
*It looks good on paper and at the box office, but Denzel Washington’s alliance with Ridley Scott seems to be toxic in the eyes of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
Media sources report that Washington was not among those announced on Jan. 23 to be nominated to be honored for their work in film at the 2025 Academy Awards.
The snub denies the “Mo’ Better Blues” actor his 10th Oscar nomination.
Although the Academy denied him this time, Washington’s latest collaboration with Scott, “Gladiator II,” has registered positively with moviegoers and critics, who praised and generated Oscar buzz for his performance as Macrinus, a former slave turned influential arms dealer and gladiator owner who plots to overthrow two emperors.
The film, a follow-up to Scott’s 2000 Russell Crowe-starring classic “Gladiator,’ centers on Lucius Verus Aureliusj, the son of Crowe’s character Maximus Decimus Meridius. In “Gladiator II,” Lucius is a prisoner of war who fights as a gladiator for Macrinus.

The historical epic, also directed by Scott, marks the second time Washington and the filmmaker have worked together. The pair previously aligned 17 years ago for” American Gangster,” a critically acclaimed project Scott helmed that was loosely based on the story of Frank Lucas, a powerful drug dealer in 1970s New York.
Like “Gladiator II,” ScreenRant acknowledged that Washington’s turn as Lucas was a hit with the masses, earning Golden Globe and Satellite Award nominations for Best Actor.
Aside from nominations for best supporting actress (Ruby Dee) and best art direction (Arthur Max and Beth A. Rubino), the Academy showed no love for “American Gangster,” let alone Washington’s performance in the feature.
“Gladiator II” recently followed suit with only one nomination — costume design.
Separately, Washington and Scott have a history of Academy recognition. Washington has collected two Oscars, one for Best Supporting Actor for “Glory, the other for Best Actor in “Training Day. Although Scott has never won the famed honor, he has been nominated three times for best director for helming “Thelma & Louise,” “Gladiator” and “Black Hawk Down.” His 2015 movie “The Martian” received a nod for best picture.

Although Scott has never won the famed honor, he has been nominated three times for best director for helming “Thelma & Louise,” “Gladiator” and “Black Hawk Down.” His 2015 movie “The Martian” received a nod for best picture.
Released on Nov.22, 2024, in the United States, “Gladiator II has amassed $172.2 million in the United States and Canada, as of Jan. 23, 2025, $458.8 million worldwide.
The film’s $55.5 million opening weekend total marked the biggest opening weekend of Washington’s career, surpassing “American Gangster,” which pulled in $43.5 million on its opening weekend in 2007.
Whether Washington and Scott find Oscar gold in making future films together remains to be seen. At this time, it’s not a guarantee.
But you never know. The third time could be the charm. With their talents in front of and behind the camera, it’s only a matter of time for the acting icon and the esteemed director.
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