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).
On May 18, 1991, Denzel Washington received an honorary doctorate from Fordham University for his impressive success in exploring his multifaceted talent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On May 20, 2007, Denzel Washington received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Morehouse College.
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.
In 2007, Denzel Washington received the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award.
On June 13, 2010, Denzel Washington won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in "Fences".
On May 16, 2011, Denzel Washington received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
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.
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.
In 2016, Denzel Washington was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, celebrating his outstanding contributions to the entertainment field.
In 2016, Denzel Washington was honored with the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.
In 2019, Denzel Washington received the AFI Life Achievement Award, recognizing his remarkable career and impact on cinema.
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.
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.
In 2025, Denzel Washington is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.