In this rare, vulnerable moment, Denzel Washington admits that even after playing legendary roles like Malcolm X and Alonzo from Training Day, he still feels the weight of the spotlight. He breaks down the massive difference between being a "movie star" behind a screen and standing face-to-face with thousands of people.
Breaking the Comfort Zone
Denzel explains why a commencement speech is a "different ball game" compared to being thrown on top of a moving train or wearing army fatigues. It’s a masterclass in honesty—showing that even the world’s greatest performers have to step out of their comfort zones to grow.
The Illusion of Fame
Many people assume that fame equals permanent confidence, but Denzel flips the script. He explains the technical truth of acting: when people watch his movies, he isn’t there to watch them back. This clip offers a deep, insightful look into the psychology of public performance and the nerves that come with being truly present.
transcript
Transcript: I'm a little nervous. I'm not used to speaking at a graduation of this magnitude. It's a little overwhelming. It's out of my comfort zone. You dress me up in army fatigues or throw me on top of a moving train. Someone said Unstoppable or asked me to play Malcolm X, Rubin Hurricane Carter, or Alonzo from Training Day. I can do that, but the commencement speech is a very serious affair and it's a very different ball game. There are literally thousands and thousands of people here. And for those who say, "Well, you're a movie star, millions of people watch you and watch you speak all the time," well, that's technically true, but I'm not actually in the theater watching them watching me.
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