Denzel Washington Says He’s “Tired of Movies” and Doesn’t Watch Them Anymore
Denzel Washington recently made a surprising revelation during a GQ video interview with director Spike Lee and co-star A$AP Rocky for their film Highest 2 Lowest. The two-time Oscar winner admitted that he no longer watches movies, a statement that caught many fans off guard.
“I don’t watch movies, man. I really don’t,” Washington said. “I’m just being honest with you! I don’t watch movies! I don’t go to the movies. I don’t watch movies… I’m tired of movies. Yeah.”
When Spike Lee asked how many films he had made, Washington replied, “Too many. I think 50!” With a career spanning more than 40 films since his debut in 1981’s Carbon Copy, it’s clear the actor has spent decades immersed in the world of cinema.
Highest 2 Lowest marks the fifth collaboration between Washington and Lee, following classics like Mo’ Better Blues (1990), Malcolm X (1992), He Got Game (1998), and Inside Man (2006).
Washington’s performance in Malcolm X earned him an Oscar nomination, which Lee has openly argued he should have won. Despite this, Washington remains unconcerned with awards.
“I don’t do it for Oscars. I don’t care about that kind of stuff,” Washington said during an interview on the Jake’s Takes podcast. “I’ve been at this a long time, and there’s time when I won and shouldn’t have won and then didn’t win and should’ve won. Man gives the award. God gives the reward.”
He added that his achievements aren’t tied to recognition from Hollywood. “I’m not that interested in Oscars. People ask me, ‘Where do I keep it?’ Well, next to the other one. I’m not bragging! Just telling you how I feel about it. On my last day, [Oscars] aren’t going to do me a bit of good.”
Washington’s candidness about his career and approach to fame highlights a level of contentment that comes from decades in the industry. He also hinted that his exhaustion with watching films comes from having spent so much of his life making them, which could explain his unusual stance on cinema.
Highest 2 Lowest is now playing in select theaters and will be available to stream on Apple TV+ starting September 5. Washington’s interview with GQ provides fans with a rare glimpse into his personal feelings about the industry, his work, and the legacy he continues to build.
Washington’s honesty about stepping back from watching films and ignoring awards shows that even some of Hollywood’s biggest stars can feel worn out by the very medium they helped define. What do you think about Denzel Washington no longer watching movies? Share your thoughts in the comments.
