Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Denzel Washington
How Denzel Washington built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Denzel Washington is a highly acclaimed American actor, producer, and director. The New York Times lauded him as the greatest actor of the 21st century in 2020. He's celebrated for his dramatic performances and has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. He has also received nominations for two Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award. Washington's contributions to the film industry have been recognized with prestigious honors like the Cecil B. DeMille Award (2016), the AFI Life Achievement Award (2019), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2025).
1993: National Spokesman for Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Since 1993, Denzel Washington has served as the national spokesman for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, participating in public service announcements and awareness campaigns.
1995: Donation to Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund
In 1995, Denzel Washington contributed US$1 million to Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund.
1995: Donation to West Angeles Church of God
In 1995, Denzel Washington donated US$2.5 million to help build the new West Angeles Church of God in Christ facility in Los Angeles.
1995: Board Member for Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Since 1995, Denzel Washington has served as a board member for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
1999: Considering Preaching
In 1999, Denzel Washington expressed that he has considered becoming a preacher, feeling a sense of duty to use his talents for good.
2002: Starring in 'John Q' and Directing 'Antwone Fisher'
In 2002, Denzel Washington starred in 'John Q', a healthcare-themed drama, and also directed his first film, the drama 'Antwone Fisher', where he also co-starred as a Navy psychiatrist. 'John Q' received mixed reviews, but Washington's performance was praised. 'Antwone Fisher' received positive reviews, with Washington's direction and acting lauded.
2003: Starring in 'Out of Time'
In 2003, Denzel Washington starred in the thriller 'Out of Time' alongside Eva Mendez. The film performed well at the box office.
2004: Acting in 'Man on Fire'
In 2004, Denzel Washington acted in the film 'Man on Fire' directed by Tony Scott.
2004: Acting in 'The Manchurian Candidate' Remake
In 2004, Denzel Washington acted opposite Meryl Streep in 'The Manchurian Candidate', which was a remake of the 1962 film of the same name.
2004: Visit to Brooke Army Medical Center and Donation to Fisher House Foundation
In 2004, Denzel Washington visited Brooke Army Medical Center and, learning of the Fisher House facilities exceeding capacity, made a substantial donation to the Fisher House Foundation.
2005: Broadway Revival of 'Julius Caesar'
In 2005, Denzel Washington returned to the stage, playing Brutus in the Broadway revival of 'Julius Caesar'. The production received mixed reviews, but was a consistent sell-out.
2006: Collaboration on "A hand to guide me"
In 2006, Denzel Washington helped put together with Daniel Paisner, a book titled "A hand to guide me" for the 100th anniversary of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
2006: Starring in 'Inside Man' and 'Déjà Vu'
In 2006, Denzel Washington starred in 'Inside Man', a Spike Lee-directed bank heist thriller, and also in the time travel movie 'Déjà Vu', released in November. 'Inside Man' was praised for its cast, script, and portrayal of New York City.
2006: Starring in Déjà Vu
In 2006, Denzel Washington starred in the movie 'Déjà Vu', which was directed by Tony Scott.
2007: Starring in 'American Gangster' and Directing 'The Great Debaters'
In 2007, Denzel Washington co-starred in Ridley Scott's 'American Gangster', receiving a Golden Globe nomination. He also directed and starred in 'The Great Debaters'.
2009: Starring in 'The Taking of Pelham 123'
In 2009, Denzel Washington starred in 'The Taking of Pelham 123', where he played Walter Garber opposite John Travolta.
June 13, 2010: Won Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play
On June 13, 2010, Denzel Washington won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in the revival of August Wilson's 'Fences'.
2012: Starring in 'Flight' and 'Safe House'
In 2012, Denzel Washington starred in 'Flight', receiving an Academy Award nomination, and in 'Safe House', where he underwent a torture session for his role.
June 2014: Starring in Broadway's 'A Raisin in the Sun'
From April to June 2014, Denzel Washington played the leading role in the Broadway production of Lorraine Hansberry's 'A Raisin in the Sun', which won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.
May 18, 2015: Principal Photography began for The Magnificent Seven
On May 18, 2015, principal photography began for 'The Magnificent Seven' in north Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
September 23, 2016: Release of 'The Magnificent Seven'
On September 23, 2016, 'The Magnificent Seven', starring Denzel Washington as Sam Chisolm, was released in the United States in conventional and IMAX theaters. It is a remake of the 1960 western film. The film premiered on September 8 at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.
December 16, 2016: Release of 'Fences' Directed by Washington
On December 16, 2016, 'Fences', directed by and starring Denzel Washington, was released by Paramount Pictures. The film is based on August Wilson's play and set in 1950s Pittsburgh.
2017: Starring in 'Roman J. Israel, Esq.'
In 2017, Denzel Washington starred in the legal drama film 'Roman J. Israel, Esq.'. His performance received praise and led to nominations for several awards.
March 22, 2018: Broadway revival of The Iceman Cometh
On March 22, 2018, Denzel Washington starred as Theodore "Hickey" Hickman in a Broadway revival of Eugene O'Neill's 'The Iceman Cometh'.
2018: Starring in The Equalizer 2
In 2018, Denzel Washington reprised his role in 'The Equalizer 2', his first sequel.
2020: Producing 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'
In 2020, Denzel Washington produced the Netflix film adaptation of August Wilson's play 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'.
October 11, 2021: Honorary Sergeant Major of the Army
On October 11, 2021, Denzel Washington was made the 2021 Honorary Sergeant Major of the Army at the Annual Association of the U.S. Army conference for his work with the Fisher House Foundation.
December 25, 2021: Theatrical release of 'A Journal for Jordan'
On December 25, 2021, Denzel Washington's directorial project 'A Journal for Jordan' received a wide theatrical release. The movie received mixed reviews.
2023: Starring in The Equalizer 3
In 2023, Denzel Washington starred in 'The Equalizer 3', the third sequel to the original movie.
December 21, 2024: Receiving Ministry License
On December 21, 2024, Denzel Washington was baptized and received his ministry license from the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ.
2024: Starring in 'Gladiator II'
In 2024, Denzel Washington starred in Ridley Scott's epic historical drama 'Gladiator II', and his performance was described as scene-stealing, earning a Golden Globe Award nomination.
2025: Returning to Broadway in 'Othello'
In 2025, Denzel Washington is set to return to Broadway, portraying the title role in a revival of William Shakespeare's play 'Othello'.
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