In November 1986, a 32-year-oldDenzel Washingtongraced thecover of ESSENCE. It was the magazine’s Sixth Annual Men’s Issue but his first being the cover star. At the time, Washington had three film roles under his belt, but just one year later he would receive his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role inCry Freedom. Two years later he would win that award for his portrayal of a former slave-turned-soldier in the 1989 civil war filmGlory.