Denzel Washington Discusses Faith in Hollywood

Denzel Washington has candidly discussed the challenges of being openly religious in Hollywood, stating that faith is often considered 'not fashionable' in the industry. In an essay for Esquire, he reflected on a transformative experience from the 1980s when he first visited the Pentecostal West Angeles Church, describing it as 'the biggest moment of my life.' Washington emphasized that his faith has deepened over the years, asserting that 'God is real. God is love. God is the only way.' He noted that while many actors may believe, discussions about faith are rarely held, as being vocal about religion can hinder career success, especially regarding accolades like the Oscars. Washington has always remained unafraid of expressing his spirituality, contrasting his personal beliefs with the industry's general reluctance to engage in such conversations. He also challenged the notion of Hollywood as a singular institution, stating, 'There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway.'