Denzel Washington Opens Up About Oscar Loss

Denzel Washington has opened up about his decision to distance himself from the Academy Awards following his loss to Kevin Spacey in 2000, a moment that left him feeling bitter and led to a period of heavy drinking. Washington, who was nominated for his role in 'The Hurricane,' felt the pressure and disappointment of the Oscars night deeply, which he candidly discussed in an interview with Esquire magazine. Despite his initial success with a Golden Globe for the same role, the Oscar loss impacted his outlook on awards, contributing to a 15-year period where he struggled with bitterness and alcohol. Washington admits to having reached for alcohol as a coping mechanism, though he never let it interfere with his work, maintaining professionalism on set. Now, approaching a decade of sobriety, he reflects on this period as a transformative chapter in his life, having put the bottle down in 2014. Washington has since received acclaim for his performances, including in 'Training Day,' for which he won the Best Actor Oscar in 2002, and his recent role in 'Gladiator II.'