2023 NAACP Image Awards: 3 Things We Learned From Denzel Washington’s Epic 2017 ‘Entertainer of the Year’ Acceptance Speech
In 2017, Academy Award winner Denzel Washington accepted the “Entertainer of the Year” award presented by the Golden Globe-winning actress Taraji P. Henson at the 2017 NAACP Image Awards. Washington made a powerful speech while accepting the prestigious award that still reigns true today. Ahead of this year’s ceremony, set to air live on Saturday, February 25th, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET on BET, we’re looking back at some of the most significant moments. Read below for three things we learned from Denzel Washington’s epic 2017 “Entertainer of the Year” acceptance speech.
Obstacles are to be expected
As Washington continued talking to the crowd and viewers at home, he revealed that he was “particularly excited about the young actors, writers, producers, and directors that are coming up behind my generation.”
The renowned thespian also reminded us that there are obstacles to be expected in life, noting, “If it was easy, there’d be no Kerry Washington; if it were easy, there’d be no Taraji P. Henson or Octavia Spencer.” He continued, “Not only that, there’d be no Viola Davis….there’d be no Denzel Washington.”
There is power in commitment and consistency
If there is anything that resonated louder today than it did when the film icon initially gave his speech is that “Without commitment, you’ll never start, but more importantly, without consistency, you’ll never finish.
Easy isn’t always better
Washington wrapped up his speech with his final gem of the night, stating, “Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship. So, keep moving, keep learning, keep growing. See you at work.”
Watch the NAACP Image Awards live on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on BET.
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