The 94th annual Academy Awards, scheduled to air on Sunday, March 27, after a delay caused by the Covid-19 surge, will recognize a major milestone as Denzel Washington becomes the most nominated Black actor in Oscars history with his tenth overall nomination. The announcement was made on Tuesday, when Tracee Ellis Ross and Leslie Jordan revealed the latest nominees, placing Washington among a distinguished group of contenders for the prestigious awards.
For his acclaimed role in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Denzel Washington earned his seventh Best Actor nomination. This achievement highlights his enduring impact on the film industry and cements his place in Academy Awards history. Joining him in the Best Actor category are Will Smith for King Richard, Javier Bardem for Being the Ricardos, Benedict Cumberbatch for The Power of the Dog, and Andrew Garfield for Tick, Tick … Boom!
Denzel Washington’s recognition comes amid a competitive lineup and reflects the Academy’s acknowledgment of outstanding performances across a range of films. Will Smith, another highly regarded nominee, earned his second Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard, a film also up for Best Picture, Original Screenplay, and Film Editing. Aunjanue Ellis, featured in the cast as Oracene Price, received a nod for Best Supporting Actress in the same film.
The 2022 nominees also feature several firsts and notable achievements. Beyoncé received her first Oscar nomination for Best Original Song with “Be Alive,” which she co-wrote for King Richard. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson received a nomination for best Documentary Feature in his directorial debut, Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), while Attica, directed by Stanley Nelson and Traci A. Curry, was also nominated in the category.
As the Academy Awards draw near, Denzel Washington’s milestone signals a moment of recognition not only for his personal accomplishments but also for greater diversity within the Oscars. His continued presence in the nominations underlines his influence in the industry and inspires both peers and audiences. The upcoming ceremony is expected to honor these achievements and may mark significant new milestones for the nominees, paving the way for future recognition of talent from all backgrounds.
