The talented Denzel Washington – who recently lit up the screens in Gladiator II – turns 70 today. He is a renowned Hollywood film star, producer, and director. A powerful and nuanced performer with a diverse filmography, Washington has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. Washington’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to social causes have consolidated his status as one of Hollywood’s most respected and influential figures. This article profiles seven memorable films from his career:
Glory (1989)
A powerful historical drama directed by Edward Zwick, Glory tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American regiments to fight for the Union Army during the Civil War. The film was headlined by Matthew Broderick and had stunning cinematography and fine performances.
Glory received critical acclaim and garnered three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington, whose strong performance showcased the strength, resilience, and determination of the men who fought for freedom. The film remains a significant achievement in American cinema.
Malcolm X (1992)
Directed by Spike Lee, Malcolm X is a powerful biographical drama that chronicles the life and evolution of the influential civil rights leader. The film explores Malcolm X’s journey from criminal to charismatic leader, his conversion to Islam, and his eventual assassination. Denzel Washington played the eponymous lead with captivating finesse, and the film earned him critical acclaim as well as an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Philadelphia (1993)
A legal drama that sensitively portrays the struggles of Andrew Beckett, a lawyer with AIDS who is wrongfully fired. Directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, the film tackles homophobia and AIDS discrimination with compassion and nuance. Hanks’s powerful performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, while the film’s poignant exploration of prejudice and human dignity continues to resonate with audiences today.
Washington, too, earned critical acclaim for his performance, and his character arc is the widest in the film (as the homophobic lawyer who takes Hanks’s character on as a client despite his prejudices).
Training Day (2001)
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by David Ayer, Training Day is a crime thriller set in gang-ridden areas of Los Angeles. The film follows LAPD narcotics officers Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington) and Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) during a tense 24-hour period. Supporting roles include Scott Glenn, Eva Mendes, Cliff Curtis, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Macy Gray.
The film received praise for Washington and Hawke’s performances, though critics were divided on its screenplay. Washington’s portrayal of the corrupt yet charismatic Harris earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, while Hawke received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 74th Academy Awards. Training Day has become a landmark in the crime thriller genre and continues to be celebrated for its gritty atmosphere and intense character dynamics.
American Gangster (2007)
A biographical drama directed by Ridley Scott and written by Steven Zaillian, this film is loosely based on the rise and fall of Frank Lucas, a heroin smuggler using American service planes during the Vietnam War. Denzel Washington stars as Lucas, with Russell Crowe as Detective Richie Roberts. The cast includes Ted Levine, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, and Ruby Dee.
Praised for its performances and direction, the film earned $266 million worldwide and is considered one of Denzel Washington’s biggest hits, although critics were divided over its originality. Ruby Dee’s role earned her an Academy Award nomination and a SAG win. The film was also recognized with two Oscar nominations and placed on numerous year-end lists as the best film of 2007.
Flight (2012)
This Robert Zemeckis hit follows William “Whip” Whitaker Sr. (Denzel Washington), an airline pilot who miraculously crash-lands a failing plane, saving nearly everyone on board. However, a subsequent investigation uncovers his struggles with alcoholism.
Flight was a critical and commercial success, grossing $161.8 million against a $31 million budget. Washington’s powerful performance, praised as one of his best, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, alongside a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Critics lauded Zemeckis’ return to live-action filmmaking and the intense crash sequence.
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
A minimalist adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, this Joel Coen film marked his first solo directorial effort. Starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand, the film received critical acclaim for its stark cinematography, bold direction, and powerful performances, particularly Washington’s, earning him multiple award nominations, including an Academy Award. Critics hailed his performance and the film’s visuals and style of interpretation.
