Denzel Washington on Oscars Altercation: ‘There But For The Grace of God Go Any of Us’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Denzel Washington recently opened up about his intervention in the slap heard ’round the world when Will Smith accosted Chris Rock at the Academy Awards.
The actor spoke with Pastor T.D. Jakes during the International Leadership Conference, and Jakes told Washington he “stepped right into the middle of World War III” when he comforted Smith immediately after the altercation.
Washington responded, “There’s a saying: When the devil ignores you, then you know you’re doing something wrong. The devil goes, ‘Oh, no, leave him alone. He’s my favorite.’ Conversely, when the devil comes at you, maybe it’s because you’re trying to do something right. And for whatever reason, the devil got a hold of that circumstance that night.”
The actor didn’t give any more details on the conversation between him and Smith.
“There but for the grace of God go any of us. Who are we to condemn?” the actor asked. “I don’t know all the ins and outs of the situation, but I know the only solution was prayer.”
Washington used prayer and spiritual wisdom to address the situation first-hand.
As Movieguide® previously reported:
Will Smith’s Oscar-winning night was fraught with emotions, from a slap heard around social media to taking home the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in KING RICHARD.
During the chaos, Smith said fellow actor Denzel Washington offered him biblical words of wisdom to help ground him.
“At your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you,” Smith said Washington told him after Smith smacked comedian Chris Rock, who cracked a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Smith gave a tearful acceptance speech and apologized for his behavior.
KING RICHARD is also nominated for two Movieguide® Awards for its strong biblical content, including the Epiphany Prize® for Most Inspiring Movie and Best Movie for Mature Audiences.
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