Hollywood icon Denzel Washington admitted he hasn't auditioned for a role in nearly 40 years.

The veteran actor, whose most recent film appearance came as Macrinus in Gladiator II, made the confession during an interview with BBC 1Xtra.

Washington, who turns 70 today (December 28) explained how a pivotal moment in his career - winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Private Silas Trip in Glory - meant he no longer needs to prove himself in auditions.

"It’s been about 40 years for that," he said. "I haven’t auditioned for a movie in about 40 years."

He added: "I won an Academy Award in 1989, and I’m pretty sure no one has asked me to audition since then."

And it's clearly a positive thing for the actor as he responded a definitive "No" when asked if he missed auditioning.

His second Academy Award came in 2001 for Training Day, by which time he had cemented himself as one of Hollywood ’s most respected actors.

Alongside acting, Washington has now received his very own minister's license and was baptised at the Kelly Temple in New York City on Saturday (December 21).

During the baptism, he spoke to the congregation about his faith before he was immersed in holy water.

"It took a while, but I’m finally here,” he said, according to Archbishop Christopher Bryant. "If [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit."