The Oscar-winning actor has previously spoken about his religious beliefs saying ‘it’s not talked about in this town but that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe’

Denzel Washington has become a minister after being baptised shortly before his 70th birthday, in a ceremony at a church in New York.

The Oscar-winning actor, now appearing in Gladiator II, was baptised on Saturday at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in Harlem, New York City, affiliated to the Pentecostal Church of God in Christ denomination. The service was livestreamed on Facebook, showing Washington, wearing a white robe, being immersed in the church’s ritual pool and being presented with a certificate of baptism.