In my humble opinion, the list you’ve curated showcases some of the most exceptional talents to grace the world of acting. Each actor has not only left an indelible mark on the silver screen but also enriched our collective cultural consciousness with their remarkable performances.
Measuring an actor’s talent is somewhat subjective. Instead of focusing on awards or nominations like Oscars, BAFTAs, Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, or Tonys, we should consider the range of roles and genres they have tackled throughout their career, as well as the cultural impact they’ve made. Additionally, the longevity of their success and the influence they’ve had on future generations of actors are also important factors to take into account. Although art cannot be ranked in a definitive way, there is no denying that certain screen actors have left indelible marks on cinema since its inception as a medium for storytelling. The Golden Age of Hollywood produced many early stars who continue to inspire us even today, and new actors rise to prominence over time, earning legendary status by pushing boundaries and setting new standards for acting excellence.
To put it plainly, we can’t possibly mention every actor worthy of praise, as doing so would require more than just a week. So, we’ve gathered an array of actors from various eras in cinema history who stand out as the crème de la crème in their field. It’s impossible to avoid some omissions, but the performers featured here have solidified their status as indisputable, significantly impactful talents. We considered career awards, overall critical acclaim, and their ability to adapt to different roles when making our selections. Moreover, we aimed to include stars from diverse regions, although the influence of Hollywood was a significant factor. Now, let’s delve into some of the most remarkable actors in cinematic history.
Meryl Streep
It’s fitting to kick things off by discussing an individual who is both highly esteemed as one of the greatest actors of all time and remains active today. Meryl Streep, at present, shares the second-highest number of Oscar wins with three others. However, she also possesses the Academy Award’s gold medal for the most nominations received, boasting an impressive 21 over her career. At the age of 75 as we speak, with a diverse and powerful collection of performances under her belt, it appears that she might not be ready to call it quits any time soon.
Over a span of 32 years, three iconic films – “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “Sophie’s Choice,” and “The Iron Lady” – showcased Meryl Streep’s extraordinary talent, propelling her to the pinnacle of acting. Her other notable Oscar-nominated roles include performances in “The Post,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “The Deer Hunter,” “The Bridges of Madison County,” “Silkwood,” and “Postcards from the Edge.” Remarkably, she was nominated nine times between 1979 and 1991, a feat that took place over only thirteen years. This remarkable streak is widely regarded as one of the most impressive in Oscar history, particularly considering it unfolded during an incredibly competitive decade.
Denzel Washington
It’s often said that Denzel Washington is the most exceptional actor of his generation. With two Oscars (and nine nominations in acting categories) under his belt, he has consistently demonstrated his unique talent across a variety of roles, from Shakespearean adaptations to hard-hitting crime dramas and grand historical epics.
In 1990 and 2002, he won two Academy Awards for “Glory” and “Training Day,” respectively, but these are only a handful of his accomplishments. Some believe he should have received more awards for films such as “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and “Malcolm X.” However, Washington’s reputation is already cemented, given that he also holds a Tony award, AFI trophy, and British Academy Film and Television Award, among numerous others.
As a devoted admirer, I can hardly contain my excitement as Denzel Washington prepares to astound us once more in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II.” This man shows no signs of slowing down; his influence on modern-day Hollywood is so profound that it’s hard to fathom the cinematic world without him. Thank heavens, we’re likely to continue being treated to his extraordinary talent in upcoming films!
Viola Davis
Viola Davis, at the age of 59, is among the youngest actors on this list, yet her influence in the film industry is undeniable. Recently, she added a Grammy to her collection for audiobook narration, achieving an EGOT – a remarkable feat of winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. She earned her Oscar in 2017 for her role in “Fences” alongside Denzel Washington, and she’s been nominated three other times for her performances in “Doubt,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “The Help.
It might be more captivating to focus on Davis’ versatility rather than her many awards. For instance, if you’ve seen films like “Widows” followed by “The Woman King,” you can instantly recognize this. In every role she takes on, Davis brings a genuine, powerful, and controlled performance. Her portrayal of Amanda Waller in the DC Extended Universe was arguably its best aspect, delivering one of the most memorable comic book movie character interpretations. And let’s not forget her BAFTA, Critics Choice Awards, and Golden Globe wins – there’s simply too much to cover here!
Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis is often considered the epitome of a remarkable actor, with his deep devotion to Method acting and meticulous choice of roles lending him an air of mystery and timelessness. Known as an artist who embodies the essence of the craft, he has earned a reputation over time as both a traditional performer and one of the true masters in the field. Although reputation doesn’t always equate to reality, it is hard to argue against the fact that few actors from recent decades have demonstrated the captivating presence on screen that Day-Lewis consistently delivers.
Ever since 1997, I’ve been fortunate enough to grace the screen only six times as an actor, but a seventh project titled “Anemone” is on the horizon, directed by my talented son Ronan. Two of these films, “Lincoln” and “There Will Be Blood,” brought me the prestigious honor of Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Oscars – I’ve been lucky enough to win this category three times, with my first win coming in 1990 for “My Left Foot.” Besides my trio of Oscars, I also bagged a BAFTA in 2003 for my chilling portrayal of a villain in Martin Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York,” marking our second collaboration together. My accolades don’t stop there; they span far and wide.
Really, though, any performance from Day-Lewis quickly conveys his dedication to the craft of acting. His non-Oscar-nominated films often get overlooked, but they’re just as worth a watch.
Frances McDormand
As a gamer, if I were discussing the top performers in today’s cinematic landscape, I’d definitely bring up Frances McDormand. She’s not just a three-time Oscar recipient in acting categories (with six nominations under her belt), but she also won a fourth for producing her 2021 film “Nomadland.” To add to that impressive list, she’s a triple BAFTA winner, a double Emmy winner for “Olive Kitteridge,” and a Tony Award winner. In essence, she’s claimed the coveted “Triple Crown” of acting, making her a true powerhouse in the world of performing arts.
Over the past decade or so, McDormand has been widely recognized for her exceptional acting skills, but her career actually spans many years. She’s consistently delivered remarkable performances in films such as “Fargo” and “Burn After Reading.” Additionally, she’s shared the screen with several other prominent actors on this list, like when she worked alongside Denzel Washington in the 2021 release of “The Tragedy of Macbeth.” McDormand possesses an on-screen charisma that sets her apart from other working actors. It’s clear why she has become one of the most acclaimed actresses of her time.
Paul Newman
Some individuals could question whether Paul Newman should be on this list, given that he was more of a popular movie star than a true actor’s actor during his time. They might argue that his fame stemmed from his captivating charm and handsome appearance rather than exceptional acting talent. However, these individuals seem to have overlooked the fact that Newman garnered 10 Academy Award nominations over a span of 44 years, demonstrating his remarkable versatility and consistent excellence throughout his career, reaching the pinnacle of recognition in every stage.
It’s quite appropriate that his sole win came in 1987 for “The Color of Money,” a sequel to the film “The Hustler” where he was previously nominated in 1962. Notably, he was also recognized for outstanding performances in films such as “The Verdict,” “Absence of Malice,” and “Road to Perdition.” This list doesn’t even begin to touch upon some of Newman’s most iconic and culturally influential movies like “The Sting” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Additionally, he was also honored with a BAFTA.
One could argue that perhaps no other aspect more clearly illustrates Newman’s remarkable impact than the fact that his last significant award recognition – a Primetime Emmy nomination for “Empire Falls” – was received in 2005, which was only three years before his passing at the age of 83.
Toshirō Mifune
In discussions about the best actors in Japanese cinema history, Toshiro Mifune is often mentioned prominently. He’s particularly known for his many films with renowned director Akira Kurosawa, such as “Seven Samurai,” “Rashomon,” “Yojimbo,” and “Sanjuro.” Yet, his film career extended beyond these collaborations with Kurosawa, amassing over 180 roles in total.
During most of Mifune’s career, international cinema wasn’t widely recognized in America, which meant he didn’t receive an Oscar nomination despite his talents. However, he did secure a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1981 for portraying Yoshi Toranaga in the celebrated miniseries “Shōgun”. Interestingly, Hiroyuki Sanada won the Emmy for playing Toranaga in the 2024 adaptation of “Shōgun”, providing a touch of cosmic justice. Mifune, however, garnered numerous awards in Japan and at international events, including multiple victories at the Venice Film Festival in the ’60s.
Katharine Hepburn
Katherine Hepburn holds the record for the most Academy Awards won by an actor in cinema, having taken home four Oscars throughout her nearly five-decade career. This remarkable achievement stands as one of the most impressive feats in Hollywood history. Beyond her four Oscars, she was also recognized with eight additional nominations, two BAFTAs, and an Emmy. When the American Film Institute compiled their list of the Greatest American Screen Legends, it was hardly surprising to find Hepburn at the top spot, even surpassing esteemed contemporaries like Ingrid Bergman and Bette Davis.
Katharine Hepburn’s list of Oscar-nominated films features “The Philadelphia Story,” “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” and “The Lion in Winter.” Yet, it is her on-screen toughness and intensity that has truly left an impact, as she portrayed strong women who made a mark in Hollywood with their determination and weight. As film critic and historian Mary McNamara wrote in the Los Angeles Times following Hepburn’s passing, “Katharine Hepburn was the guardian angel of the self-reliant American woman. Bold, straightforward, self-governing, yet not immune to deep emotions, often romantic ones, and sometimes scandalous.
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Despite his untimely demise at age 46, Philip Seymour Hoffman left an indelible mark on the acting world, quickly rising to become one of the most accomplished actors in history. With a knack for both humor and emotion, he garnered four Academy Award nominations within eight years (2006-2013), taking home the trophy for his portrayal of Truman Capote in “Capote.” In addition, he secured five British Academy Film Awards nominations and a Primetime Emmy nod in 2005 for “Empire Falls.
One way to rephrase the given text could be: Some of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s most notable movies include “The Master,” “Synecdoche, New York,” “The Big Lebowski,” “Moneyball,” and “Doubt.” In addition to his successful film career, he also maintained a vibrant presence on the stage. Although we can only imagine the extraordinary performances he could have delivered had he lived longer, Hoffman’s legacy endures through many of the most remarkable films produced over the past 30 years.
Amitabh Bachchan
For many years, India has been a significant force in the world of cinema, with Bollywood productions carving out a unique space on the global stage. It’s only fitting that we feature at least one major star from this part of the industry, and given your affinity for Bollywood, it likely won’t surprise you that we selected Amitabh Bachchan, a figure in the industry so influential that fellow filmmaking icon Francois Truffaut referred to him as a “one-man industry.
Actor Amitabh Bachchan, often referred to as the “Emperor of Bollywood,” debuted in filmmaking in 1969 and has since starred in more than 200 movies. He has garnered numerous awards both domestically and internationally, such as multiple wins and nominations at the Filmfare Awards, International Indian Film Academy, Indian National Film Awards, and many other prestigious honors. At the age of 82, he remains active in the industry, with seven acting roles in 2024 and numerous upcoming projects on the horizon.
Benicio Del Toro
Benicio Del Toro, a contemporary actor, carries his presence and speech with an impressive weight. He has won an Oscar, BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild, and Golden Globe for his part in “Traffic,” and has also left significant impacts on films such as “Sicario,” “Snatch,” “The Usual Suspects,” and “Sin City.” Del Toro’s portrayal of Che Guevara in Steven Soderbergh’s historical film “Che” earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination, while his performance in “Escape at Dannemora” was recognized with a nomination in 2019.
At 57 years old, Del Toro has a significant amount of career left to further establish his artistic legacy. In an interview with Esquire in 2018, frequent collaborator Sean Penn described Del Toro as a “major artist in the craft” and someone who is “arguably unrivaled in his creativity when it comes to character development.” Whether you’re familiar with him from dramas like “Things We Lost in the Fire,” or his roles within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the “Star Wars” franchise, he undeniably makes a lasting impact.
Michelle Yeoh
Michelle Yeoh joined an exclusive group of Academy Award winners when she won the lead actress category for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” in 2023. However, before receiving Hollywood’s highest honor, Yeoh had already established herself as one of Hong Kong cinema’s most prominent figures with roles in films such as “Wing Chun,” “Magnificent Warriors,” and “Tai Chi Master.” Her breakout wuxia role was in Ang Lee’s 2000 film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which played a significant part in introducing the genre to American audiences. Yeoh received numerous major award nominations for her exceptional performance in this film.
Ever since then, I’ve been singing her praises for films like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Gunpowder Milkshake”. Additionally, her Hong Kong career has experienced a surge in retroactive acclaim following the global success of “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” Being an Oscar winner and a global ambassador for martial arts movies, she undoubtedly deserves a place on this esteemed list.
Jack Nicholson
Among male actors, none has been nominated for as many Academy Awards as Jack Nicholson, nor has any won more than he has. From movies like “Chinatown” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” to “A Few Good Men” and “The Departed,” the now-retired 87-year-old actor consistently brought a sense of weight, intensity, and unforgettable one-liners to every film he starred in. In Hollywood history, no one else has a more imposing snarl, and it’s challenging to think of a more iconic collection of memorable quotes from a single performer than “Here’s Johnny,” “You can’t handle the truth,” and “Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?”, just to name a few examples.
The longevity of Nicholson’s career in Hollywood, coupled with his diverse performances across different film eras, is the main factor behind his inclusion here. He has consistently played leading roles, anti-heroes, and even villains throughout his career, making him a constant presence during various phases of cinema history. While his unique, unhinged acting style might be what immediately comes to mind for many when they consider his work, it’s essential to remember that he also demonstrated an impressive range over the course of his career, which is often underestimated.
Morgan Freeman
In a hypothetical list ranking the most distinguished voices in Hollywood’s past, it’s likely that Morgan Freeman would hold the number one spot. While his prowess as a narrator across numerous documentaries and movies such as “The Shawshank Redemption” has become synonymous with him lately, his extensive acting portfolio is equally noteworthy and among the most remarkable in cinema history. If you’re seeking an actor to portray deities, presidents, or convicts, Morgan Freeman would undoubtedly be your go-to choice.
From his first of five Oscar nominations in 1987’s “Street Smart” to his most recent nod in 2010 for playing Nelson Mandela in “Invictus,” Freeman has made his mark on a wide range of genres, from science fiction movies like “Oblivion” and crime thrillers like “Seven” to dramas like “Million Dollar Baby,” which finally earned him an overdue Academy Award win. He’s also received trophies from the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild, as well as various lifetime achievement awards from various organizations. And of course, we can’t forget his original breakout screen role as a part of the original cast on “The Electric Company.”
Judi Dench
Among the esteemed actresses of stage and screen, such as Maggie Smith, Joan Plowright, and Eileen Atkins, it’s tough to choose only one for this list. However, we’ve decided to include Dame Judi Dench, who is often considered the most accomplished and well-known among them all.
Jennifer Dench boasts an impressive collection of honors, such as an Academy Award (with eight nominations, the latest being in 2022), ten BAFTAs, three Primetime Emmy nominations, two Golden Globes, a Tony, and a staggering eight Olivier Awards in her home country. She was also appointed to the Order of the British Empire. Although American viewers primarily recognize her as M from the Daniel Craig “James Bond” films, Dench has amassed nearly 150 roles at the age of 89, including cherished movies like “Shakespeare in Love” and “Belfast,” as well as series like “Cranford” and “Behaving Badly.
Sidney Poitier
Known as Mr. Tibbs, Sidney Poitier made a significant impact in Hollywood during the 1950s and reached unprecedented heights of stardom in the ’60s with movies such as “In the Heat of the Night,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” and “Lilies of the Field.” The latter film brought him an Oscar for Best Lead Actor, a first for a Black American actor.
Throughout his career, Sidney Poitier garnered acclaim at various prestigious award ceremonies such as the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Grammy Awards, and even received nominations from the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Tony Awards. Although he is most renowned for his work in the 1950s, ’60s, and early ’70s, Poitier continued acting well beyond that period, delivering outstanding performances in movies like “Sneakers” and “The Jackal.” Additionally, Poitier successfully navigated the challenging shift from acting to directing, overseeing successful productions such as the Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor film “Stir Crazy.
“Sidney Poitier’s impact on acting is perhaps best illustrated by Denzel Washington’s tribute after winning the Academy Award for ‘Training Day’ in 2002 (The Daily Beast): ‘I’ll forever strive to catch up with you, Sidney. I’ll always aim to walk in your footsteps. There’s no greater aspiration for me.’
Rita Moreno
Rita Moreno is frequently omitted from conversations about the greatest actors, yet it’s hard to imagine anyone achieving an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), the Triple Crown of Acting, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and not be included in such lists. If she hadn’t faced such intense racial stereotyping early in her career, she might have garnered more broad recognition, especially after her Oscar-winning role in “West Side Story.
Beyond being merely a film actor with an exceptional vocal talent, Moreno was also deeply involved in television work. She performed alongside Morgan Freeman in the initial cast of “The Electric Company,” and won two Primetime Emmy awards – one in 1977 for “The Muppet Show” and another in 1978 for “The Rockford Files.” This consecutive pair of wins aptly showcases Moreno’s remarkable acting versatility, a skill that has landed her roles in diverse productions such as ” The Four Seasons” and the “Fast and Furious” series.
A renowned figure in both American film, television, and live stage performances, Moreno has left an indelible impact on every significant phase of Hollywood. Remarkably, at the age of 92, she continues to thrive.
Al Pacino
Al Pacino might only have one Academy Award (from “Scent of a Woman” in 1992), but he’s been an Oscar nominee an astounding nine times. Additionally, he has two Primetime Emmy wins and two Tony Awards, making him a Triple Crown winner in acting. Four consecutive years saw four Academy Award nominations for Pacino: “The Godfather” (1973), “Serpico” (1974), “The Godfather Part II” (1975), and “Dog Day Afternoon” (1976). This is one of the most remarkable streaks in Academy Awards history, as all these films are regarded as masterpieces. In 1980, he received his fifth nomination in just eight years for “…And Justice for All.
The early period of Pacino’s career may have solidified his place among the greatest actors, but he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down since the ’70s ended. From “Scarface,” “Heat,” to “Donnie Brasco,” “The Irishman,” and “Glengarry Glen Ross,” Pacino has consistently given memorable performances throughout his career. His characters have also become iconic, perhaps amassing the most significant collection of individual lines in Hollywood history: “Say hello to my little friend,” “This whole trial is out of order,” “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in” – and the list continues endlessly.
Ben Kingsley
Ben Kingsley is renowned for his adaptability and dedication to his acting roles, and he is considered a living icon both on stage and screen. While he is most famously recognized for his iconic portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in Richard Attenborough’s 1982 biopic, he has also received high praise for films such as “Schindler’s List,” “Sexy Beast,” and “Hugo.” He garnered an Oscar, two BAFTAs, and two Golden Globes for his role in “Gandhi,” and was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards. His work on the live stage has also earned him recognition, with two Olivier Award nominations in 1980 and 1983.
While his most famous roles and his training with prestigious organizations like the Royal Shakespeare Company paint a picture of a very serious and classically-inclined actor, Kingsley has never shied away from different kinds of projects, be they Marvel movies, comedies, romances, family films, or anything in between. It’s that openness to playing all kinds of different characters that’s made him so popular among audiences for so many years, though he brings the same level of skill and preparation to even the silliest parts.
Cate Blanchett
The last name on the list is also its most youthful. At the age of 55, Cate Blanchett has already solidified her status among the greatest actors in history. Though performers such as Mahershala Ali and Emma Stone could potentially appear on lists like this in future years, we opted for a 55-year-old cutoff to ensure that each actor selected here has had ample time to create an enduring legacy.
Known for her roles in genre films such as Galadriel in “The Lord of the Rings” and Hela in “Thor: Ragnarok”, she is also acclaimed for her work in dramas like “Tár”, “Carol”, and “The Aviator”. The latter earned her her first Academy Award in 2005, with a second following in 2010 for “Blue Jasmine”, where she was nominated eight times at the Oscars thus far.
Beyond this, Blanchett boasts four BAFTA and four Golden Globe awards, along with numerous additional nominations. Remarkably, her career is still in its infancy, meaning she has many more decades to potentially ascend even further into the elite ranks of exceptional actors, possibly within the near future.
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2024-11-15 18:31