When it comes to powerhouse performances, few actors in Hollywood history can command the screen like Denzel Washington. Even though he has had quite a few misses in his filmography, the actor’s feats in the industry have become synonymous with gripping, multi-dimensional characters, and unforgettable roles that leave the audiences spellbound. A recent example of this is his role in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II.
His performance in the historical drama has sparked significant Oscar buzz, potentially earning him his 10th nomination and a chance at a coveted third win. As he continues to shock audiences and critics with his bewitching acting, let’s go down memory lane to revisit another one of Washington’s brilliant performances: Detective Alonzo Harris in Training Day. The 2001 film was no less than a cinematic masterpiece and earned the actor his second Academy Award.
His gritty and intense portrayal of the corrupt, manipulative, and power-hungry LAPD officer solidified his place as one of the greatest actors of his generation. From an Oscar award to several other accolades, Training Day brought him glowing reviews and widespread critical acclaim. But, beyond the critical praise, the film also gave Denzel Washington a staggering paycheck.
Denzel Washington’s Staggering Paycheck for Oscar-Winning Role in Training Day
Denzel Washington has been in the film business for decades now and has delivered countless outstanding performances one after the other. Even though not all movies of his might have been a success, there is no doubt that he stands tall as a true master of acting. And his role as Detective Alonzo Harris in Training Day certainly stands out, for it wasn’t just a performance but rather a masterclass in acting.
Playing the morally ambiguous and corrupt LAPD narcotics officer, Washington brought a level of charisma and menace that captivated audiences and critics alike. Leaving fans and critics equally mesmerized, he was nothing short of electrifying. Hence, it is a no-brainer that his talent did not come for cheap, and hence, he was paid an amount that matched his genius in the film.
For his role in Training Day, Denzel Washington reportedly made a huge sum of about 12 million dollars (via TV Over Mind). A significantly huge amount, the figure added considerably to his net worth. While this was reportedly just his salary, we do not know if he also got a part of the film’s profits. A critical and commercial success, the Antoine Fuqua-directed film made over $104 million at the worldwide box office against a considerably modest budget of $45 million (via The Numbers).
What is Denzel Washington’s Biggest PayCheck?
Denzel Washington’s talent and star power have made him one of the biggest phenomena in the film industry. Hence, it is no wonder that he is also among the highest-paid actors of all time list. Having starred in several films and projects, across genres, Washington has made a significant amount of money from many of his roles.
His highest-ever paycheck was for the 2021 crime thriller The Little Things. The neo-noir psychological crime thriller, written and directed by John Lee Hancock was not much of a critical and commercial success. Even though, since its release the film has garnered a fan base, it remains a film with mainly mixed reviews. Made against a reported budget of over $30 million, the film also grossed a similar amount at the global box office, as per The Numbers.
Despite its disappointing performance, Denzel Washington made over $40 million for The Little Things, as Variety reported, to account for the ‘diminishing box office’ among the rise of streaming premieres as the film was simultaneously released on HBO Max. While it is a different matter that the film failed to deliver to expectations and fully capitalize on its stellar cast, the huge figure that Washington got paid is a testament to how far he has come in the industry and his enduring appeal.
Despite the setback of the film not being much of a success, Washington remains at the top of his game. While The Little Things might have been his biggest paycheck, as per reports, he continues to earn a significantly huge amount. As for the recently released Gladiator II, the actor reportedly earned over $20 million in salary, while his share from profits, if any, remains unknown (via ShowbizGalore).
Despite His High Salary, Denzel Washington Does Not Care About Money
Denzel Washington has accumulated massive wealth thanks to his decades-long career in the film industry. Reported to have a net worth of about $300 million (via Celebrity Net Worth), the actor, director, and producer has enough wealth that has secured his family’s future for generations to come. Yet when it comes to money, he couldn’t care any less.
After years of building his career and reaching the place he is now, where he can make about $10 to $20 million comfortably per role, money and salary do not come first to him. In an interview with Games Radar once, the actor stated,
Yes, in the sense [salary] that I’ve reached a certain level in the profession where my value as an actor is equated with the other top stars in the business. For me, the money is secondary to the work, and it always will be. But it’s very pleasant all the same to be in a position to command that kind of paycheck. This is a business, no matter how much we may preach to you about our art!
Although he is happy to make the money he makes, for the Oscar-winning actor, recognition, respect, and admiration remain primary. In another interview with Black Film, he once stated,
None of us are worth what we get. When I first started working in college, I started at $650 a week and that was good enough. My intention was to grow as an actor and to get better. As a result, I have been recognized by the people and I’m blessed and that has become compensation.
And so, while Denzel Washington remains one of the highest-paid actors, he has his priorities straight. Instead of focusing on the money that comes with his job (although he doesn’t mind getting paid) the actor remains firm on giving his best for every role. This rare ability of his keeps him at the top of Hollywood’s A-List, making studios willing to invest millions to have him star in their projects.
Denzel Washington’s career, thus remains a testament to the power of talent, dedication, and authenticity. As he continues to walk the path he has crafted for himself, and generations of actors following him, he remains one of the most respected actors of his generation. Even though he cares little about the money, the actor knows how to use it in the right way through his charitable works. Regardless of whether he earns $12 million or $40 million for a role, he has left an indelible mark on the art of storytelling, for others to follow and be inspired by.
