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Denzel Washington on Oscars Altercation: ‘There But For The Grace of God Go Any of Us’

TD Jakes/YouTube

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.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.