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Ken Watanabe Biography

Birth Name:Kensaku Watanabe

Birth Place:Koide, Japan

Profession Actor, Producer

Fast Facts

Created his own website to help support the victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan
A musically talented child, he aspired to enter the Musashino Academia Musicae conservatory in Tokyo
Frequently portrays prominent businessmen in his films
Primarily known for taking on the role of a samurai in films
Recovered from a bout with bone marrow leukemia after being diagnosed with the disease in 1989
Gained 20 pounds for his role in "The Last Samurai․"

Awards

1999Award of the Japanese Academy-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2003Golden Schmoes-Breakthrough Performance of the Year: nominated
2003Golden Schmoes-Best Supporting Actor of the Year: nominated
2003WAFCA Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2004Oscar-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
2004Saturn Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2004Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
2004Special Award-: winner
2004Critics Choice Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2004DFWFCA Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2004Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: nominated
2004INOCA-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2004IOMA-Best Supporting Actor (Miglior attore non protagonista): nominated
2004Sierra Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2004PFCS Award-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
2004Golden Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Drama: nominated
2006Hochi Film Award-Best Actor: winner
2006Nikkan Sports Film Award-Best Actor: winner
2007Asian Film Award-Best Actor: nominated
2007Award of the Japanese Academy-Best Actor: winner
2007Blue Ribbon Award-Best Actor: winner
2007Kinema Junpo Award-Best Actor: winner
2010PFCS Award-Best Ensemble Acting: nominated
2010WAFCA Award-Best Acting Ensemble: nominated
2011COFCA Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
2011Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble Cast: nominated
2014NETPAC Award-Best Actor: nominated
2014Award of the Japanese Academy-Best Actor: nominated
2021Award of the Japanese Academy-Best Supporting Actor: winner
2021Award of the Japanese Academy-Best Actor: nominated
2024Autumn Award-Best Actor: nominated
2025Hochi Film Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated