Spike Lee Says Denzel Washington Deserved Oscar for ‘Malcolm X’ Over Al Pacino: ‘It’s Like Basketball, Where the Ref Blows a Call’

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During a press event at Cannes for his latest movie titled “Highest 2 Lowest” on Tuesday, filmmaker Spike Lee reminisced about their five joint projects with Denzel Washington and expressed that he felt Washington deserved the Best Actor Oscar in 1993 instead of Al Pacino.

Lee praised ‘Malcolm X’ the movie, stating it was extraordinary. He didn’t mean any disrespect to his brother Al Pacino, whom he admires, but in his view, Denzel Washington deserved the award.”

Or more informally:

“Lee thought ‘Malcolm X’ movie was awesome, and while he loves Al Pacino, he believes Denzel should have won instead.

Pacino clinched the top prize for his role in Martin Brest’s “Scent of a Woman,” while Washington secured the Best Actor award in 2002 for “Training Day.” Nonetheless, Lee emphasized that he doesn’t gauge his achievements by the number of awards he receives.

Just like in basketball when a referee makes a questionable call, it’s up to us to decide, and my decision was ‘Training Day’, for which he won an Oscar. However, we don’t create our work with the intention of winning awards; although they are flattering, the true value lies in the work itself, which will surpass any award.”

Lee mentioned that his choice was ‘Training Day’ when asked to make a call about the awards he thought were fitting. He emphasized that their work isn’t done for the sake of awards, even though they are nice; instead, it’s the quality and impact of the work itself that truly matters.)

When asked about potential future collaborations with Washington, Lee responded, “I believe this is as much as we’ll be working together.

Although he mentioned retiring, and recently closed a new deal,” Lee added, “I was under the impression that you had retired, Denzel. However, your recent five films have been impressive indeed!

I had the privilege of leading the cast in “Highest 2 Lowest,” a gripping modern-day adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s classic, “High and Low.” This electrifying tale unfolds against the backdrop of bustling New York City, with me playing a powerful music executive ensnared in a high-stakes ransom plot. A$AP Rocky brings his dynamic energy to the role of Yung Felon, an unstoppable aspiring rapper chasing his dreams relentlessly. Unfortunately, neither of us could attend the Cannes press conference for the film, but the 5.5-minute standing ovation it received on its premiere at Cannes is a testament to the power of our collective performance.

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2025-05-20 13:47