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Let’s give it up to my ALL-TIME favorite actor. Actually, this is my mom’s favorite actor and she still has her copy of when Denzel was voted Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine. What can you say about this living legend who is a two time Academy Award Winner. You know you will get some strong acting and intensity when you watch this man perform. Denzel has done it all. If you want to know, King Kong Aint Got Shit on Him!!
Alonzo Harris- Training Day (2001)
This is when Denzel showed his evil side. In a role where he played a corrupt narcotics detective, Denzel showed that how intense he could be. Denzel was always the hero because he has that smile but, in this role, Denzel went to the other side, and it was GREAT. As Alonzo, he was more of a gangster who knew and ran the streets rather than protect and served. His views on the world had changed so much that he became the very thing he was against. This role brought Denzel his much deserved second Academy Award. You know why? Because KING KONG AIN’T GOT SHIT ON HIM!!!
Private Silas Trip- Glory (1989)
The film where Denzel won his first Academy Award. Denzel played Private Trip, a private in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War. In this role, Denzel played Trip as a negative and aggressive person due to his time as a slave before running off. He has a distinct bitterness towards fellow African Americans, especially the ones that are educated and freed. The most powerful scene in Denzel’s career was during the whipping scene after he was caught because his supervisors thought he was being a deserter. As he was getting whipped, Denzel brought that one single tear down his face.
Malcolm X- Malcolm X (1992)
I don’t know what Denzel did to prepare for this role but damn was it good. Denzel played the title role and after a while it almost looked like you were looking at a mirror image of the famous activist. Denzel seemed to embrace the full life and times of Malcolm X and left it all on the scene. When Denzel made the speeches as Malcolm X, they were powerful and resonated. As you know, Denzel was nominated for an Academy Award.
Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter- The Hurricane (1999)
Washington turned in a powerful performance as Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter. This was one of his best performances as a former middleweight boxer who was wrongly convicted for a triple murder in a bar in Paterson, New Jersey. Washington comes in this role showing a man that is focused, filled with anger and pride. Washington brings it like he did in Malcolm X and seems to never let up. Washington went beast mode in this role.
Lt. Commander Ron Hunter-Crimson Tide (1995)
I’m going way back for this one as it is one of my favorite Denzel films. Washington played a new executive officer who has a clash of wills with his seasoned commanding officer, Gene Hackman, on a nuclear missile submarine while trying to figure out if they should launch nukes or not. The dynamic and acting chemistry between Washington and Hackman was great as they both seemed to bring out the best in each other in this intense film. When Denzel goes into monologue mode, in an intense situation, you know you will get that look and a performance.
Lord Macbeth-The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
Washington returned to his A-game with the stellar performance of Lord Macbeth. Who the hell am I kidding, Denzel never left his A-game. In the Shakespearean play that was directed by Joel Coen, Denzel showed the ambitions, emotions and insanity of the famous lord who manipulated, schemed and killed his way to the top of the throne. Washington showed how Macbeth lost his mind and gave a mighty slap of the ages. What a great freakin performance from this all-time great actor.
Robert McCall- The Equalizer (2014)
How is it that Denzel makes whippin ass so cool. In the role as Robert McCall, Denzel plays a man who has some deadly skills that he uses to help the people in the community he lives in. He helps a girl by whipping up on her pimp. Ever heard stories of how people got killed and the only thing that was used was a paperclip. That is Denzel’s character in this film. Once again, Denzel is just calm and collective. He reads his book, drinks his coffee and then goes serve some justice.
Frank Lucas- American Gangster (2007)
Denzel went back to his villain side as Frank Lucas, a gangster from North Carolina who smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War. Now he wasn’t as terrifying as he was in Training Day but Denzel was cool and meticulous with his operations and personality as ever. Man spread that Blue Magic all over and when Denzel needed to send a message as Frank, he sure did by shooting people in broad daylight. That’s power right there.
John W. Creasy-Man on Fire (2004)
Not one of his best works but Denzel is just as intense. A man on a mission to find a little girl that he was hired to protect. Let me tell you, this isn’t the nice, sweet Denzel. He only hurts and kills people that were responsible for the kidnapping. What I like about this role is that it showed the many ranges of Denzel from a depressed person to a caring person. When he shot that rocket launcher or was in the club, dude went all out.
Troy Maxson-Fences (2016)
Denzel Washington carried this film as Troy and truly brought his A-game once again. As Troy, he is relentless in his anger and disappointment with the world. He tells stories with his friend Bono but showed that life has been tough on his from a young age. What I like about Troy is that he speaks his mind even when he is wrong and let it be known that he isn’t happy. Denzel also played double duty with being the film’s director.
