The nominations for the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards have officially been released, omitting Denzel Washington’s acclaimed performance in Gladiator 2. This decision may effectively signal the conclusion of his campaign for Best Supporting Actor. Despite Ridley Scott’s latest installment in the Gladiator franchise not performing strongly across the award season, Washington’s charismatic portrayal of Macrinus, a politically ambitious character, stood out as a highlight. He earned nominations from the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Golden Globes, however, he has yet to secure a win.
In a competitive awards landscape, Washington recently lost the Golden Globe to Kieran Culkin. The Critics’ Choice Awards are still forthcoming, leaving some hope alive, but the absence of Washington’s name from the BAFTA nominations adds further strain on his Oscar prospects. In the Supporting Actor category, nominees include Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), Clarence Maclin (Sing Sing), Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), and Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), who is emerging as the frontrunner. This setback for Washington follows his omission from the SAG Award nominations, a significant precursor to the Oscars.
Implications for Denzel Washington’s Oscar Aspirations
A Challenging Forecast Based on Historical Trends
The outlook for Washington’s BAFTA and Oscar nominations for his role in Gladiator 2 has become increasingly bleak, particularly after the SAG Awards nominations were unveiled. Historical data suggests that winners of the SAG Award for Best Supporting Actor typically receive Oscar nominations. While there have been exceptions such as Christoph Waltz’s win for Inglourious Basterds without a SAG nod, these instances are uncommon.
Securing a win at the Golden Globes could have significantly bolstered Washington’s chances for both BAFTA and Oscar recognition; however, Culkin’s victory has created a tough landscape. Unless an unexpected turn occurs at the upcoming BAFTA ceremony, it appears that Culkin is firmly positioned as the leading candidate for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his status ahead of the 97th Academy Awards. With Oscar nominations set to be announced on January 23, Washington’s prospects appear dim, with the category brimming with formidable talent.
Our Perspective on Washington’s BAFTA Snub and Oscars Outlook
As a long-time admirer of Washington’s artistry, it is disappointing to witness the BAFTA’s ongoing oversight of his talent over the span of his impressive four-decade career. Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that this particular performance may not have been the breakout moment Washington needed to secure recognition from the BAFTAs. Although I personally regarded his portrayal in Gladiator 2 as the standout aspect of the film, the overall quality of the production did not elevate Washington’s standing in an exceptionally competitive awards season, which features numerous exceptional performances vying for attention.
Source: BAFTA
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