2022 NAACP Image Awards: A Look Back At Denzel Washington’s Brightest Moments

By Tabie Germain

January 18, 2022 / 9:24 AM

Black Hollywood is very protective when it comes to beloved actor Denzel Washington. The veteran actor’s impact in the industry is undeniable. Rising Black actors of today undoubtedly see him as a role model and his impact is felt the same way in the NAACP community. The star has held a robust presence hosting, presenting, and even grabbing a few trophies himself.

As we look forward to the 53rd Annual NAACP Image Awards, we look back at some of Denzel’s brightest award moments.

Hosted the 19th Annual Award Show
“Fences” and “Fela!” Gain Wins at Tony Awards - Actor Denzel Washington won a Tony Award Sunday night for his performance in the Broadway play “Fences.” This was the first time the Oscar-winning actor was nominated for a Tony. Other notable wins of the night include two more for “Fences” (best actress Viola Davis, and best revival of a play) and two for the Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Will and Jada Smith-produced “Fela!” (best choreography and costume and sound design).
Academy Award recipient Washington hosted the 19th NAACP Image Awards show in 1987 alongside the multi-talented Debbie Allen, where they honored individuals and companies who positively contributed to the image of the Black Community.
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Hosting the 20th Annual Award Show
(Photo by Mark Sullivan/WireImage)
Norm Nixon, Denzel Washington, Berry Gordy, Debbie Allen and Jada Pinkett Smith (Photo by Mark Sullivan/WireImage)
Washington returned for a second year with Debbie to host the 20th NAACP Image Awards show in 1988.
Hosting the 27th Annual Award Show
Grammy-Award-winning Whitney Houston looked radiant as she walked across the 27th Annual NAACP Image Awards stage. The veteran actor followed as they hosted the show in 1996.

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Entertainer of the Year
(Photo by SGranitz/WireImage)
Denzel Washington during The 28th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, United States. (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage)
After being the host of the NAACP Image Awards, Denzel was invited to the 28th annual award show and received the Entertainer of the Year award for 1997.
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Denzel Washington first received the “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture'' in 1988 for Cry Freedom. Since then, he has held the highest of honors in the “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture” award category at the NAACP Image Awards for winning 13 times with four consecutive wins from 1993-1997 and then again from 2000-2003.
Watch the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 8/9c.