Denzel Washington is widely recognized as one of the greatest actors of his generation, with an impressive career filled with acclaimed performances. However, he has also proven himself as an action hero in The Equalizer films. Breaking the Hollywood binary of Oscar winners versus action stars, Washington combines efficient but brutal action with Oscar-quality acting, challenging the notion of one-dimensional action heroes and adding depth to the genre.

In 2014, Washington headlined The Equalizer, an action vehicle that felt like a throwback to the street-level brawlers of the '80s. The film adaptation of the TV show allowed Washington to showcase his skills as both an actor and an action star. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, who previously collaborated with Washington on the Oscar-winning Training Day, the film provided clarity and a return to intense action scenes.

The success of The Equalizer led to two more films in the franchise, solidifying Washington's status as an action hero. While he may not fit into the mold of traditional action stars, Washington's portrayal of Robert McCall combines efficient action with his nuanced and powerful acting, challenging the notion that action heroes cannot be Oscar winners.

In retrospect, The Equalizer films serve as a natural progression in Washington's career, as he explores different genres and challenges himself as an actor. He proves that he is not only an A-list actor but also a damn good action hero.