Spike Lee believes Denzel Washington was robbed of the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in Malcolm X. The director shared his thoughts during a press conference at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Lee called the Academy’s decision a “bad call,” comparing it to a referee’s mistake in basketball.
Al Pacino won the Oscar in 1993 for Scent of a Woman, beating Washington’s iconic portrayal of civil rights leader Malcolm X. Lee made it clear he has no issue with Pacino but stands firm that Washington deserved the award.
“No disrespect to my brother Al Pacino, I love him. But Denzel, in my opinion, should have won.”
Washington later won Best Actor in 2002 for Training Day. Lee said awards are unpredictable, like sports, where wrong calls happen. He emphasized that great work lasts longer than trophies.
The 1993 Oscars had strong competition. Other nominees included Robert Downey Jr. (Chaplin), Stephen Rea (The Crying Game), and Clint Eastwood (Unforgiven). Many film experts agree Washington’s performance was one of the best of the decade.
Malcolm X was a career-defining role for Washington. He captured Malcolm X’s transformation from a street hustler to a civil rights leader. Critics praised his ability to show different stages of Malcolm’s life with depth and power.
Lee and Washington have worked together five times, including Mo’ Better Blues, He Got Game, and Inside Man. Their latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, premiered at Cannes. Washington received an honorary Palme d’Or at the festival.
The Oscar snub for Malcolm X is still debated today. Some believe Pacino’s win was a career achievement award after previous losses. Others argue Washington’s performance was more deserving.
Lee has criticized the Oscars before. His film Do the Right Thing was overlooked in 1989. He won his first competitive Oscar in 2019 for BlacKkKlansman. Washington has two Oscars—Best Supporting Actor for Glory (1989) and Best Actor for Training Day.
Despite the awards debate, both actors have legendary careers. Pacino is a Hollywood icon, and Washington remains one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Highest 2 Lowest releases in theaters on August 22, followed by Apple TV+ on September 5. The film is a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, set in modern-day New York.
Washington plays a music mogul caught in a kidnapping plot. Early reviews praise his performance as his best since Training Day. The film also stars A$AP Rocky and Ice Spice.
Lee hinted this might be his last collaboration with Washington. The actor has talked about retiring but continues taking new roles. He will appear in Gladiator II, a Steve McQueen project, and Black Panther 3.
At Cannes, Washington thanked Lee and the audience during his Palme d’Or speech.
“This is a total surprise for me, so I’m a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”
The Malcolm X Oscar debate highlights how awards don’t always reflect an actor’s best work. Fans and critics still celebrate Washington’s performance decades later.
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Ryan Coogler Vows to Collaborate with Denzel Washington on Black Panther 3 Sequel
Denzel Washington Explains His Stage-Centric Approach Amid Broadway’s Othello Revival Debut
Credits: Sources include IndieWire, Variety, World of Reel, and BET.
