Denzel Washington and Mahershala Ali Set Oscars Record – Potential for Next Year’s Break

As speculation intensifies regarding the 2025 Oscar nominees, there is anticipation that it could herald a new milestone for actors Denzel Washington and Mahershala Ali. The cinematic landscape of 2024 has showcased a rich array of films that have captivated both critics and audiences, setting the stage for intriguing competition for upcoming accolades. With several standout performances this year, the Oscars may witness historic achievements as records are on the verge of being shattered.

The Academy Awards, spanning over 90 years, have long been a forum for recognizing excellence in the film industry; yet, what constitutes the “best”is frequently a source of dispute. Throughout its history, the awards have etched moments both praised and criticized into the annals of cinema, from groundbreaking victories to unforgettable controversies like the incident involving Will Smith. Among the noteworthy achievements is the shared record held by Denzel Washington and Mahershala Ali—both of whom have received multiple Oscars. This year, with one of these actors starring in a highly anticipated film, the 2025 ceremony could mark a pivotal moment in Oscar history.

Denzel Washington & Mahershala Ali: Pioneers with Multiple Oscar Wins

Both Actors Have Two Oscars to Their Names

Sidney Poitier earned his historic nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1958 for his performance in The Defiant Ones. He further made history in 1963 by becoming the first Black actor to win in this category for his role in Lilies of the Field. After Poitier, Denzel Washington emerged victorious in 2001 for his role in Training Day, yet this win was his second, having first triumphed in 1989 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Glory.

Washington, along with Halle Berry, changed Oscar history in 2001 as they both clinched wins in their respective Lead Actor categories. Berry continues to hold her record as the first and only Black actress to win the Best Actress Oscar as of this writing.

Since Washington’s landmark wins, several Black actors, including Morgan Freeman and Forest Whitaker, have received acclaim in both categories. In a significant achievement in 2018, Mahershala Ali matched Washington’s Oscar tally—winning his first Oscar for his compelling performance in Moonlight in 2016, followed by his second for Green Book. This has positioned both actors as the only Black actors to claim multiple Oscar honors, yet Washington may be on the precipice of setting a new record.

Denzel Washington: Aiming for a Historic Third Oscar with Gladiator II

Denzel Washington Excels in Gladiator II

Denzel Washington as Macrinus in Gladiator II — Image via Paramount Pictures

Among the highlights of 2024’s cinematic offerings is Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, featuring Denzel Washington in the role of Macrinus, a former slave with ambitions to influence Rome while mentoring Lucius, played by Paul Mescal. Critics have universally praised Gladiator II, specifically highlighting Washington’s performance as a standout that could earn him further accolades. Many experts anticipate that Washington could very well be a frontrunner for an Oscar nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category.

Should Washington secure this nomination and win, he would not only earn the distinction of being the first Black actor with three Oscar awards but would also solidify his status as the most nominated Black actor in Oscar history. While the potential for Mahershala Ali to tie Washington’s record looms in the future, it is currently poised for Washington to achieve this new milestone.

Washington’s performance in Gladiator II could reshape Oscar history.
Expectations run high for competition among nominees in the Best Supporting Actor category.
The future holds potential record-tying opportunities for Ali.

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