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Michael Kenneth Williams Biography

Birth Name:Michael Kenneth Williams

Birth Place:Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States

Profession Actor, Producer, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

Along with the rest of the cast of "Life During Wartime," he was nominated for a 2010 Gotham Award
Formed a charitable organization called Making Kids Win to build community centers in urban neighborhoods
His large facial scar was received when he tried to protect his friends in a fight outside a party on his 25th birthday
Joined the National Black Theatre in New York City in his youth
Began his career as a dancer and choreographer for artists such as Madonna, George Michael and Kym Sims before ever considering pursuing on-screen roles
Quote: "I love my characters․ I play them with 100 percent honesty; there's no holding back․"
Founded Freedome Productions and was later named the executive producer of the company's first independent film venture, "Snow On the Bluff․"
Gained widespread acclaim after securing a leading role on HBO's "The Wire" in 2002

Awards

2007Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2009Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2010Gotham Independent Film Award-Best Ensemble Performance: nominated
2012Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: winner
2013BFCC Award-Best Ensemble: winner
2013Vision Award-Best Performance - Drama: winner
2013PFCS Award-Best Acting Ensemble: nominated
2014Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
2014Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: nominated
2014Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble Cast: nominated
2014Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2014Vision Award-Best Performance - Drama: nominated
2014Seattle Film Critics Award-Best Ensemble Cast: nominated
2015Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actor, Motion Picture: nominated
2015Robert Altman Award-: winner
2015Vision Award-Best Performance - Drama: winner
2015Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie: nominated
2016Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actor, TV Movie or Limited Series: nominated
2016Black Reel-Outstanding Actor, TV Movie or Limited Series: nominated
2016Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special: nominated
2016Vision Award-Best Performance - Drama: nominated
2016Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
2017Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actor, TV Movie or Limited Series: nominated
2017Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: nominated
2018Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Informational Series or Special: nominated
2019AAFCA Award-Best Ensemble: winner
2019Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actor, TV Movie/Limited Series: winner
2019Gold Derby TV Award-Movie/Limited Series Supporting Actor: nominated
2019INOCA TV-Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie: nominated
2019OFTA Television Award-Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture or Limited Series: winner
2019OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture or Limited Series: nominated
2019Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: nominated
2020Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble of the Decade: nominated
2021Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
2021Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actor, Drama Series: winner
2021Critics Choice Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: winner
2021CCA Super Award-Best Actor in a Horror Series: nominated
2021Gold Derby TV Award-Drama Supporting Actor: winner
2021HCA Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama: winner
2021Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2021OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: winner
2021Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2022U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award-Ensemble Cast: winner
2023Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actor: nominated
2025OFTA TV Hall of Fame-Character: winner