Throughout Denzel Washington's illustrious career, the legendary actor has continued to make a huge impact on Hollywood.
The 69-year-old actor earned his 11th Golden Globe nomination for “Gladiator II,” setting a new record and becoming the most nominated black actor in the history of the award. He previously tied legendary actor Sidney Poitier for the record.
Washington was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Macrinus in the action film.
Meanwhile, Washington thrilled fans with a number of surprising moves in 2024. From teasing him out of retirement to becoming a minister and everything in between, take a look back at the Hollywood star's surprising year.
'Gladiator II' star Denzel Washington has awkward encounter with King Charles
Hollywood actor Denzel Washington made headlines in 2024, from earning his 11th Golden Globe nomination to sparking retirement rumors. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images, WarnerMedia)
After completing several film projects, Washington hinted at leaving Hollywood.
In November, the Academy Award-winning actor made the announcement on an Australian show. “Today” program That he is nearing the end of his Hollywood career.
“For me, especially at this point in my career, it's about the filmmaker,” Washington said.
“I'm only interested in working with the best films. I don't know how many more films I'll make, but probably not that many. I'd like to do something that's never been done before.”
He also talked about upcoming roles, including a Broadway production of Shakespeare's Othello. Washington first played the role at the age of 22, and the film will be his third time playing the role.
Washington has hinted at leaving Hollywood as he plans to finish several film projects. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/Associated Press)
Washington also has several other projects lined up, including playing the Carthaginian general Hannibal in an upcoming Netflix project, collaborating with director Steve McQueen on a film, and appearing in the third Black Panther movie. I made a reservation.
The actor announced that he will be playing the character King Lear in another movie as well.
“Then I'm going to retire,” Washington said.
Rumors of his retirement caused confusion among Washington's devoted fans, but he clarified his comments days after his Today interview.
“I had no intention of retiring,” he said. he told BuzzFeed. “I said it has to be of some interest to me. I'm more interested in getting behind the camera, so that's about five years away.”
“It's very difficult. And I may have used the word 'retirement,' but I think of life in three sections: learn, earn, and come back. I’m in the comeback part.”
Denzel Washington appears to have verbally abused a fan during heated exchange in New York
Washington appeared to have a heated exchange with fans who tried to take pictures and ask for autographs outside the Museum of Modern Art in New York. (Getty Images)
Last year, Washington appeared to have a heated exchange with fans who tried to take pictures and ask for autographs outside the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
In October, the “Training Day” actor attended a benefit for the film honoring Samuel L. Jackson.
Washington arrived in good spirits, stopping to take photos with and for fans, but the night took an awkward turn as he went on a tirade.
On his way into the store, Washington quickly turned around and approached a group of autograph-seeking fans.
In a video obtained by Fox News Digital, Washington can be heard saying, “Leave this aside. I heard you. You're talking about showing love… respect me.”
WATCH: Denzel Washington appears to have verbally abused a fan during heated exchange in New York
One fan replied: “That's always the case.”
“I said, 'I'll see you when I get out.' What part of that don't you guys understand?” Washington said.
“No, no, no! You can do it another way. I can do it either way, guys,” he added before stepping inside.
It is unclear what led to the exchange.
Denzel Washington becomes minister, Hollywood actor admits he 'can't talk' about religion in industry
In December, Washington received his ministerial license and assumed a new role in life. (Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Hollywood actors can add ministry to their impressive resumes.
In December, Washington received his ministerial license and assumed a new role in life.
Washington was baptized by Bishop James Pullings Jr. in the Kelly Temple in New York City.
“It took a while, but we're finally here… [God] “You can do this for me. There's nothing you can't do. Literally, the sky is the limit,” Washington said, according to a video shared online.
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“Beautiful service today at the historic Kelly Temple Christian Church of God,” she captioned the photo. “Today we witnessed Bishop James Pullings Jr. baptize Minister Denzel Washington. Glory to God!”
Washington previously admitted that he “can't talk” about religion within the industry.
“If you look at me, you'll see that I'm doing the best I can with what my Lord and Savior has given me,” the “Gladiator II” star wrote For Esquire. “I'm not scared.”
Denzel Washington has spoken openly about his faith. (Tiziana Fabi)
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“I don't care what anyone thinks. Look, talk about the horror part. You can't win an Oscar talking like that. You can't party talking like that. In this town. I can’t say that.’” Washington added.
“I'm free now. I'm not talked about in this town. I'm not talked about… I'm not fashionable. I'm not sexy. But that doesn't mean people in Hollywood don't believe in it. Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? “It means the name Hollywood Boulevard to me,” he wrote.
Washington landed her breakthrough role in the medical drama “St. Elsewhere” in 1982. He received multiple nominations for his work on this show and was eventually able to break into the film industry.
Washington is known for films such as “Fences,” “The Book of Eli,” “Cry Freedom” and “Malcolm X.”
WATCH: 'Gladiator II' star Denzel Washington's awkward encounter approaches King Charles
Washington also had a memorable moment with King Charles III during the premiere of Gladiator II.
In November, King Charles greeted the cast of Gladiator II at the Odeon Lux Leicester Square in London.
At a meet-and-greet, cast members including Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Paul Mescal, as well as director Sir Ridley Scott, met King Charles one by one. However, Washington seemed nervous when he met the King.
“I didn't know if I was supposed to shake Charles' hand,” Washington said with a smile as he shook Charles' hand.
Washington had a memorable moment with King Charles III during the premiere of Gladiator II. (Gareth Cattermole/Eddie Mulholland – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“I'm just a terrible person…you know, I'm a nice guy,” Washington said, stumbling over his words. “I'm a nice guy.”
King Charles continued the exchange, telling Washington, “You've been in a lot of movies, which is great.”
Washington politely replied, “Thank you, thank you.”
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Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz and Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.
