Ken Watanabe
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
- Primarily known for taking on the role of a samurai in films
- Frequently portrays prominent businessmen in his 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 AwardWinner
- 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
- 2026Award of the Japanese Academy - Best Supporting Actor:Nominated