denzel stating “Put this down. I heard you. You talk about showing love... respect me” as fans followed him into the venue and before he stated “I’ll see you when I get out. Which part of that don't y'all understand?”. Denzel also then said that “Or not or not! We can do it another way. I can do it both ways y’all”.
Denzel Washington received his minister’s license in December after becoming baptized by Bishop James Pullings Jr at Kelly Temple Church in New York City. Washington stated that “If God can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit.” Denzel Washington further revealed that he faced criticism when discussing faith within Hollywood as industry does not tend to promote religion based topics which he called not being "sexy" or fashionable for movie production in past times. Despite that Washington wrote about being unafraid with being open about his personal belief system. Esther Renee Burns Pullings Bishop’s wife shared photographs showcasing Denzel Washington’s new religious service designation and his personal life transition.
Denzel Washington met with King Charles III in November during the London Premiere of “Gladiator II” which created very funny exchange for observers. While meeting each member of cast King Charles greeted Pedro Pascal Paul Mescal along with director Ridley Scott before meeting Denzel. Denzel admitted feeling unsure whether he should grab King Charles’s hand resulting in a slight handshake that felt a bit awkward with words coming a bit clumsy for Denzel as well. King Charles noted Denzel's extensive acting career during their humorous exchange with Washington replying his appreciation for king's kind words and support of the film.
The 2025 Golden Globe nominations have seen Denzel Washington reach 11 nominations setting his history with new records that exceed prior number of nominations by all other black actors during Golden Globe’s 81 year history . He received nomination for Best Supporting Actor in “Gladiator II” where he acts as Macrinus also known as an influential and strategic character during ancient Roman times in the film that released in November and performed exceptionally. Washington previously took home the Golden Globes awards for Glory in 1990 and The Hurricane in 2000 and also was recognized with Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2016 showcasing exceptional contributions within entertainment. The sequel of Gladiator II released in November grossing approximately 450 million dollars globally is presently available on various platforms including Prime Video YouTube and Apple TV+.
Many highly successful Hollywood performers such as Hillary Clinton Bono and George Soros received praise from President Biden along with Presidential Medal of Freedom recognition in his last ceremony for this honorable mention and contributions. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the greatest civilian honor that president of United States has and this was awarded for individuals that have dedicated a significant amount of their lives in service to both United States and people across the globe demonstrating Biden's goal to recognize many.
President Biden personally awarded Hillary Clinton plus George Soros as well as a posthumous award to Robert F. Kennedy for great service towards US while making them honorary members of US national leadership. The list put together by President Biden also highlighted those in other areas such as film, entertainment and athletics making the Presidential Medal of Freedom an honorary title recognizing all elements of society. Celebrities, athletes, politicians and humanitarians all became honorees during the 2024 final ceremony . The honorees recognized on this list showed Biden's unique view in identifying impactful members of the community and also making it into historic public records for future generations.
Singer Bono and Jose Andres were additionally highlighted with Carter being posthumously rewarded for the significant work accomplished throughout the years as defense secretary to Barack Obama during his term. Jose Andres and World Central Kitchen were recognized for their critical humanitarian service to regions under duress or war particularly when providing life saving resources during the recent Gaza conflicts demonstrating the great dedication of humanitarian efforts and service that is often very dangerous and underappreciated in the world. Biden also personally introduced band U2 during Kennedy Center Honors 2022 solidifying the bonds that he built over years with several international artists . The recent award events highlight multiple influential members of many community segments during Biden's terms and their importance within culture and society.