The 2017 Academy Awards ceremony was full of surprises and emotional moments, but one of the most talked-about incidents was Denzel Washington’s reaction to Casey Affleck’s win for Best Actor in a Leading Role. As Casey took the stage to accept his award for his performance in ‘Manchester by the Sea,’ Denzel could be seen looking visibly upset and on the verge of tears. Many viewers couldn’t help but wonder: did Casey Affleck truly deserve to win over Denzel Washington? The tension between Denzel and Casey has a long history, with many fans and critics believing that Denzel’s performance in ‘Fences’ was far more deserving of the award. Denzel’s emotional reaction to Casey’s win only added fuel to the fire, with some even speculating that Denzel’s tears were tears of anger and frustration over what they perceived as a snub. Adding to the controversy is the fact that Casey Affleck’s win came amidst a cloud of controversy over past allegations of sexual harassment. Many felt that honoring Casey with the prestigious award sent the wrong message, especially in the midst of the #MeToo movement. Denzel Washington’s emotional response only served to highlight the uncomfortable nature of the moment, with some questioning whether the Academy made the right decision in awarding Casey the Oscar. In the aftermath of the ceremony, social media was abuzz with debates and discussions about Denzel’s reaction and Casey’s win. Memes and gifs of Denzel’s emotional expression quickly went viral, fueling further speculation and controversy. Even Hollywood insiders weighed in, with some expressing surprise at Denzel’s candid display of emotion and others questioning the Academy’s decision-making process. As the dust settled, one thing was clear: Denzel Washington’s emotional response to Casey Affleck’s win at the 2017 Oscars will be remembered as one of the most talked-about moments in Academy Award history. Whether or not Casey truly deserved the award, one thing is for certain: Denzel’s reaction has left fans and critics alike questioning the integrity of the Oscars and the true meaning of deserving a prestigious honor like the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
