Spike Lee Says Denzel Washington Is The Greatest Actor Of His Time (And He Knows Scorsese Would Disagree)

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Among all the excellent actors still alive today, opinions may vary greatly. However, when it comes to Spike Lee’s personal opinion, he believes Denzel Washington is the best. Although he recognizes that Martin Scorsese might have a different viewpoint.

The renowned filmmaker behind “Do The Right Thing” expressed his views on the topic in a recent interview with Vulture after collaborating with Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington on their new drama “Highest 2 Lowest”. When asked about Washington possibly retiring, Lee was queried if their latest project could be considered a suitable conclusion to their long-standing collaboration. He then shared his deeper insights about their professional relationship.

These actors – Denzel Washington in Mo’ Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game, Inside Man; no one else I’m mentioning is meant to disrespect – are some of my favorites. In my opinion, Denzel is the greatest living actor. However, if you ask directors like Scorsese or Coppola, they might choose Robert De Niro or Marlon Brando instead.

Since Marlon Brando’s passing in 2004, he’s no longer part of the discussion about the greatest living actor. However, determining whether Denzel Washington or Robert De Niro deserves that title is quite challenging, given their outstanding performances spanning several decades and top-tier films directed by directors like Spike Lee and Martin Scorsese. A fair comparison might require De Niro to work with Spike Lee and Washington to collaborate with Scorsese (it’s amazing neither collaboration has occurred yet).

This version keeps the original meaning while using more natural, easy-to-read language that’s easier for a wider audience to understand.

According to Lee, it was in 1990 when he first collaborated with Denzel Washington, with the latter portraying trumpeter Bleek Gilliam in the drama “Mo’ Better Blues.” Their most notable collaboration took place next, as Washington played the title role in “Malcolm X” of 1992. The success of “He Got Game” from 1998 and the brilliance of “Inside Man” in 2006 followed their previous collaborations.

Washington’s performance in the movie strengthens Spike Lee’s point, and if you can’t catch it at a theater right now, remember that it’ll be streamable soon. Starting September 5, those with an Apple TV+ subscription can watch “Highest 2 Lowest” on their service.

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2025-08-31 23:20