| Academy Awards, USA | |||
| Year | Result | Award | Category/Recipient(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Nominated | Oscar |
Best Actor in a Leading Role for: Sounder (1972) |
| Black Reel Awards | |||
| Year | Result | Award | Category/Recipient(s) |
| 2004 | Nominated | Black Reel |
Television: Best Supporting Actor for: Sounder (2003) (TV) |
| Emmy Awards | |||
| Year | Result | Award | Category/Recipient(s) |
| 1995 | Won | Emmy |
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for: "Picket Fences" (1992) For episode "Enemy Lines". For playing "Judge Harold Nance". |
| 1979 | Nominated | Emmy |
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special for: "Roots: The Next Generations" (1979) For episode V. |
| 1978 | Nominated | Emmy |
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for: "King" (1978) |
| Image Awards | |||
| Year | Result | Award | Category/Recipient(s) |
| 1982 | Won | Image Award |
Best Performance by an Actor in a Dramatic Series or Miniseries or Television Movie for: The Sophisticated Gents (1981) (TV) |
| St. Louis International Film Festival | |||
| Year | Result | Award | Category/Recipient(s) |
| 1999 | - | Lifetime Achievement Award | |