DENZEL DENIED: Hollywood Legend Breaks Record, Loses Globe to TV Star

By Staff

NEW YORK, January 2, 2025, 8 p.m. - Denzel Washington made Golden Globe history with his record-breaking 11th nomination for "Gladiator II" yesterday, but lost the Best Supporting Actor prize to Kieran Culkin's performance in "A Real Pain".

The 70-year-old acting legend's nod for playing Macrinus, a savvy Black businessman leading gladiators in the Ridley Scott epic, pushed him past Sidney Poitier's previous record. Washington's milestone cements his status as a trailblazing performer in the ceremony's 81-year run.

Despite being a top contender, Washington couldn't clinch his third Globe. He previously won for "Glory" in 1990 and "The Hurricane" in 2000, also receiving the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2016.

The loss comes amid swirling retirement rumors, which Washington recently dismissed. His 11th nomination underscores a remarkable career spanning five decades, during which he's been nominated for an acting Academy Award in each of those decades.

Culkin, riding high from his "Succession" success, delivered a memorable acceptance speech, even shouting out his ex, Emma Stone, who produced "A Real Pain". The 42-year-old actor nearly bailed on the film to stay home with his family, but Stone convinced him to take the role.

While he didn't take home the trophy this year, Washington's historic nomination remains one of the night's most compelling narratives. King Denzel may have to settle for being the nomination champ this time, but his legacy as one of Hollywood's greatest actors remains firmly intact.