The best of Denzel Washington comes alive in Flight this Sunday on M-Net

Denzel Washington is a man who needs no introduction. Having starred in some of Hollywood’s most successful films, he’s had his hand in everything from action and drama to suspense and thriller. Today we’ve decided to take a look at some of the best roles he has portrayed.

Steve Biko in Cry Freedom

Washington has portrayed a number of real-life figures including Malcom X and Reuben Carter. One of his most memorable real-life figure portrayals is without a doubt Steve Biko in Cry Freedom.

The film focuses on events during the Apartheid era and the friendship between Biko and Donald Woods. Washington’s role saw him receive a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 1988 Academy Awards.

Private Silas Trip in Glory

Say Washington’s name and chances are the movie Glory (on Thursday, 30 January 2014 at 22:15 on M-Net Movies Romance) will come to mind. The movie is a dramatic and moving account of the Battle of Antietam.

Washington received an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1990 for his role as Private Silas Trip – an escaped slave. This was definitely a significant moment in Washington’s career.

Malcolm X in Malcolm X

Washington truly puts his soul and heart into each role and it can be seen in every biographical role he portrays as each different completely from the other. One of his best performances is as Malcolm X in the self-titled movie.

He received an Academy Award nomination for Academy Award for Best Actor.

Rubin Carter in The Hurricane

What’s a list of best Washington movies without mention of The Hurricane? One of his most notable roles, Washington takes on the biographical role of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a boxing champion. The story focuses on Carter’s rise to success and challenges he faced along the way.

Washington received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Detective Alonzo Harris in Training Day

Definitely a favourite among Washington fans, Training Day (on Monday, 3 February 2014 at 22:00 on M-Net Movies Action) sees him portray a completely different character compared to his prior clean-cut roles. His character, Detective Alonzo Harris is a surprising bad guy.

Training Day received much praise and in 2001, Washington received an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Frank Lucas in American Gangster

Another real-life figure portrayed by Washington is Frank Lucas in American Gangster, based on the notorious gangster and heroin smuggler from Harlem.

Washington received a number nominations include a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama.

Flight – Whip Whitaker

In Flight, Washington takes on the role of Whip Whitaker: a commuter airline pilot with a secret to hide. When something goes wrong during a flight, Whitaker decides to crash the plane and saves all on board.

Washington does a great job as Whitaker who is a character with many faults. The role earned Washington yet another Oscar nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, but unfortunately he did not win.

Watch Denzel Washington in one of his best roles yet in Flight on Sunday, 26 January 2014 at 9pm WAT on M-Net.