Denzel Washington's salary for The Little Things has been revealed. The neo-noir crime thriller came out in January 2021, focusing on two detectives played by Washington and Rami Malek, who investigate a series of murders that may lead to prime suspect Albert Sparma, played by Jared Leto. The film was written and directed by John Lee Hancock, who is known for The Blind Side, Saving Mr. Banks, and The Founder. While the movie received mixed reviews, with many comparing it to David Fincher's 1995 film, Seven, the performances have been positive with Leto receiving nominations for a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award.
Washington has had a long, successful career for decades, going back to the 1980s with his turn in the medical drama, St. Elsewhere, then moving towards films, winning Oscars for Glory and Training Day, and continuing his career as a leading man. He has played multiple revered historical figures including Steve Biko in Cry Freedom, Malcolm X in Malcolm X, and Rubin Carter in The Hurricane, all of which he has received Oscar nominations for. He has since transitioned to directing and producing his own movies such as The Great Debaters, both The Equalizer movies, and the upcoming film, A Journal for Jordan.
A recent report from Variety has released the earnings from the largest movie stars working today. In the report, it was disclosed that Washington earned $40 million for his performance in The Little Things, tying Will Smith for the upcoming release of King Richard, and only exceeded by Dwayne Johnson for the holiday adventure movie, Red One, which is currently being developed, and Daniel Craig for the Knives Out sequels.
Despite the fact that many films and content in general have moved to streaming services, especially in the midst of what has been an ongoing pandemic, the biggest movie stars still continue to be paid in large quantities upfront. Their salaries are arguably even bigger now than when films were exclusively released in theaters. The Little Things was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max for one month as part of a deal with Warner Bros. Pictures.
Washington has contributed decades of hard work with his films and continues to be one of the highest-paid stars in Hollywood. He will next be seen playing the title role of Lord Macbeth in the upcoming Shakespeare adaptation film, The Tragedy of Macbeth, alongside Frances McDormand and directed by Joel Coen. In accordance with play adaptations, he will continue to produce all ten of August Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle plays into movies, which have started with Fences and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Washington's success is very well earned and fully merited and he will no doubt be a part of the industry's history and future.
Source: Variety