Michael Kenneth Williams
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
- 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
- Joined the National Black Theatre in New York City in his youth
- 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 AwardWinner
- 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