Training Day

Denzel Washington

Whenever Hollywood needs a dependable leading man to crusade against injustice, Washington's name is likely to be in the mix.

Washington has portrayed both real and fictional heroes with verve and dignity. He starred as South African activist Steven Biko and ... morefirebrand Malcolm X. He won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for portraying a black soldier during the Civil War in 1989's "Glory."

He played against type to win Best Actor in 2001's "Training Day," where he was a corrupt cop showing a rookie how to survive on the tough streets of Los Angeles. (Greg Binuya/Retna Ltd.)

Video: Get up close and personal with Denzel