More than 30 years after its theatrical debut, Denzel Washington’s powerful portrayal of civil rights leader Malcolm X in the 1992 biographical epic Malcolm X is heading to Paramount+ on December 1. This landmark performance earned Washington his third Oscar nomination, cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s finest actors.
Directed by Spike Lee, Malcolm X chronicles the life of the iconic Black Nationalist leader, from his troubled beginnings as a small-time gangster to his transformative role as a minister in the Nation of Islam. The film delves into his influence on the civil rights movement and his controversial legacy before his assassination in 1965. Featuring a stellar cast that includes Angela Bassett and Delroy Lindo, Malcolm X has been praised by critics and audiences alike, holding an impressive 89% critics’ score and 91% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The screenplay, co-written by Arnold Perl and Spike Lee, draws inspiration from Alex Haley’s The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Malcolm X’s own writings. Lee, who later earned an Oscar for BlacKkKlansman, has consistently collaborated with top-tier talents, including Denzel Washington and Delroy Lindo, as seen in films like Da 5 Bloods.
Fans of Washington can also look forward to his return in Gladiator 2, where his performance is already generating Oscar buzz. Additionally, Washington is set to make his highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Ryan Coogler’s next Black Panther film.
As one of the most celebrated films of Washington’s career, Malcolm X remains a timeless exploration of leadership, transformation, and social justice. Don’t miss the chance to stream this epic historical drama on Paramount+ starting December 1.
