Denzel Washington

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
• 2001: Denzel Washington, Training Day


Denzel Washington (born December 28, 1954) is a two-time Academy Award-winning actor and director. He has garnered much critical acclaim for his portrayals of several real-life figures, including Steve Biko, Malcolm X, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, Melvin B. Tolson, Frank Lucas, and Herman Boone. He became the second African-American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Washington attained a B.A. in Drama and Journalism from Fordham University in 1977. Shortly after graduating, Washington made his professional acting debut in the 1977 made-for-television movie Wilma.

He made his film debut in the 1981 film Carbon Copy. His big break came when he starred in the popular television hospital drama, St. Elsewhere. In 1989, Washington won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of an ex-slave in the film Glory. In 2001, he won an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of a villainous cop in Training Day, making him the second African-American actor to win in this category.