Could Gladiator II Secure Denzel Washington’s Third Oscar?

Denzel Washington has consistently delivered standout performances throughout his illustrious career, even proving his mettle as a director. Boasting two Oscars already, Washington might soon clinch a third Academy Award with his upcoming role in Ridley Scott‘s “Gladiator II.”

The sequel to the 2000 Best Picture winner revolves around Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, the grandson of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. Lucius, after being forced into slavery, aims to rise as a gladiator under the mentorship of Washington’s character, Macrinus. Washington’s Macrinus is a key mentor for Lucius and stands in opposition to the rule of emperors Caracalla, portrayed by Fred Hechinger, and Geta, played by Joseph Quinn.

Washington’s performance in the movie places him as a predicted nominee for Best Supporting Actor. He stands poised for nomination alongside other heavyweights such as Samuel L. Jackson for “The Piano Lesson,” Clarence Maclin for “Sing Sing,” Kieran Culkin for “A Real Pain,” and Stanley Tucci for “Conclave.” If nominated, this would mark Washington’s tenth Oscar nod. His previous nominations include two for Best Supporting Actor – “Cry Freedom” in 1988 and “Glory” in 1990. Furthermore, his seven Best Actor nominations span iconic roles in movies such as “Malcolm X” in 1993, “The Hurricane” in 2000, “Training Day” in 2002, “Flight” in 2013, “Fences” in 2017, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” in 2018, and “The Tragedy of Macbeth” in 2022.

Achieving ten nominations would place Washington among legends like Bette Davis and Laurence Olivier, tying their record. This number is one short of the nominations amassed by actors like Spencer Tracy, Paul Newman, and Al Pacino. Only Jack Nicholson and Katharine Hepburn surpass this with a dozen nominations each, while Meryl Streep holds the record with 21.

If Washington wins, he would join the elite group of three-time Oscar winners:

Walter Brennan scored three Best Supporting Actor Oscars for “Come and Get It” in 1937, “Kentucky” in 1939, and “The Westerner” in 1941.

Ingrid Bergman won Best Actress Oscars for “Gaslight” in 1945 and “Anastasia” in 1957, adding a Best Supporting Actress win for “Murder on the Orient Express” in 1975.

Jack Nicholson earned Best Actor Oscars for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in 1976 and “As Good as It Gets” in 1998, plus a Best Supporting Actor for “Terms of Endearment” in 1984.

Meryl Streep has three wins: Best Supporting Actress for “Kramer vs. Kramer” in 1980, Best Actress for “Sophie’s Choice” in 1983, and “The Iron Lady” in 2012.

Daniel Day-Lewis claimed three Best Actor Oscars for “My Left Foot” in 1990, “There Will Be Blood” in 2008, and “Lincoln” in 2013.

Frances McDormand has three Best Actress wins for “Fargo” in 1997, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” in 2018, and “Nomadland” in 2021.

Finally, Katharine Hepburn holds the record with four Oscar wins. She was named Best Actress for “Morning Glory” in 1934, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” in 1968, “The Lion in Winter” in 1969, and “On Golden Pond” in 1982.

Hepburn also maintains the record for the longest span between acting Oscar wins — a remarkable 48 years between “Morning Glory” and “On Golden Pond.” If Washington wins, it would mark 22 years since his last victory in “Training Day.”

Source: Gold Derby