In this gritty crime drama, Washington plays a corrupt narcotics detective who takes a rookie cop (Ethan Hawke) under his wing. His portrayal of the morally ambiguous Alonzo Harris earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Directed by Spike Lee, this biographical epic follows the life of civil rights leader Malcolm X. Washington's transformative performance as the iconic figure garnered critical acclaim.
In this historical drama, Washington portrays Private Trip, a former slave who fights for the Union Army during the American Civil War. His portrayal earned him his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Washington stars alongside Tom Hanks in this powerful drama about a lawyer who helps a gay man with AIDS fight against discrimination in the workplace. Washington's portrayal of the conflicted attorney earned him critical acclaim.
Based on August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Washington stars as Troy Maxson, a former baseball player struggling with race relations in 1950s Pittsburgh. Washington also directed the film, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
In this biographical drama, Washington plays Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongfully convicted of murder. His performance earned him nominations for Best Actor at the Academy Awards and Golden Globes.
Washington stars as Frank Lucas, a real-life drug lord who rises to power in Harlem during the 1970s. His performance opposite Russell Crowe garnered widespread praise.
In this inspirational sports drama, Washington plays Coach Herman Boone, who leads a racially integrated high school football team in Virginia. The film showcases Washington's charisma and leadership skills.
In this tense thriller directed by Spike Lee, Washington stars as a detective negotiating with a clever bank robber (Clive Owen). His performance adds depth to the cat-and-mouse game between the two characters.