Speculation on potential Oscar nominees for 2025 ceremony has begun and may break Denzel Washington and Mahershala AliThe shared Oscar record. 2024 saw a wide variety of successful films that won over critics and the general public for a variety of reasons. 2024 also saw strong, memorable performances from many well-known actors and some surprises, so there's some interesting competition when it comes to Oscar nominees for next year, so much so that some records could be broken.
In more than 90 years, the Oscars have rewarded the best in the film industry every year, although what is “best” is often contentious and contentious. The Oscars have also made history on several occasions and for good and bad reasons – from historic wins to infamous moments like Will Smith's slap. Falling into the first category are Denzel Washington and Mahershala Ali, who share a huge Oscar record, but one that could be broken in 2025 thanks to one of them starring in one of 2024's biggest films.
Denzel Washington and Mahershala Ali are the only black actors with multiple Oscar wins
They both have two Oscars to their names
The first black actor to be nominated for an Oscar in the Best Leading Actor category was Sidney Poitier, in 1958, for the drama The Challengers. Poitier was also the first black person to win in this category, in 1963, with the dramatic comedy Lilies of the Field. The next black actor to win the Oscar for Best Leading Actor was Denzel Washington in 2001 for Training daybut this was Washington's second Oscar. Washington first won in 1989 in the Best Supporting Actor category for his performance in Glory.
Other black actors have won in both categories since Washington made history with his two wins, such as Morgan Freeman and Forest Whitaker, but in 2018, Mahershala Ali equaled Washington's Oscar record. Ali won his first Oscar 2016 in the Best Supporting Actor category for his performance in Moonlight and won his second Oscar in 2018 for his role in the controversial biographical drama Green Book. That makes Denzel Washington and Mahershala Ali the only black actors with multiple Oscar wins, but the former may be on his way to breaking that.
Denzel Washington could become the first black actor with three Oscars after Gladiator 2
Denzel Washington is one of the best parts of Gladiator 2
Denzel Washington is part of one of the biggest films of 2024: Ridley Scott's long-awaited Gladiator II. Washington plays Macrinus, a former slave who mentors Lucius (Paul Mescal) but has plans to control Rome. Gladiator II was praised by critics, with most pointing out Washington's performance as a “scene stealer” and, therefore, the best in the film. Due to this, many critics and viewers argued that Washington should be nominated for an Oscar at the upcoming ceremonyand he became a strong contender for the Best Supporting Actor category.
This would give Washington an even bigger Oscar record with three wins and continue his record for most nominations for a black actor.
Depending on who the other nominees are, Washington is a heavy favorite to win the 2025 Best Supporting Actor Oscar, which would be breaking ties with Mahershala Ali. Of course, this would give Washington an even greater opportunity Oscar record with three awards and will continue his record for most nominations for a black actor. Certainly, Mahershala Ali could tie Denzel Washingtonrecord again in the near future, but for now, the latter will be able to enjoy a new one.