The 61-year-old actor, director, producer, and philanthropist brought his family up on stage with him to accept the award, but forgot his glasses.
In a brief, apparently improvised speech, he thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, his agent and manager, his first agent and manager, and his family, reported Emtertainment Weekly.
Washington was introduced by Philadelphia costar Tom Hanks, who presented a reel spotlighting his work, from such critical darlings as Malcolm X and Cry Freedom to box office hits like "The Pelican Brief" and "Remember the Titans".
"And if 'Washington' doesn't ring out loud enough, then let that first name carry all the weight: That name is 'Denzel'."
Former recipients of the prestigious award include Jodie Foster, Woody Allen, Morgan Freeman, Martin Scorsese, Robin Williams, Harrison Ford and more.
