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, recognized for his powerful dramatic performances. The New York Times hailed him as the greatest actor of the 21st century. His accolades include two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award, along with nominations for Emmy and Grammy Awards. He has also received prestigious honors such as 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
In 1993, Denzel Washington became the national spokesman for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, participating in public service announcements and awareness campaigns for the organization.
1995: Board Member for Boys & Girls Clubs of America
In 1995, Denzel Washington became a board member for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
1995: Donation to Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund
In 1995, Denzel Washington donated US$1 million to Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund.
1995: Donated to West Angeles Church of God in Christ
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.
2002: Starred in John Q and directed Antwone Fisher
In 2002, Denzel Washington starred in the film John Q, and directed his first film, Antwone Fisher, in which he also co-starred.
2003: Appeared in 'Out of Time'
In 2003, Denzel Washington appeared in Carl Franklin's thriller 'Out of Time' opposite Eva Mendez, which performed well at the box office.
2004: Acted in 'The Manchurian Candidate'
In 2004, Denzel Washington acted opposite Meryl Streep in the remake of the 1962 film of the same name, 'The Manchurian Candidate'.
2004: Starred in 'Man on Fire'
In 2004, Denzel Washington starred in the movie 'Man on Fire' with Tony Scott as the director.
2005: Played Brutus in Julius Caesar on Broadway
In 2005, Denzel Washington played Brutus in the Broadway revival of Julius Caesar. The production received mixed reviews but was a consistent sell-out.
2006: Starred in 'Inside Man' and 'Déjà Vu'
In 2006, Denzel Washington starred in 'Inside Man,' a bank heist thriller directed by Spike Lee, alongside Jodie Foster and Clive Owen. Later in 2006, he also starred in the time-travel movie 'Déjà Vu,' released in November.
2006: Starred in Déjà Vu
In 2006, Denzel Washington starred in Déjà Vu, marking his fourth collaboration with director Tony Scott.
2006: Publication of "A Hand to Guide Me"
In 2006, Denzel Washington, in collaboration with Daniel Paisner, helped publish the book "A Hand to Guide Me" for the 100th anniversary of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The book features stories from leaders about mentorship and guidance they received as youngsters.
2007: Starred in 'American Gangster' and directed 'The Great Debaters'
In 2007, Denzel Washington co-starred with Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's crime drama 'American Gangster', receiving a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. He also directed and starred in the drama 'The Great Debaters' with Forest Whitaker.
2009: Starred in 'The Taking of Pelham 123'
In 2009, Denzel Washington appeared in Tony Scott's film 'The Taking of Pelham 123,' a remake of the 1974 thriller of the same name, playing Walter Garber opposite John Travolta.
June 13, 2010: Won Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for 'Fences'
On June 13, 2010, Denzel Washington won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in the Broadway revival of August Wilson's 'Fences'.
2012: Starred in 'Flight'
In 2012, Denzel Washington starred in 'Flight,' receiving an Academy Award nomination for his performance as an alcoholic airline pilot.
June 2014: Starred in 'A Raisin in the Sun' on Broadway
From April to June 2014, Denzel Washington played the leading role in the Broadway production of Lorraine Hansberry's classic drama 'A Raisin in the Sun'. The show received positive reviews and won the 2014 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: The Magnificent Seven Released in the US
On September 23, 2016, The Magnificent Seven, starring Denzel Washington, was released in the United States in conventional and IMAX theaters.
December 16, 2016: Release of the film 'Fences'
On December 16, 2016, the film 'Fences', directed by and starring Denzel Washington, was released by Paramount Pictures.
2017: Starred in Roman J. Israel, Esq.
In 2017, Denzel Washington starred in the legal drama film Roman J. Israel, Esq., receiving critical acclaim for his performance and nominations for several awards.
March 22, 2018: Starred as Theodore "Hickey" Hickman in 'The Iceman Cometh'
Beginning March 22, 2018, Denzel Washington starred as Theodore "Hickey" Hickman in a Broadway revival of Eugene O'Neill's 'The Iceman Cometh'.
2018: Reprised Role in The Equalizer 2
In 2018, Denzel Washington reprised his role in his first sequel, The Equalizer 2.
2020: Produced 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'
In 2020, Denzel Washington produced the Netflix film adaptation of the August Wilson play 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' starring Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis.
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 by the United States 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, 'A Journal for Jordan,' directed by Denzel Washington, received a wide theatrical release.
2023: Reprised Role in The Equalizer 3
In 2023, Denzel Washington reprised his role in his third sequel, The Equalizer 3.
2023: Cast in Gladiator II
In 2023, Denzel Washington was cast in Ridley Scott's epic historical drama Gladiator II.
2024: Produced Netflix film 'The Piano Lesson'
In 2024, Denzel Washington served as a producer of 'The Piano Lesson', the Netflix film adaptation of the August Wilson play of the same name.
2024: Set to reunite with Spike Lee in 'High and Low'
In 2024, Denzel Washington was set to reunite with Spike Lee on the police procedural drama film 'High and Low', a remake of the 1963 Akira Kurosawa film of the same name, which will be a joint production with A24 and Apple TV+.
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