Veteran actor Denzel Washington is pushing back against cancel culture and societal expectations, stating his devotion lies with God—not the opinions or accolades of the public.

According to The Christian Post, the two-time Oscar winner dismissed fears of being “canceled” and minimized the importance of awards in recent interviews, instead emphasizing his spiritual commitment and lifelong Christian faith.

Washington, now 70, recently sat down with Complex News while promoting his latest film, “Highest 2 Lowest,” alongside director Spike Lee. When asked whether he feared cancel culture, he responded with skepticism, stating, “What does that mean—to be canceled?”

When the interviewer clarified that being canceled means a loss of public support, Washington replied, “Who cares?” He followed up with a pointed question: “What made public support so important to begin with?” demonstrating a clear indifference to popular opinion.

As the conversation turned toward the way social media followers now represent influence or “currency,” Washington pushed back firmly. “I don't care who's following who,” he said. “You can't lead and follow at the same time.”

Washington Says His Loyalty Lies With God

Expanding on his perspective, Washington made it clear that his guiding force is spiritual. “I follow the heavenly spirit. I follow God, I don't follow man,” he said. He added that he holds out hope for humanity but sees current societal trends as troubling.

When the interviewer persisted on the topic of cancel culture, Washington offered a lighthearted approach, saying, “You can't be canceled if you haven't signed up. Don't sign up.” Sharing a laugh with Spike Lee, he said the conversation was causing his “chest to get tight.”

In a separate interview with film journalist Jake Hamilton on “Jake’s Takes,” Washington addressed the value—or lack thereof—of awards. Despite 10 Academy Award nominations and two wins, he said, “I don't do it for Oscars.”

Denzel Downplays Prestige of Awards

He elaborated on his view, noting that while he has seen times when he won awards he didn’t deserve and lost when he probably should have won, he believes man offers recognition, but only God grants true reward.

When asked where he keeps his Oscars, Washington replied, “Next to the other one,” clarifying he wasn’t boasting, just illustrating his detachment from the trophies. “On my last day, it ain’t going to mean a bit of good,” he added.

Washington’s spiritual foundation was laid early in life. His father, Denzel Hayes Washington Sr., served as a Pentecostal minister, and his mother, Lennis, played an active role in their church community. That influence continues to guide his worldview.

Faith Has Been a Lifelong Guide

In a personal essay for the November 2024 issue of Esquire, Washington reflected on his childhood in the church. He shared that, though as a child he recited religious phrases without understanding them, he now affirms their meaning fully as an adult.

“God is real. God is love,” he wrote in the essay. “God is the only way. God is the true way. God blesses.” According to Washington, the “biggest moment” of his life came at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles, introduced to him by actor and director Robert Townsend.

The actor, who was baptized and received his ministry license last year, said his life’s mission is now to praise God and be a witness for others, making it known that his success is not self-made but divinely guided.

Critical of Modern Culture and Division

Washington said his stance on faith remains firm regardless of how the public reacts. “I don't care what anyone thinks,” he stated, expressing no fear of backlash for speaking openly about his beliefs.

In a 2021 interview with The Christian Post, Washington voiced concerns about the state of contemporary society. He pointed to social media and other cultural forces as “negative influences” that wreak havoc by amplifying what already exists inside people.

He went on to describe the United States as deeply divided, saying, “We are the United States in theory, not so much in practice.” Washington said he strives to tell stories that focus on faith, sacrifice, and heroism in a culture he feels is losing those values.