Denzo Washington was nominated for the 11th Golden Globe Award, ranking among the best of the year

Throughout Denzel Washington’s illustrious career, the legendary actor continued to make a major impact in Hollywood.

The 69-year-old actor received his 11th Golden Globe nomination for “Gladiator 2,” setting a new record as the most nominated black actor in the award’s history. He previously tied the record with legendary actor Sidney Poitier.

Washington was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Macrinus in the action film.

Meanwhile, Washington has made a series of surprising moves in 2024 to get fans excited. From teasing his retirement to becoming a minister and everything in between, here’s a look at the Hollywood star’s surprise year.

‘Gladiator II’ star Denzo Washington’s awkward encounter with King Charles

Washington hinted he was quitting Hollywood after completing several film projects.

In November, the Oscar winner announced on Australia’s Today show that his Hollywood career was coming to an end.

“For me, it’s about being a filmmaker, especially at this point in my career,” Washington said.

“I’m only interested in working with the best people. I don’t know how many more movies I’m going to make – probably not that many. I want to do something I haven’t done yet.”

He went on to discuss upcoming roles, including Shakespeare’s Othello on Broadway. Washington first played the role at the age of 22 and was scheduled to play Othello for a third time in the film adaptation.

Washington has hinted at quitting Hollywood after slated to complete several film projects. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Washington has booked several other projects, including playing the Carthaginian general Hannibal in an upcoming Netflix project, a movie with director Steve McQueen and a role in the third “Black Panther” movie.

The actor announced that he will also play the role of King Lear in another film.

“After that, I’m going to retire,” Washington said.

While Washington’s retirement rumors sent his passionate fans into confusion, he clarified his remarks days after the TODAY interview.

“I didn’t say I was retiring,” he told BuzzFeed. “I said it had to be a certain level of interest for me. I was more interested in the behind the scenes, so that was about five years later.”

“It’s very difficult. I may have used the word ‘retirement,’ but I divide my life into three parts: study, make money, and come back. I’m in the comeback phase of my life.”

Denzel Washington appears to lash out at fans during heated exchange in New York

Washington appeared to get into a heated exchange with fans outside New York’s Museum of Modern Art who tried to take photos of him and ask for his autograph. (Getty Images)

Last year, Washington appeared to get into a heated argument outside New York’s Museum of Modern Art with fans who tried to take photos of him and ask for his autograph.

In October, the “Training Day” actor attended a film charity event honoring Samuel L. Jackson.

While Washington was in a good mood and stopped to take some photos for fans, his night was made awkward by his lashing out.

When Washington walked in, he quickly turned toward a group of fans asking for autographs.

In footage obtained by Fox News Digital, Washington can be heard saying: “Put this down. I hear you. You talked about showing love… respect me.”

WATCH: Denzel Washington appears to lash out at fans during heated exchange in New York

“We always do it,” one fan replied.

“I said, ‘I’ll see you when I get out.’ What part don’t you understand?” Washington said.

“Or not, or not! We can do it another way. I can do it both ways, y’all,” he added before walking inside.

It’s unclear what led to the exchange.

Denzel Washington becomes minister, Hollywood actor admits ‘can’t talk about religion’ in industry

In December, Washington received his ministerial license and began a new role in his life. (Rich Anger/Getty Images)

In the meantime, the Hollywood actor can add ministry to his impressive resume.

In December, Washington received his ministerial license and began a new role in his life.

Washington was baptized by Bishop James Prince, Jr. at Kelly Temple in New York City.

“It took a while, but I’m finally here…if [God] “He can do this for me, and there’s nothing he can’t do for you,” Washington said, according to the video shared online. “The sky is truly the limit.”

Click here to subscribe to the Entertainment Newsletter

Esther Renee Burns Pullings, the bishop’s wife, shared a photo of the moment on Facebook.

“We had a beautiful ceremony today at the historic Kelly’s Church of Holy God,” she wrote on the photo. “Today we witnessed Bishop James Prince Jr. baptize current minister Denzel Washington, to the glory of God!”

Washington previously admitted that religion “cannot be talked about” in the industry.

“When you see me, you will see that I am capable of doing the best with everything my Lord and Savior has given me,” the “Gladiator II” star wrote for Esquire. “I’m not afraid.”

Denzo Washington has been open about his faith. (Tiziana Fabi)

Like what you’re reading? Click here for more entertainment news

“I don’t care what other people think. Look, talk about the fear part of it – you can’t talk like that and win an Oscar. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town,” Washington added.

“I’m free now. No one in this town talks about it. No one talks about it… It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe it. Anyway, there’s no such thing as Hollywood Something like this.

In 1982, Washington had her breakthrough role in the medical drama “St. Elsewhere.”

Washington is known for films such as “Fences,” “The Book of Eli,” “Cry Freedom” and “Malcolm X.”

WATCH: ‘Gladiator II’ Star Denzo Washington’s Awkward Encounter with King Charles

At the premiere of Gladiator II, Washington also spent an unforgettable moment with King Charles III.

King Charles greets the cast of Gladiator II at the ODEON Luxe in Leicester Square, London, in November.

During the meet-and-greet, actors including Washington, Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal, as well as director Sir Ridley Scott, met King Charles one by one. However, Washington seemed nervous when meeting the king.

“I don’t know if I should hold your hand,” Washington smiled and shook Charles’ hand.

At the premiere of Gladiator II, Washington spent an unforgettable moment with King Charles III. (Gareth Cattermole/Eddie Mulholland – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

“I’m just a terrible person…I’m a lovely person, you’ll see,” Washington stammered. “I’m a lovely young man.”

King Charles continued the exchange and told Washington, “It’s great that you’ve been in so many movies.”

Washington responded graciously: “Thank you, thank you.”

Click here to get the Fox News app

Fox News Digital’s Lauryn Overhultz and Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.