Denzel Washington receives Cecil B. DeMille Award at 2016 Golden Globes

Jan 11, 2016

NEW YORK (AP) — Denzel Washington was given the Golden Globe lifetime achievement award on Sunday, with his “Philadelphia” co-star Tom Hanks saluting him as an actor with the “mysterious power not just to hold our attention, but demand it.”

Hanks recited a list of legendary actors — Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro and the like — that command the most respect in the industry.

“The list is finite,” Hanks said. “The club is exclusive. But it includes the actor who is being given the Cecil B. DeMille Award tonight,” said Hanks, who said he was fighting a cold.

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Washington brought his family onstage for a speech that appeared to be cut short by a failure to bring his glasses with him. His wife reminded him twice that he needed them — and the second time, he agreed.

Washington won Oscars for roles in “Glory” and “Training Day,” and has a long list of credits including “Malcolm X,” ”The Hurricane,” ”Flight,” ”The Manchurian Candidate” and “Mo’ Better Blues.”

In his speech, he thanked his mother for convincing his father that the family needed light bulbs more powerful than 25 watts.

“God bless you all,” he said.