Williams has received much critical acclaim for his film work since the 1990s, including his portrayals of real-life figures such as South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, Muslim minister and human rights activist Malcolm X, boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, football coach Herman Boone, poet and educator Melvin B. Tolson, and drug kingpin Frank Lucas. He has been a featured actor in the films produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and was a frequent collaborator of the late director Tony Scott.
Williams has received two Golden Globe awards, a Tony Award, and two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor.