Denzel Washington: I’ve heard everything. And what I hear keeps changin’. ‘Cause they used to say it didn’t sell over here. And it does. Then they said, “Doesn’t sell in-- in the South.” And it does. “Well, it doesn’t sell in Europe.” And it does. So I just keep pushin’. Well, what an opportunity I have to prove them wrong.
And he has – becoming one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. He’s favored to get a seventh Oscar nomination for “Fences.”
Bill Whitaker: --this is all happening at a time when, the Oscars are being criticized for lack of diversity. I’m just wonderin’, what do-- what do you think about that?
Denzel Washington: I don’t have to think about it. I’ve lived it. I’ve been the guy at the Oscars without my name being called. I’ve been the guy at the Oscars when my name is called. I’ve been the guy at the Oscars when everybody thought they was gonna call my name, and they didn’t. I’ve-- I’ve lived it.
Bill Whitaker: So what-- what would you say to the people who are looking at this process and saying it’s unfair.
Denzel Washington: Yeah, and so what? You gonna give up? If you’re lookin’ for an excuse, you’ll find one.
Bill Whitaker: In race?
Denzel Washington: You can find it wherever you like. Can’t live like that. Just do the best you can do.
