Happy Birthday, Denzel Washington!

Today, we're celebrating the 57th birthday of two-time Academy Award-winning actor, Denzel Washington. He got his acting start with an uncredited role in 1974's Death Wish but didn't make his first real splash until 1986's Power. He worked periodically throughout the 1980s, but it wasn't until 1989 that he crashed his way into the collective public consciousness after winning his first Oscar for his supporting performance in Glory. From there, Washington landed roles in some big-time early 1990s films like Malcolm X (1992), The Pelican Brief (1993), Philadelphia (1993) and Crimson Tide (1995). After a bit of a break, Washington came back strong with performances in 1999's The Hurricane and 2000's Remember the Titans, and he nabbed his second Oscar win for his leading role in 2001's Training Day. Denzel has continued to work periodically since the turn of the millennium, and in his entire career, he's managed a total of five Oscar nominations with the two aforementioned wins. Most recently, audiences have seen him in 2010's Unstoppable, and they'll next be able to see him in 2012's Safe Room and Flight. So, to celebrate his birthday, I've listed my five favorite Denzel performances. I hope you enjoy the videos! Once again, happy birthday, Denzel Washington!

5. Detective Keith Frazier
Inside Man (2006)


*****

4. Frank Lucas
American Gangster (2007)


*****

3. Pvt. Trip
Glory (1989)


*****

2. Coach Herman Boone
Remember the Titans (2000)


*****

1. Det. Alonzo Harris
Training Day (2001)