Denzel Washington To Be Honored with Cecil B. DeMille Award at Golden Globe Awards 2016

Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington started the award circuit early when he helped present an honorary Oscar to celebrated filmmaker Spike Lee at the seventh annual Governor’s Awards this past Saturday.

Both Washington and Lee have enjoyed creative success as frequent collaborators with films like Mo’ Better Blues and most notably Malcolm X – the latter is definitely considered one of the most prolific films in the history of cinema and also proved Hollywood’s scorn towards Lee when he was blatantly disregarded for his achievement through his zero wins during award season that year.

Lee has always felt the sting of that snob which has led him to consistently dismiss the industry by calling out the lack of diversity that continues to plague the system.

Well, the famed director who taught us what it takes to Do The Right Thing has finally been given his due – even though it came in the form of the kind of Oscar they give recipient as a way of apologizing for not giving it to them at the appropriate time.

Perhaps an apologetic Oscar is better than none – in any case, Lee graciously accepted his trophy while also taking the time to express his dismay that after all these years – very little has changed when it comes to the opportunities afforded people of color in Hollywood.

That is still a valid case and may remain so for God knows how long but the upside is that for those who have managed to barriers – the road to victory is still paved with gold. This is a fact Denzel Washington can attest to.

It has been announced that in recognition of his cinematic achievements, the actor will be the recipient of the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Award. He will be presented with the honorary tribute at the 73^rd Annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 10 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press made the announcement on Monday with a fitting accompaniment of why Washington was selected, “Washington’s long and storied career is earmarked by his countless roles in front and behind the camera”. “It is the HFPA’s privilege to honor his contributions to the entertainment industry with the Cecil B. DeMille Award”.

Indeed Washington is deserving based on his impressive track record which shows a total of seven Golden Globe nominations – two of which he won for Glory and The Hurricane. He also nabbed two Academy Awards for Glory and Training Day. He ha also garnered two Emmy nominations, one Tony Award, one BAFTA Award, one NAACP Image Award and one Grammy Award for lending his voice to the African-American folklore – John Henry.

He is teaming up again with Antoine Fuqua in the upcoming The Magnificent Seven co-starring Chris Pratt and Training Day co-star Ethan Hawke.