Denzel Washington earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor Tuesday morning for his performance as the title legal savant in “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” It’s a historic nomination for the veteran actor, and it comes at a meaningful time: it has been exactly 30 years since his very first nomination for “Cry Freedom” (1987).
Washington contended for Best Supporting Actor for that film, in which he played Steve Biko, a real-life South African anti-apartheid activist who was killed at age 30 after being held as a political prisoner. Since then the actor has racked up many more nominations, paving the way for a generation of black performers. That includes his current Oscar rival Daniel Kaluuya (“Get Out”), who wasn’t even born yet when Washington was recognized for “Cry Freedom.”
Washington’s first Oscar victory came just two years later, Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” (1989). He was only the second black actor to claim that award,...
Washington contended for Best Supporting Actor for that film, in which he played Steve Biko, a real-life South African anti-apartheid activist who was killed at age 30 after being held as a political prisoner. Since then the actor has racked up many more nominations, paving the way for a generation of black performers. That includes his current Oscar rival Daniel Kaluuya (“Get Out”), who wasn’t even born yet when Washington was recognized for “Cry Freedom.”
Washington’s first Oscar victory came just two years later, Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” (1989). He was only the second black actor to claim that award,...
- 1/24/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
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