Adonis Harrison
At the 2002 Academy Awards, Ethan Hawke found himself on the cusp of potential Oscar glory, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Training Day.” Yet, when the coveted statuette eluded him, it was Denzel Washington, his co-star in the film, who offered him a perspective that transcended the allure of awards. In a recent interview on Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?, Hawke recounted this pivotal moment, confirming Washington’s sage advice: “It’s better that you didn’t win. Losing was better.”
For Hawke, who would go on to experience three more Oscar losses, including two for Best Adapted Screenplay and another for Best Supporting Actor in “Boyhood” (2014), Washington’s words resonated deeply. They underscored the notion that awards should not define one’s worth or success in the industry. As Hawke elaborated, Washington’s philosophy emphasized the importance of elevating the status of the award itself rather than seeking personal validation through accolades. In Washington’s eyes, the true measure of success lay in contributing to the prestige of the award, not in basking in individual glory.
Washington’s humility and wisdom left a lasting impression on Hawke. Despite the actor’s own remarkable achievements, including multiple Academy Awards, he remained grounded and unaffected by the allure of fame. Hawke likened Washington’s stature in Hollywood to that of Babe Ruth in baseball, dubbing him the greatest actor of their generation. Washington’s ability to maintain his integrity and authenticity amidst the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown served as a guiding light for Hawke and countless others in the industry.
Reflecting on his own journey, Hawke realized the inherent value in the nomination itself. Sitting among Hollywood’s elite, nominated alongside the venerable Ian McKellen, Hawke recognized that the acknowledgment of his work was a triumph in its own right. He internalized Washington’s perspective, understanding that personal growth and artistic integrity were paramount, far surpassing the transient validation of awards.
In the grand scheme of things, the Oscars served as just one chapter in Hawke’s illustrious career. Washington’s words reminded him that true success transcended the confines of a trophy cabinet. By embracing Washington’s philosophy, Hawke found liberation from the pressure to measure his worth by external validation, allowing him to focus on his craft and contribute meaningfully to the art of storytelling.
