Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington

What Should Have Been: Denzel Washington and Devil in a Blue

Carl Franklin was a former actor who had just made the critically acclaimed crime film One False Move (1992) when he signed up to make a film out of the first novel by Walter Mosley, Devil in a Blue Dress. The story is set in Los Angeles in 1948 and features a black private detective named Easy Rawlins, who is hired to find a white woman who has gone missing. Denzel Washington was cast as Rawlins, and the film was released in 1995 to positive reviews.

Washington's performance was praised, and many critics felt that he deserved an Oscar nomination for his work. However, the film was not a commercial success, and the studio did not push it for awards consideration. Washington would not win his first Oscar until 2002, for his role in Training Day.

The Legacy of Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, with a career that spans over four decades. He has won two Academy Awards, for his performances in Training Day and Glory, and has been nominated for several others. He has also won three Golden Globe Awards, a Tony Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Washington is known for his powerful performances and his ability to inhabit complex characters. He has played a wide range of roles, from historical figures like Malcolm X and Rubin "Hurricane" Carter to fictional characters like Easy Rawlins and Alonzo Harris. He has also directed several films, including Antwone Fisher and The Great Debaters.

Washington's legacy extends beyond his work in film. He is also a philanthropist and has been involved in several charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Fisher House Foundation. He is a role model for many young actors and has inspired countless people with his talent and his generosity.