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, celebrated for his powerful dramatic performances. The New York Times lauded him as the greatest actor of the 21st century in 2020. His distinguished career has earned him numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. He has also been nominated for two Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award. Further recognition includes 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 received an honorary doctorate from Fordham University for his impressive success in exploring his multifaceted talent.

1993: NAACP Image Award

In 1993, Denzel Washington began a run of four consecutive wins in the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture award category at the NAACP Image Awards.

1997: NAACP Image Award

In 1997, Denzel Washington ended a run of four consecutive wins in the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture award category at the NAACP Image Awards.

2000: NAACP Image Award

In 2000, Denzel Washington began another run of consecutive wins in the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture award category at the NAACP Image Awards.

2003: NAACP Image Award

In 2003, Denzel Washington ended another run of consecutive wins in the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture award category at the NAACP Image Awards.

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: American Gangster and The Great Debaters

In 2007, Denzel Washington co-starred with Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's "American Gangster", receiving a Golden Globe nomination. He also directed and starred in "The Great Debaters" with Forest Whitaker in 2007.

2007: Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award

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

June 13, 2010: Tony Award for Fences

On June 13, 2010, Denzel Washington won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in "Fences".

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

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

June 2014: A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway

From April to June 2014, Denzel Washington played the leading role in "A Raisin in the Sun" on Broadway, which won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

December 16, 2016: Fences Film Release

On December 16, 2016, "Fences," directed by and starring Denzel Washington, was released by Paramount Pictures. Washington received multiple award nominations for his performance, and Viola Davis won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

2016: Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 2016, Denzel Washington was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, celebrating his outstanding contributions to the entertainment field.

2016: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award

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

2019: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 2019, Denzel Washington received the AFI Life Achievement Award, recognizing his remarkable career and impact on cinema.

2020: Greatest Actor of the 21st Century

In 2020, Denzel Washington was named the greatest actor of the 21st century by The New York Times, acknowledging his significant contributions to the film industry.

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.