An overlooked and unappreciatedDenzel Washingtonmovie from the early 1990s offers a rare glimpse at the Academy Award-winning actor in a classic romantic dramedy. AlthoughWashington was surprisingly snubbedfrom a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the upcoming 2025 Oscars for his role asMacrinus in Ridley Scott’sGladiator II, he remains one of the most acclaimed actors of all time. Known mainly for his crime thrillers, action blockbusters, and prestige dramas, Washington is a monumental figure in cinematic history.
Washington emerged during the 1980s and rose to prominence on the critically acclaimed medical drama seriesSt. Elsewhere(1982–1988). This led him to become a celebrated movie star in 1989’s Civil War filmGlory, which earned Washington his first Supporting Actor Oscar. While Washington would go on to star in dozens of instant classics such asAmerican Gangster(2007),Training Day(2001), andMalcolm X(1992), his1991 romantic dramedy marks one of his best early film appearancesin a mostly uncharted genre.
Denzel Washington’s 1991 Movie Showed A Different Side To Him
Mississippi Masala Is One Of Denzel’s Early 1990s Romantic Films
1991’sMississippi Masalais very much a forgotten movie in Denzel Washington’s extensive filmography. It’s a bit of a hidden gem that was very well-received as a romantic comedy-drama upon release, earning a Certified FreshRotten Tomatoesscore of 92%. Audiences are not used to seeing a lighter side of Denzel in his performances and wouldn’t commonly associate him with romance or comedy films. During the early stages of his career, Washington took on some lighter roles in romance films, such as1993’sMuch Ado About Nothingand 1990’sMo' Better Blues.
InMississippi Masala,Washington plays Demetrius, a carpet cleaner in Mississippiwho forms an unlikely yet passionate romance with Sarita Choudhury’s Mina. Mina’s family was exiled from Uganda under the dictatorship of Idi Amin, which brought them to Mississippi.
Mississippi Masalahas plenty of lighthearted parts that shine through the onscreen chemistry between Choudhury and Washington.
Demetrius and Mina’s romance stirs up trouble for themand their conservative, prejudiced families. While the film deals with heavy issues such as racism,Mississippi Masalahas plenty of lighthearted parts that shine through the onscreen chemistry between Choudhury and Washington.
Denzel Washington Should Make More Comedy Movies
His Comedic Timing & Delivery Are Top-Notch Even In Dramas
Denzel has spent the better part of the last 10 years either making Oscar-contending films such asFencesandThe Tragedy of Macbethor franchise installments likeThe Equalizer 3andGladiator II. Washington’s most recent comedy adjacent film is the buddy copaction thriller2 Gunsalongside Mark Wahlberg.
Denzel Washington Not Getting An Oscar Nomination For Gladiator 2 Would Continue A Ridley Scott Oddity
Denzel Washington not receiving an Academy Award nomination for Gladiator II would prove that he has bad luck with Ridley Scott movies.
While he hasn’t done many true comedy movies or comedy hybrids,Washington has played dramatic characters who can be comedic, such as his iconicTraining Dayantagonist Alonzo. Considering how greatDenzel Washington’scomedic timing and delivery are, it’d be good for him to expand back into comedy movies.
