Glory

4. "Glory" (1989)

Denzel's work in this Civil War epic snagged him his first Oscar (for Best Supporting Actor), and one scene in particular should convince you that his win was more than well-deserved. After he's been caught deserting the all-black 54th regiment, Washington's ... morerunaway slave-turned-Union-soldier Trip is taken back to his army base for punishment. He's no stranger to the whip, and he refuses to break down as he's publicly flogged before his regiment. Then, as the camera slowly zooms in toward his face, a tear cascades down his cheek. There's enough deep-rooted pain to fuel a dozen films in that moment alone, and in a single shot, Washington says more about his character's defiant pride far more eloquently than any line of dialogue could.

(Image: Everett Collection)