Denzel WashingtonandSpike Leehave collaborated on a handful of films throughout the years, but one thing is missing from each of their joint projects.Washington and Lee’s first movie togetherwas 1990’sMo' Better Blues. The film, which centers around Washington’s trumpeter Bleek Gilliam, remains the duo’s most underrated project together. Still, it boasts a powerful performance from Washington and sleek direction by Lee, giving audiences a taste of what they could expect to see in future collaborative projects between the two.
The legacy of Washington and Lee’s four films together over a 16-year period has made them one of the mostexciting director-actor duos in Hollywood. Later this year,reuniting after nearly 20 years, Washington and Lee’s filmHighest 2 Lowestwill be released. After having premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, the critical response toHighest 2 Lowestis quite promising. Washington and Lee’s combined talents have earned the pair much critical and commercial success over the years, but there’s one missing element their four films together have in common.
None Of Denzel Washington & Spike Lee’s Movies Have Won An Oscar
Critics And Audiences Have Still Given Their Films Plenty Of Praise
ThoughWashington and Lee’s movieshave earned plenty of praise, none of them have won an Oscar.As individuals, both Lee and Washington have been recognized at the Academy Awards, receiving nominations and a few wins for their writing and acting, respectively. It’s not always easy to predict which handful of films will be honored in the Academy Awards' major categories, but when taking into consideration the attention Washington and Lee’s films have earned from critics and audiences over the years, their lack of an Oscar is surprising.
SinceMo' Better Blues, the critical response to Washington and Lee’s films has only improved, with each succeeding film remaining above an 80% critic’s score on Rotten Tomatoes. Each of Washington and Lee’s films falls under a different genre and serves varying purposes, but shares a few signature components that have grown to be expected of the duo every time they work together.
71%
89%
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Highest 2 Lowest(2025)
Their films have been lauded for their impressive performances, engaging narratives, and Lee’s stylistic direction. Combining these elements in multiple films feels like a shoo-in for a nomination, andthough none of Washington and Lee’s films have won an Oscar, the pair did come close to doing so withMalcolm X.
Malcolm X Was Nominated & Really Should’ve Won
Washington Was Snubbed After Delivering A Career-Defining Performance
Of Lee and Washington’s movies,Malcolm Xis the only one to be recognized at the Academy Awards.Malcolm Xreceived two nominations; one for Washington for Best Actor and the other for costume designer Ruth E. Carter for Best Costume Design. Carter lost to Eiko Ishioka forBram Stoker’s Dracula, and Washington lost to Al Pacino forScent of a Woman.Washington’s loss was seen as especially controversial, with many to this day arguing he deserved the Oscar over Pacino, including Lee, who spoke about it at a recent Cannes press conference, according toVariety.
While the answer as to who “deserved” the Oscar varies from person to person, the power of Washington’s performance is undeniable.Malcolm Xis centered around the life of the eponymous human rights activist, who is regarded as one of the most prominent and influential figures during the civil rights movement. Taking on the titular role, Washington had big shoes to fill and did so with ease.Washington has portrayed several real peoplethroughout his career, but the way he fully immerses himself into the role and effectively captures all the makings of Malcolm X’s character is unmatched.
Will Highest 2 Lowest Break Washington & Lee’s Oscars Duck?
Early Reviews Of The Film Suggest Washington Could Be Nominated (And Possibly Win)
It’s too soon to say definitively whetherHighest 2 Lowestcould break Washington and Lee’s unlucky Oscars pattern, but the film’s reviews from critics so far are inspiring. While the general response toHighest 2 Lowestpoints out that the film isn’t up there with Lee’s best work,Washington’s performance is noted as being a crowd-pleaser.
Highest 2 Lowesthas an 89% rating onRotten Tomatoes.
The response to Lee and Washington’s previous films echoes the latter sentiment, and whileMalcolm Xwas more accomplished in the technical fields thatHighest 2 Lowestappears to be short on, the possibility of Washington as a serious contender for Best Actor cannot be ruled out.Washington’s competition, should he receive a nomination, is expected to be tough, and there is still quite a way to go as far as nomination voting.
Still, the idea of Washington and Lee’s fifth film together, after so many years, winning an Oscar is fun to entertain. Neither Washington nor Lee needs an Oscar win for a project together, as the combination of their talents has already earned them plenty of acclaim outside the Academy Awards, but it would be something worth celebrating.
Denzel Washington
Spike Lee
Discover the latest news and filmography for Spike Lee, known for Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X.
