Julia Roberts reads a letter of recommendation from Denzel Washington's college professor

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Julia Roberts pays tribute to Denzel Washington at the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award on June 6, 2019 at the Dolby Theatre. In this clip, Roberts reads a letter of recommendation from Washington's college professor, who correctly predicted he would be "one of the outstanding actors of the latter part of the 20th Century." AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: A TRIBUTE TO DENZEL WASHINGTON aired on June 20, 2019 on TNT. Sister network Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will also air the special in October 2019, during a night of programming dedicated to Washington’s work.
Other presenters at the event included Mahershala Ali, Chadwick Boseman, Jodie Foster, Antoine Fuqua, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Michael B. Jordan, Issa Rae, and Cicely Tyson and many others who all paid tribute to Washington's life and work.
Additional guests included Ed Begley, Jr., W. Kamau Bell, Joy Bryant, Joel Coen, Richard Donner, Ava DuVernay, Cary Elwes, Carl Franklin, Antoine Fuqua, David Alan Grier, Keegan-Michael Key, Martin Lawrence, Frances McDormand, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Paula Patton, Jay Pharoah, Chris Tucker and Edward Zwick.
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[@moisesgonzalez1401]

One of the few actors that can carry a movie by himself.......

[@LuBre]

_Keanu leaves the chat_

[@foolspeedahead]

Moises Gonzalez if he was the only actor in the first Equalizer, it would have been watchable. He killed it in everything else he’s ever done.

[@thephoenix2176]

Man on Fire - That is where it is Jack!

[@foolspeedahead]

Kayotic217 that is one of my favorites! Do you know who I am? Haha!

[@englandcalling9721]

Moises Gonzalez - Completely agree, Erin Brockovich was a superb lead role.......Oh Denzel.....I'll get my coat.

[@viperslate]

I love when Denzel gets that long face to keep from showing emotional feelings just like in the movies.

[@raineyj560]

& that gulp he always take, especially in Glory while the tear comes down.....

[@djCOLLY01]

So on point!

[@NgigiEric]

313south✔hahahahahahahaaaaaa

[@NgigiEric]

So True!

[@ialeixo84]

I hate it. He looks so smug.

[@Mlasse954]

The way Julia Roberts laughed, shows that they are really good friends !

[@antonkider7360]

Yes indeed

[@icslimicp3439]

Agreed

[@zod4365]

And STILL thirsty

[@em0jr]

They have always seemed to have sincere chemistry and respect for one another.

[@lululau9559]

@@em0jr JULIA SHOWS HOW SUPER SHE IS, ALSO !!!

[@jurgeneisenberg9153]

Above Denzel Washington's amazing talent and gift of acting stands his very good character by which he values relationships and family!

[@HjCrawford]

So true!!

[@JBKNL]

I love Denzel for that most. Showbiz is crazy but it seems it doesnt have a hold on Denzel.

[@monabee5044]

I love how she acknowledged his wife and family. Julia is a class act.

[@kevinwhelan9607]

You said it.

[@jodiurlacher145]

Denzel and Tom Hanks. Two people who no one ever has a negative word to say against them! Denzel is sooo talented and is such an icon!

[@AliceOfWonders]

And Keanu! I agree.

[@tinabobby9356]

Absolutely

[@luknowit475]

Tom hanks seems kinda douchey to me.

[@Woodrow512]

@@luknowit475 the internet police will be at your door this Sunday 19:37 pm, good luck and godspeed

[@getreal4real169]

These are my two favorite actors

[@edwardterry9468]

Good guy. One of the few in Hollywood who still have integrity.

[@jamaicanbeauty8120]

I'll second that.

[@smitty2000]

Indeed .. The rest are pedos or love SATAN!! 100,000 indictments soon to be opened! 👏👏

[@revlenmaduray5392]

That's true. He's a Legend

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@mirandag3136]

What a beautiful tribute Julia has such a very special way with words she is so classy and elegant and so well spoken . I loved the way she payed homage to him it was brilliant .

[@jordanabeaulieu2530]

Miranda Grant. I don't know why but her tribute made me tear up, particularly the last part. She truly loves Denzel Washington and she was beyond happy when he won his Oscar for Best Actor in 2002, she was the one who presented the statue to him!

[@mirandag3136]

Gillian Landry yeah she’s an incredible person yeah it was so heartfelt. I am sure she probably made everyone emotional with that speech .

[@jerywores8790]

Do you remember her on mybest friend weeding movie? She is good actress

[@mirandag3136]

jery wores yes I do that is actually one of my all time favourite movies of hers

[@mirandag3136]

Gillian Landry yeah their good friends she did a good job with the tribute for him

[@dearmakeupdiary]

Julia’s contagious laugh, so gracious and spontaneous as ever. And Denzel, a living legend.

[@danaglass1265]

You said it!!!💕

[@fahadfarooq7815]

Any movie including denzel is great much deseved award

[@harshdixit3722]

Chadwick Boseman.... feeling tired and sleepy, yet he put out the best tribute to denzel there was. This indeed makes me sad, but gives more courage than any motivational video. RIP king

[@increaseanim3463]

I feel like that was the height of his sickness and i think Denzel knew.

[@gentnextdoor]

Someone tell the Kim Kardashian generation that this is how a real woman carries herself. Bravo Julia... and Denzel. Both a photograph of elegance

[@mariaestherrivas4988]

Thank you for saying it

[@Scuuurbs]

Tebza Modisane get your stupid head up out of Kim’s giant ass long enough to take a breath and you might gain some perspective

[@Vessynikol]

Its a shame to even mention these here....

[@madelineharkins5643]

True that! Love them both!

[@premesupreme713]

True, but still 💜🌟Kim🌟❤️

[@fahadalsultan2586]

She really loves him ..

[@Vessynikol]

What's not to love :)

[@sarahreid48]

Fahad Alqahtani WE ALL DO!

[@fahadalsultan2586]

sarah reid yes we do..

[@misstriciak]

She is seated at the big table. It's more than love, she's family

[@kennethrussell1158]

@@danielcastillo9587 Daniel, You're crazy, you had me laughing so hard at your comments that I almost spilled my coffee 😃😄🤣🤣

[@makeyourself1988]

He deserved this a long time ago. An incredible actor

[@jordanabeaulieu2530]

I know right, he should have had this award 8 - 10 years ago!

[@jordanabeaulieu2530]

@stryfetc1 Denzel is 64, he will be 65 in December so if he had gotten the award 10 years ago, he wouldn't have been too young!

[@iberedemobot857]

stryfetc1 the fact that you think he is 38 is amazing.

[@mguevarra61]

How about another film with Ms. Roberts, Mr. Washington?

[@PiagaBiblica89]

Still fine and classy, after all these years. Cheers to you, Julia Roberts.

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@Benyikoko]

Can we take some time to appreciate Julia?? She doesn't age! It's insane

[@ashead11]

Mr. Fair ur a sick individual

[@LEOLEO-mg5cl]

She has aged. She has just done so gracefully. :) I think she looks great.

[@RubyL88]

But did you see Cecily Tyson?🤩🙆🏽‍♀️

[@barb6868]

Benyikoko She ages just like the rest of us. She looks decent but she has aged. It’s called being human.

[@fightermma]

She use to bully her sister and told her sister she was fat. Her sister committed suicide.

[@ReginaKira1]

Denzel is the GREATEST ACTOR ever!!

[@mrjones29]

One of the greatest.

[@tcnance1317]

Beautiful Words to an Outstanding Man.

[@RandomNest]

I almost choked trying to hold back the tears. 😢😢😢 That was absolutely beautiful.😭😭😭 Congrats Denzel Washington! ❤❤❤

[@Aswinishere]

John Q, Man on fire, Training Day, Remember the Titans, Malcolm X... Flight... So many great movies

[@listeningviayoutube7229]

Malcolm X, Bone Collector, Fallin, Glory, American Gangster, Antwon Fisher etc.

[@listeningviayoutube7229]

@stryfetc1 LoL, too funny. I think my eyeballs were "sweating" when I watched it.

[@keishadewsbury1104]

john q man on fire training day american ganster bone collector pelican brief malcolm x antoine fisher book of eli equlaizer 1&2 philadelphia fences is it? remember the titans just to name a few 👏

[@listeningviayoutube7229]

@@keishadewsbury1104 I am still mad about the Oscar snub for Malcolm X and Fences.

[@keishadewsbury1104]

@@listeningviayoutube7229 ☺ those 2 i haven't seen yet just clips

[@leav4g]

I love the respect and mutual admiration they have for each other. U can tell its a REAL friendship.

[@freshstart4423]

Denzel is eating crow for all the times he claimed racism in USA. He supported Spike Lee's false agendas. They were never oppressed for skin color. Racism is a scam.

[@KM-cu7he]

@@freshstart4423 you must be an incel MAGA

[@marthal8862]

Seeing Chadwick Boseman and then Alex Trebek was like being punched in the gut, what a difference two years makes.

[@oljerseysoul8724]

😭😭😭😭

[@ladydi4runner]

IKR?!😢Wasn’t ready to see that familiar Alex Trebek face all of a sudden. My stomach tightened immediately. RIPAlex and Chad. 😢

[@joshuajohnson4825]

Denzel is like the Michael Jordan of acting, best of all time!!

[@zanthescott6586]

Agree

[@grainnegowen5758]

Omg all the feels, just watched Inside Man respect

[@elizabethwambui6036]

Denzel is trying so hard not to be emotional, it makes me get emotional.

[@katyvarco2259]

I'm not surprised that Julia was there she love's her some denzel

[@eet6067]

YUP!

[@Vessynikol]

Katy Varco And its how we all feel. 😆

[@kimberlywhitehead22]

I thought she was gonna choke him to death when he won his Oscar for training day

[@carolinemaingi4879]

Pelican brief one of my all time favourite movies.......with all the trash coming out today, I keep going back to watch. Can’t count how many times I have watched it

[@annaconda78]

Agree 👍🏻

[@jaclynch6312]

same

[@MsLittlestar85]

I am watching mostly movies from the 90s era. They had great actors and great stories with depth. Today everything is fast and therefore lesser quality, whether it's music, fashion or movies. I hope it changes.

[@Marko11061]

@@MsLittlestar85 i agree. Today is just left and right, good and bad. in 90' there is no just white and black. They have much more great dialogs and explaining whay something is bad or not bad at all, its just what it is. Today you have villain just becuse you must have him, without hart and brain.

[@KharisB.A]

Mine too. In fact, I'm going to watch it again when I get a free time

[@Ndi1st]

Ermm this went under the news headlines radar a bit didn’t it!?! Where's all the love... SMH 🗣 Go Denzel ❤️

[@beckya640]

Ndidi1st ✨ way under. WTH!

[@glennwinningham55]

Only have 2 words for Denzel Washington........”PURE CLASS!” MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY! From a Vet in Tennessee. (Army 1970-1973) 🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@CopperAboriginies]

Julia Roberts is my favorite actress. When she and Denzel Washington did the my first favorite movie Pelican Brief, ya'll should watch and listen to this movie.

[@chrisk4709]

That movie is a TREASURE!

[@PennieDeeStudio]

I'm over here getting all teary eyed like I'm winning the award!!! So proud & happy for Denzel!! And Julia always been my fave!

[@mahershalalbaz]

Teary eyed.. I'm crying.

[@asinegaasinega]

you can actually see him getting teary eyed right the moment he says, "he's most probably carrying it with him now" about the letter (0:53 or so)

[@em4035]

He’s the greatest indeed, thanks for honoring him!

[@randallraines]

My man!!!

[@phyllisroosevelt5617]

Julia gave such a beautiful tribute. I always loved watching them together in Pelican brief

[@anahigamero4392]

Denzel is truly gifted, he was born to be an actor 🎭 GOD bless him and his beautiful family

[@NellieKAdaba]

anahi gamero Amen

[@wyattfamily8997]

From Australia, much admiration for this guy and the strong values he maintains in his life. Much of Hollywood would do well to emulate him.

[@CarlitaCosmetics]

That letter was so accurate, and Julia Roberts love for Denzel is so adorably genuine. And she's just as beautiful today as she was all those years ago in Pretty Woman.

[@1991jdclark]

True words. Also Julia Roberts laugh! I still love it.

[@jadefire2817]

He's so *beautiful.* Can we say men are beautiful? Aww, screw it. He *IS!*

[@MamaBoots007]

Hahahaha RIGHT ON!

[@davedaveization]

Hahahahaha!!!

[@alexiscarrington-colby733]

HE IS EXTREMELY HUMBLE KEPT FEET ON THE GROUND!

[@beckya640]

Alexis Carrington-Colby Knees to the ground. He is also an incredibly prayerful man.

[@alexiscarrington-colby733]

@@beckya640 I STAND CORRECTED!

[@chadtep7571]

Im so happy to read so many positive comments.

[@MrLasveguinhas]

Wow, that closing line... so powerful. Well done, Julia!

[@CookandtravelwithDenisa]

“The GREATEST of anytime”! Yes, Julia, you are right. Denzel is a genius and still a humble person. You can say it by the tears he holds in his eyes. There is no sprinkle of proud, there is only humbleness. So rare nowadays. Although he is one of greatest actors of our times, he would never change his character, he stays true and faithful to his family, who supported him across all these years. He stays true to his unique acting style. When you say DENZEL, you know what to expect: GENUINE TALENT and UNIQUENESSES 🙏🏼

[@jasonmcintyre22]

The G.O.A.T.'s getting their flowers I love it 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿💪🏿

[@franknicholasdale9141]

Julia doesn’t age in looks or mind, she is simply beautiful

[@Lifeunscripted2017-l3b]

Wow how much impact a great teacher can make and what a humble person Denzel Washington

[@daboss000]

Genuine friendship , love and respect right here

[@zdelacruz6296]

oh.my.god. Julia Roberts is still so cute and pretty in her 50's!

[@julianafuna9096]

Lol 😂 😂 😂 Lol she's...... pretty woman

[@lizbethschcolnickboss8062]

I need a movie where Denzel, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanx and Octavia Spencer are together... #please #movie #icons

[@tinomudataruberekera9745]

And maybe Viola Davis.

[@kj7682]

That movie would have to be sn epic story, the screen couldn't hold all the talent

[@lizbethschcolnickboss8062]

@@tinomudataruberekera9745 yes!!!! Viola too!.. that would be too much talent to handle!

[@spacemank6070]

They honored Sidney now it’s Denzel

[@dineshrashid2766]

antony k and Morgan.

[@kavenheart9209]

I love Julia Roberts her mind is like and he broke a big mountain.. everybody know what she did love her

[@adrianops7]

Julia’s class is out of this world. And Denzel, indeed one of the best ever!

[@ruhammacristinapayano5374]

She looks stunning, happy and so honest. She seem like a great person to work with :) Congrats Denzel

[@Sbaunz]

Julia's laugh is everything

[@billyb224]

Denzel Washington’s acting is terrific, I must have seen all of his films except the most resent film!

[@yourerightimwrong4567]

The joy on Denzel and Pauletta's faces when Julia is announced!

[@CanadianMapleleaf]

He is such a class act in so many ways.....a man to respect.

[@derricksanford8650]

My childhood crush and still beautiful ❤️ definition of a pretty woman 😊

[@ellejaysmith6623]

He’s a very talented man. There’s no doubt he deserved that award. And he is so hot!

[@904jagzsuck5]

Doesn't get much classier than Julia presenting to Denzel. So nice to see genuine respect, admiration & love between these 2 titans.

[@renenfl]

Julia Roberts absolutely gorgeous and stunning!!!

[@renwynmanuel5240]

His always been my favourite actor.Such an inspiration

[@2GleanFromHisWord]

I think there will probably be no other great actor. He is the greatest actor. Congratulations Denzel. You are my favorite male actor. Blessings.

[@sjwilloughby-greene8214]

He inspires those he will never know. Thank you. ❤❤❤

[@foresthart5599]

He is my favorite actor. Will always watch any movie he makes. Not only a great actor but a great man and inspiration to us all.

[@face-in-the-crowd]

Wow this is so lovely. A lot of teachers don't recognize the power that they have

[@almawebber]

He is one of the very few "box office draws" for me - I will watch anything he is in!

[@CopperAboriginies]

Wow what a tribute to brother Denzel Washington. I knew he was a good actor but not admired by so many, in Hollywood but just in general life itself. He must've had a strong impact on so many lives to have such a tribute in life. Truly an amazing Student, Man, Husband, Father, Friend and actor among the many other hats he wheres during lifes road.

[@freshstart4423]

Denzel is eating crow for all the years he supported racial propaganda to destroy America. He is proof of prosperity not oppression.

[@downhilltwofour0082]

I have seen the movie "Stalag 17" possibly twenty times over the years. I was 12 years old the first time I saw it in 1953. I remember the role Robinson Stone played, "Joey". To think he went on to accomplish so much blows my mind. And to think he was the person who first saw and realized Denzel Washington's potential. Now that completes a story for me.

[@drphot6050]

The GOAT and he should’ve won Best Actor for X too💯✊🏾

[@roc-ur-mom6803]

Fences! He's great at every movie but that Fences, man I was in awe. Superb acting! He definitely should have won for that as well.

[@NellieKAdaba]

Dr Phot 👍

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

I love him. He has class, pure class.

[@babybree175]

These 2 finnnneee young people, have only made 1 great movie together..I love it so much I bought the book! Imagine if they made more movies? They've been at it since that movie. They love and respect each other quite well. I know he deserves this and I am happy for him.

[@noone-ct1ur]

i bought the book, too and i think i still have it somewhere.

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

$$$. $40 million for two actors makes it hard to fund a movie. Pelican Brief was good, but it wasn't great. It should've been, but it wasn't.

[@chriscaufield4634]

OK I got chills.. well deserved!

[@ILSAB]

2.08❤ her lough🙈🤣😂Love Julia Roberts❤have to watch it a second time...maybe more🤣😂 Uhm🤔....😊and of course congratulations to Mr. Denzel Washington. He deserves! He is one of the finest!

[@Joewell12]

The way his sparkly eyes looks are moving.

[@marilynproctor3485]

One of the finest actors I have ever seen. He becomes the character in the movie and you forget he is acting. That’s the sign of brilliance.🌹

[@suat365]

One of the greatest actor of all time!

[@reefk3412]

I love that movie Pelican brief Julia Roberts is beautiful gorgeous white woman even though I love my black women dam her in that movie pretty woman

[@kedrick71]

Julia is gorgeous. Salute to Mr. Washington

[@Hawaiian80882]

One of my favorite actors, mind you not just for his excellent work in his craft, but his beautiful character of a man, husband, father, and friend.

[@styledna24]

JR such a beautiful classic!! 😘Mr Washington your achievements are to be envied for many generations to come. Hugs 🤗 from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@philippeh3904]

I love the Julia Roberts laugh

[@lillyl4262]

They’re both amazing actors ❤

[@LisaNaomi24]

He's my favorite actor. At the time, I knew nothing about football, but I fell in love with "Remember the Titans" since the first time I watched it. May YHWH bless him and his family always.❤️

[@fatimabennani7713]

The best actor. 🥇🥇🥇

[@carlobalzer3238]

The best actor in Hollywood 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@gracielams7593]

Denzel el actor mas Bendemcido unico un actoraso!!!!!!!!

[@my_name_is_nat]

That teacher had a eagle eye for pure and great talent. That teacher was truly appreciate by Denzel for keeping that letter with him for so many years. It was typewritten and he still has it I mean I keep mine in a USB and I always loose it if it wasn't for my computer drive it be gone years ago. 😂😂😂. Denzel you are and will always be my #1 GREATEST ACTOR OF MY TIME 🥰🎉🏆🥇

[@mosesm.1563]

Denzel Washington is a living legend.

[@bethlehemnegussie8547]

❤wow such a moving & much deserved honorary speech for Denzel by Julia Roberts. Both incredibly talented, genuine & the greatest actors of all times. Love you ❤❤❤❤

[@fionaclacken2024]

I love Julia and I love Denzel Washington to

[@fionaclacken2024]

@Paul Goodier yes I caught that mistake thank you very much I'm not perfect I'm a human being thank you

[@edithdlp8045]

Denzel is a great actor. I loved his movie Training Day, I never had seen him as a villain, he did an outstanding job. My favorite Denzel movie 👏 👏 👏

[@debudas1175]

Julia is beautiful and ageless... She's consumed the Elixir of life...

[@ahmetkapcoglu7078]

Just a class human being!!! Greatest Denzel !!!!

[@garybush7290]

Man on fire has got to be his best film

[@laxus9451]

and to think that clooney go this before this legend

[@hajjibaraka4029]

You mean clowney

[@PS33SG]

laxus 94 I mean seriously Justice is Justice

[@laxus9451]

@@hajjibaraka4029 looool

[@jimcameron1234]

Nespresso George before Denzel WTF happend?

[@laxus9451]

if it werent for scientology tom cruise would get one way before clowney

[@Dojustdoandbe]

Love Denzel! Well deserved. He’s the coolest!

[@mariawright5122]

So true in every aspect!

[@mahershalalbaz]

That letter was prophetic

[@LaLunaTv]

What a time to be alive. I’m so happy I got to witness Denzel’s talent!!🙌🏼🙌🏼