Meet the Nominees 2008: Best Actor

Denzel Washington

Role: A heroin kingpin in American Gangster
Age: 52
How he got here: Denzel made his acting debut in the 1977 made-for-television movie Wilma. His first film debut was the 1981 movie Carbon Copy, but he moved back to TV to star in St. Elsewhere, which gave him his big break.
Who he has to thank: The real Frank Lucas for giving him a role to play.
Awards so far: Academy and Golden Globe awards
The iVillage consensus: Vote here

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