Details

Release year: 1992

Storyline

Biographical epic of the controversial and influential Black Nationalist leader, from his early life and career as a small-time gangster, to his ministry as a member of the Nation of Islam and his eventual assassination.

Top credits

Directors

Spike Lee

Writers

Cast

Denzel Washington — Malcolm X
Angela Bassett — Betty Shabazz
Delroy Lindo — West Indian Archie
Spike Lee — Shorty

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Awards

0 wins & 2 nominations

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Did you know

• The image of Denzel Washington holding the M1 Carbine and peering out the curtains is a direct visual recreation of an iconic photo that appeared in LIFE magazine.

• Director Spike Lee removed all mention of Louis Farrakhan from the film after receiving specific, direct threats from him.

• Initially, Spike Lee requested $33 million for this film (or $72 million in 2023 dollars), a reasonable sum considering its size and scope, but much more than his previous budgets. Because Lee's five previous films combined had grossed less than $100 million domestically, Warner Bros. offered $20 million for a two-hour fifteen-minute film, plus $8 million from Largo Entertainment for the foreign rights. When the film went $5 million over budget, Lee kicked in most of his salary, but the financiers shut down post-production. Lee went public with his battles, and raised funds from celebrity friends, including Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan and Bill Cosby, to regain control of the project. After a positive screening of a rough cut, Warner Bros. kicked in more funds.