Denzel as lawyer he ‘loves’

drive your day, and it’ll give you something to aim for. But it holds you to a standard that is hard to uphold, and Roman has paid a price for sacrificing himself for other people.”

It’s the latest complex role for Washington, who’s been nominated for eight Academy Awards and won for “Training Day” (2002) and “Glory” (1990).

In addition to his on-screen accomplishments, Washington is set to return to Broadway in the spring to star in a 14-week run of “The Iceman Cometh.” He credits his ability to act both on the stage and in front of the camera while also directing films as a major reason for his longevity in the entertainment industry.

“I think a part of it is that I do three things,” Washington said. “I don’t just act in movies . . . . I keep trying to get better. I’m just growing as an actor, and you come to a place in life where you go, ‘Well, you know, I don’t know how many days I got left, but there’s only so many roles.’ I’m interested in different challenges, and challenging myself and just trying to get better.”

Gilroy, 58, and Washington showed “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” to an audience for the first time in September at the Toronto International Film Festival, but have since shaved roughly 13 minutes off the film in an effort to tighten the story line and allow it to flow more quickly. Washington played an active role in the editing room, where he and his son Malcolm — a 26-year-old filmmaker — joined Gilroy and his twin brother, John, to collaborate on completing the movie’s final cut.

The film left Washington with a character he’s pleased with.

“I really love Roman. I like him,” Washington said. “I’ve watched the movie and go, ‘I like this guy. I’m rooting for him.’ I played the part and I’m still rooting for him. I’m sitting there sometimes, ‘Don’t do that, don’t do that!’ He’s trying so hard, you can’t help but love him. I don’t think I’ve ever said that about a character I’ve played.”

“Roman J. Israel, Esq.” opens in New York and Los Angeles on Friday before its wide release Nov. 22.

In Denzel Washington’s latest, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” (photos top and bottom), he plays an eccentric attorney who probably falls somewhere on the autism spectrum.