WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Gladiator II.
Denzel Washington’s Oscars snub forGladiator IIdoesn’t deter his impact on Ridley Scott’s highly-anticipated sequel. Before its theatrical release in November 2024,Gladiator IIwas speculated to be a heavy contender atthe 2025 Academy Awards, which take place on March 2. Surprisingly,Gladiator IIwas only nominated in one category, Costume Design, despite being the 12thhighest-grossing movie of 2024and receiving mostly positive reviews, resulting in aRotten Tomatoesscore of 71%.
Not much was known about Washington’sGladiator IIcharacter Macrinus before the film’s release, creating an air of suspense around whether he would be a friend or foe ofPaul Mescal’sLucius. Macrinus is revealed to be an ex-slave who became a highly lucrative merchant with a hidden political agenda and an eye on the throne. Lucius and Macrinus have a thrilling showdown at theend ofGladiator II, which is only one of themany fantastic scenes Macrinus adds to the blockbuster sequel.
Despite The Oscars Snub, Denzel Washington Was Still The Best Part Of Gladiator 2
His Macrinus Character Elevated The Sequel Even In A Supporting Role
Forget the lack of award nominations, the divisive Rotten Tomatoes scores, and all the commentary aboutGladiator IInot living up to the original –Washington’s character was the best part of the movie.
LikeGladiator’sversion of Littlefinger fromGame of Thrones, Macrinus is deceptive and manipulative, making it impossible to take your eyes off him.
Even in a supporting role,Washington commands the screen with such a formidable presenceas his character Macrinus snakes his way to the Roman throne. LikeGladiator’sversion of Littlefinger fromGame of Thrones, Macrinus is deceptive and manipulative, making it impossible to take your eyes off him.
Washington was an early favorite to win Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Oscars, which makes it even more stunning that he failed to receive a nomination.Washington isn’t concerned about his Oscars snub, however, saying in a recent interview, “I’ve been around too long. I’m getting wiser, working on talking less and learning to understand more — and that’s exciting.” He’s currently preparing to star in a Broadway production of Shakespeare’sOthelloalongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
How Denzel Washington’s Macrinus Improves The Legacy Of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator Movies
Macrinus Stands Beside Gladiator Franchise Icons Maximus & Commodus
While it’s evident that theGladiatorsequel didn’t hit the box office or critical acclaim of the original movie, it was still an achievement based on Washington’s role as Macrinus. As time goes on, viewers will likely remember his performance in thesame breath as Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix’s roles before himin the 2000 Oscar-winning original.
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Both Mascal and Pedro Pascal gave strong performances inGladiator IIbut Washington’s Macrinus instantly became one of the pillars of theGladiatorfranchise, which is even more impressive considering he had a limited role. Washington should have another shot at an Oscar-winning performance in Spike Lee’s upcoming filmHighest 2 Lowest, an adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’sHigh and Low.
