In the list of Oscar nominees for Best Actor in 1993, two of them played biographical roles. The films were Chaplin and Malcolm X. Name the nominated actors.

The 1993 Academy Awards ceremony, honoring the films of 1992, featured a particularly strong lineup for Best Actor. Among the five nominees, two were recognized for their stunning transformations into towering figures of the 20th century. Robert Downey, Jr. earned his first-ever Oscar nomination for inhabiting the spirit of silent film legend Charlie Chaplin in the biopic *Chaplin*. In a similarly immersive performance, Denzel Washington was nominated for his powerful portrayal of the controversial and influential civil rights leader in Spike Lee's epic, *Malcolm X*.

Both actors earned widespread critical acclaim for their work. Downey was lauded for capturing Chaplin's unique physicality and complex personality, even learning to play the violin and tennis left-handed for the role. Washington's performance was considered a monumental achievement, embodying Malcolm X's entire public evolution with nuance and intensity. For many, Washington was the frontrunner to win the coveted award.

However, in a classic Oscar surprise, the trophy went to Al Pacino for *Scent of a Woman*. It was Pacino's first win after eight nominations, and many saw it as a long-overdue career award. The other nominees in the category were Clint Eastwood for *Unforgiven* and Stephen Rea for *The Crying Game*. While they didn't win, the nominated performances by Downey and Washington remain iconic highlights in their celebrated careers.