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Resident Joan P. Horton said the city is proud of him.
"We are a village who take pride when one of our native sons does well," Horton said.
Resident Bruce Seward said he remembers when Washington's mother owned a beauty salon in Mount Vernon. For Seward, the fact the Washington gives back to the community, including the Boys and Girls Club, is another reason to respect him.
"To me it's big that he came from the same small city," Seward said. "I've always followed his career throughout the years. He's inspired me, especially that he came from the same Boys and GIrls Club I went to."
Resident Shah Holiday said he has met Washington on several occasions. Holiday described Washington as a generous individual who is down to earth.
"He's really a role model for people in Mount Vernon," Holiday said. "He's done a lot for the city. We see where he came from and he comes back, which is very inspirational."
Washington is up against Bradley Cooper ("Silver Linings Playbook"), Daniel Day-Lewis ("Lincoln"), Hugh Jackman ("Les Miserables") and Joaquin Phoenix ("The Master"). The Oscars air on Sunday, Feb. 24.
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