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. 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).

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 his alma mater, Fordham University, for his multifaceted talent.

1993: NAACP Image Award

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

1997: NAACP Image Award

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

In 2000, Denzel Washington won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, starting another four-year winning streak.

2003: NAACP Image Award

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

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: 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'.

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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

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'.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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2016: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 2016, Denzel Washington received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.

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.

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2019: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 2019, Denzel Washington was honored with 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 at the Annual Association of the U.S. Army conference for his work with the Fisher House Foundation.

2022: Delay of Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2022, Denzel Washington was scheduled to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, but the ceremony was delayed.

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.

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