Denzel Washington's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Denzel Washington.

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).

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 18, 1991: Honorary Doctorate from Fordham University

On May 18, 1991, Denzel Washington was awarded an honorary doctorate from Fordham University for his talent.

1993: NAACP Image Award win

In 1993, Denzel Washington won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, marking the beginning of a four-year winning streak.

1997: NAACP Image Award win

In 1997, Denzel Washington won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for the fourth consecutive year.

2000: NAACP Image Award win

In 2000, Denzel Washington won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture again.

2003: NAACP Image Award win

In 2003, Denzel Washington won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for the fourth consecutive time since year 2000.

May 20, 2007: Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Morehouse College

On May 20, 2007, Denzel Washington received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Morehouse College.

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.

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2007: Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award

In 2007, Denzel Washington received the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award.

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'.

May 16, 2011: Honorary Doctor of Arts degree from University of Pennsylvania

On May 16, 2011, Denzel Washington received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

2012: Starred in 'Flight'

In 2012, Denzel Washington starred in 'Flight,' receiving an Academy Award nomination for his performance as an alcoholic airline pilot.

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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.

2016: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 2016, Denzel Washington was honored with the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.

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.

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2019: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 2019, Denzel Washington received the AFI Life Achievement Award.

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.