<P> Malcolm X , sometimes stylized as X , is a 1992 American epic biographical drama film about the Afro - American activist Malcolm X . Directed and co-written by Spike Lee , the film stars Denzel Washington in the title role , as well as Angela Bassett , Albert Hall , Al Freeman , Jr. , and Delroy Lindo. Lee has a supporting role as Shorty , a character based partially on real - life acquaintance Malcolm `` Shorty '' Jarvis , a fellow criminal and jazz saxophonist . Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale , the Rev. Al Sharpton , and future South Africa president Nelson Mandela have cameo appearances . This is the second of four film collaborations between Washington and Lee . </P>
<P> Malcolm X , sometimes stylized as X , is a 1992 American epic biographical drama film about the Afro - American activist Malcolm X . Directed and co-written by Spike Lee , the film stars Denzel Washington in the title role , as well as Angela Bassett , Albert Hall , Al Freeman , Jr. , and Delroy Lindo. Lee has a supporting role as Shorty , a character based partially on real - life acquaintance Malcolm `` Shorty '' Jarvis , a fellow criminal and jazz saxophonist . Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale , the Rev. Al Sharpton , and future South Africa president Nelson Mandela have cameo appearances . This is the second of four film collaborations between Washington and Lee . </P>
who played malcolm x in the movie ali
who played malcolm x in the movie ali
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington