Denzel Washington always looks like he's in control. Even when he's passionate on-screen, he seems to know exactly what he's doing. The elegance with which he holds his position as an actor has earned him the highest honor of his profession. It's no surprise, then, that the two-time Oscar winner is a Capricorn. Born December 28, 1954 at 12:09 a.m. in Mount Vernon, New York, his Sun's presence in this strong-willed and disciplined sign gives him a natural sense of authority. Capricorns never wander; they always have a plan. We get that Denzel is in control, which gives us confidence in him and the characters he plays. The seriousness of his sign is underscored by mental Mercury's presence in Capricorn. This intellectual planet in the orderly Capricorn makes for clear thinking and clear speaking, both of which he does quite well. Yet Denzel escapes the stereotype of rigidity that is often associated with his Sun sign. The key astrological reasons for this are his Moon and Ascendant, both in cool, but friendly air signs. Denzel's Moon, the planet of feelings, is in Aquarius, a sign of individuality and progressive ideas. His unconventional Aquarian emotions bring an element of surprise that makes him seem very fresh and new each time we see him.

The Ascendant or Rising Sign describes a person's surface appearance. It's the initial point of contact between an individual and the world, thus the first thing we see. Denzel's Ascendant is in lovely, Venus-ruled Libra. Libra Rising individuals have the gift of making others feel at ease, and the reason is that they are always paying attention to others and tailoring their behavior to their audience. While this sometimes has the disadvantage of masking one's true feelings, it usually gives someone a harmonious and charming personality. But Denzel's smiling exterior is never taken as a sign of weakness. In addition to his strong Capricorn will, he has Venus conjunct serious Saturn in emotionally intense Scorpio, underscoring his strong sense of purpose and self-control. Venus-Saturn people know that they have to work for love and approval and don't expect to be given anything without earning it. Venus also represents the arts, so its union with disciplined Saturn reminds us of the intense training behind Denzel's seemingly effortless work. Mars, the action planet, also explains why Denzel comes across so smoothly. It is in Pisces, the most adaptable and sensitive sign of the zodiac. This gives Denzel a deft touch that allows him to alter his behavior quite easily. There is a softness to Mars in Pisces that sometimes can be a source of weakness, but for an actor who makes a living in the world of make-believe, the imaginative qualities of this combination are excellent. Denzel demonstrates his hard-earned skills repeatedly, but with a lightness that adds believability to every part he plays.