Denzel Washington Extends His Own Oscars Record as Most-Nominated Black Actor

Denzel Washington's GOAT status remains unrivaled. Having earned his latest Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Washington extends his record as the most-nominated Black actor in Academy Awards history.

Washington’s portrayal of the titular would-be king in Joel Coen's Shakespearean adaptation marks the 10th nomination of his career.

This is the seventh time he has been nominated in the Best Actor in a Leading Role category. His six previous nominations were for Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017), Fences (2016), Flight (2012), Training Day (2001), The Hurricane (1999) and Malcolm X (1992). He has also been nominated two times in the Best Actor in a Supporting Role category for his performances in Glory (1989) and Cry Freedom (1987). His remaining nomination came as one of the producers of Best Picture nominee Fences.

At 10 nominations, Washington is tied with Laurence Olivier as the second most-nominated actor ever – though with two Oscar wins (one for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Glory, and another for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Training Day), Washington has one more statuette than Olivier – and now trails only Jack Nicholson, who has 12 nominations (and three Oscars).

Meryl Streep, meanwhile, remains far and away the most-nominated thespian, with 21 total nominations (and three Oscars), while Washington's Fences co-star, Viola Davis, is his counterpart as the most-nominated Black actress, with a total of four nominations (and one Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in Fences).

"The Tragedy of Macbeth was one of the best experiences of my career," Washington said in a statement. "Joel Coen is a genius and I hope the nominations for the film will allow for more people to enjoy a terrific cinematic experience. Thank you to the members of the Academy for the recognition and to Apple and A24 for their ongoing support."

Winners will be announced during the 94th Oscars on Sunday, March 27, airing live from the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood starting at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on ABC, and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

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