A tribute to the controversial black activist and leader of the struggle for black liberation. He hit bottom during his imprisonment in the '50s, he became a Black Muslim and then a leader in the Nation of Islam. His assassination in 1965 left a legacy of self-determination and racial pride.
Acting
Denzel channels Malcolm's physicality and oratory with possession-level commitment.
Direction
Spike Lee fought studios for 3+ hour runtime and won.
Costume
Ruth Carter's suits evolve with Malcolm's political consciousness.
Director
Spike Lee
Denzel Washington
Malcolm X
Angela Bassett
Betty Shabazz
Albert Hall
Baines
Al Freeman Jr.
Elijah Muhammad
Delroy Lindo
West Indian Archie
Spike Lee
Shorty
Theresa Randle
Laura
Kate Vernon
Sophia
Lonette McKee
Louise Little
Tommy Hollis
Earl Little
James McDaniel
Brother Earl
Ernest Lee Thomas
Sidney
Jean-Claude La Marre
Benjamin 2X
O.L. Duke
Pete
Larry McCoy
Sammy
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Denzel Washington had already won an Oscar when he took this role; he lost Best Actor to Al Pacino that year, which many consider a robbery.
The film's financing collapsed when investors balked at the budget; Black celebrities from Oprah to Michael Jordan and Bill Cosby donated millions to complete it. The opening credits explicitly thank them.
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