Top 30 Best Performances of the Century (So Far)
#30: Matthew McConaughey
Top 10 Matthew McConaughey Performances (REDUX)
“Dallas Buyers Club” (2013) Matthew McConaughey is without a doubt one of Hollywood’s top leading men, and oozes charisma and sex appeal with almost every performance he’s put to screen. His role in “Dallas Buyers Club” however, was a departure from all of that, with the actor losing 50 pounds to play real life AIDS-sufferer Ron Woodroof. Set in the homophobia hotbed of Dallas, Texas, circa 1985, Woodroof’s story is one of rebellion and also charity, as we see the rodeo cowboy going to great lengths and risking his own life to provide life-saving treatments to the gay community. It was a career-defining performance from the Texas native, who rightfully took home the Oscar for Best Actor.
#29: Brendan Fraser
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“The Whale” (2022) You can rarely predict where a star will be every ten years. In 2002, it was hard to imagine a blockbuster actor like Brendan Fraser struggling to find work. In 2012, it seemed like Fraser’s career had peaked a long time ago. In 2022, Fraser delivered the performance of a lifetime in “The Whale.” Some didn’t realize that Fraser had it in him. For his loyal fans, it was the moment they had been waiting for. Fraser shatters your heart as Charlie, a 600-pound man trying to make peace with the time he has left. Receiving a six-minute standing ovation at Venice, Fraser re-established himself as a star who deserves to remain in the conversation come 2032 and beyond.
#28: Renée Zellweger
“Judy” (2019) This biopic is about Judy Garland, but parallels can also be drawn to Renée Zellweger’s career. Like Garland, Zellweger was one of the industry’s biggest stars for years until suddenly disappearing from the limelight. Their Hollywood hiatuses might’ve been backed by different reasons, but Garland and Zellweger were presented with the same question: is there any coming back, especially given how this industry treats women of certain ages? Garland’s life ended in tragedy, leaving us to wonder what could’ve been. Zellweger not only came back, but she returned on the highest note possible with a performance that explores Garland’s demons while paying tribute to her.
#27: Daniel Kaluuya
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“Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021) Fred Hampton is one of the most important names in African-American activism. While this biopic depicts Hampton’s natural leadership skills, Daniel Kaluuya’s Oscar-winning performance brings out qualities that people didn’t always see at rallies: his shy side, his vulnerability, and his love for the family that he was just starting to build before the betrayal that abruptly ended his life. As powerful as Hampton appears on stage, commanding a screaming crowd, there’s an overarching fear that everything can be taken from him in a flash. Kaluuya authentically balances these two personas, providing a complete portrayal of Hampton that’ll leave you respecting him even more. Hampton left us too soon, but this performance is just one of the ways that his legacy is still burning strong.
#26: Carey Mulligan
“Promising Young Woman” (2020) Carey Mulligan played a promising young woman whose life took a turn after her best friend met a tragic end. Mulligan’s Cassie dedicates her nights to freaking out quote-unquote “nice guys” who don’t understand the meaning of consent. As Cassie tracks down those responsible for her best friend’s demise, her master plan comes into frustration, keeping us guessing with every move. Cassie is intimidating and unforgiving, but also hilarious and outspoken to the point that we’d like to hang out with her. Being Cassie’s friend is much better than the alternative of being in her notebook.
#25: Cate Blanchett
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“Carol” (2015) Show don’t tell. It’s a fundamental rule of storytelling, yet one that many filmmakers neglect to follow. With Cate Blanchett’s Carol, almost everything is on the surface, requiring the audience and Rooney Mara’s Therese to read between the lines. When Carol leaves behind her gloves at the store where Therese works, one could see it as an innocent mistake. It’s truly an invitation to further explore the chemistry between the two. Given the 1950s period and Carol’s marital status, the subtlest codes have to speak a mile a minute. When Carol and Therese finally express their love, it’s as satisfying as it is romantic. Blanchett is mysterious, exquisite, and devastating as a woman navigating romance, parenting, divorce, and social status in a trialing time.
#24: Octavia Spencer
“The Help” (2011) In 1997, Octavia Spencer moved to L.A. at the suggestion of Tate Taylor. About a decade-and-a-half later, Taylor directed Spencer to an Oscar-winning performance. By this point, Spencer had already popped up in numerous movies and shows. With her funny, empathetic, and fearless portrayal of Minny Jackson, though, more audiences came to see what a versatile talent Spencer is. Minny has the guts to do to her employers what most people in her shoes would only fantasize about. However, Minny still struggles to summon the strength to leave her abusive husband, finding courage in an unlikely friendship. Spencer was offered similar parts after “The Help,” but she felt she had already played “the best damn maid role written,” inspiring her to pursue new horizons.
#23:Christoph Waltz
“Inglourious Basterds” (2009) “Inglourious Basterds” is one of Quentin Tarantino’s best, but he almost didn’t have the courage to make it. This is due to the character of Hans Landa, a role he thought might be “unplayable.” He nearly pulled the plug on the film until he auditioned Christoph Waltz, who wasn’t widely known outside of Europe. The embodiment of Nazi evil, the audience is horrified whenever Landa walks onto the screen. Yet, Waltz is such a scene-stealer that we also get excited. Behind his charm, wit, and unique way of saying “bingo,” every fiber of Landa is callous. Landa relishes in every maniacal action he commits with smiling glee, seemingly being a step ahead of everyone. You can’t always predict what a Basterd will do next, however.
#22: Kate Winslet
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“Little Children” (2006) Kate Winslet topped herself in “Little Children.” Sarah Pierce is trapped in a loveless marriage and boring suburban life. Something inside Sarah is awakened when she meets a hunky fellow parent named Brad. Sarah and Brad’s relationship seems destined to end in heartbreak, but they delude themselves and the audience into thinking that it’ll somehow work out. Some might call Sarah a feminist. Others might call her reckless. Either way, we empathize with Sarah’s desire for something more out of life. In the end, the most Sarah can do is be a dedicated mother, hoping that her daughter’s life will be more fulfilled. Winslet has arguably never been more compelling to watch on screen.
#21: Andy Serkis
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“The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” (2002) With his game-changing performance as Gollum, Andy Serkis highlighted the advantages of digital makeup. While he had help from a team of special effects wizards, Gollum wouldn’t have been nearly as believable without Serkis on set, providing the character’s expressions, movements, and raspy voice. Just as the character possesses a split personality, the audience goes back and forth on how to feel about Gollum/Sméagol. Ranging from humorous, to sympathetic, to intimidating, Serkis runs a gamut of emotions in the role while also taking on an assortment of physical obstacles. The work that goes into motion-capture remains underappreciated with Serkis being the poster child for the challenges it entails. ‘
#20: Jesse Eisenberg
“The Social Network” (2010) Going into this decade, Eisenberg was written off as a Michael Cera clone. That all changed when the young actor escaped into the role of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. While some have called this film’s historical accuracy into question, there’s no denying that Zuckerberg became one of the world’s most influential, powerful, and controversial figures before even turning 25. Eisenberg captures this to a T, depicting Zuckerberg as a tech genius who’s awkward yet assertive, timid yet intimidating, and generally the smartest one in the room. Even when he’s not the smartest person present, Zuckerberg’s definitely the richest and he’s well aware of this. In addition to Eisenberg’s multilayered portrayal, Andrew Garfield delivered a breakout performance as Eduardo Saverin, Zuckerberg’s friend/business partner turned bitter enemy
#19: Rosamund Pike
“Gone Girl” (2014) Although she had already established herself an actress, Rosamund Pike’s riveting work in “Gone Girl” made audiences feel as if they were seeing her for the first time. Pike’s performance as Amy Elliott Dunne snuck up on us in more ways than one. Pike initially paints Amy as a fragile woman who’s trapped in a struggling marriage and living in the shadow of a children’s book series she inspired. As “Gone Girl” shifts to Amy’s perspective, Pike removes her mask to reveal a manipulative, diabolical mastermind who’s pulling everyone’s strings. Cheeky, charming, complex, and creepy, Pike leaves the viewer constantly guessing what Amy will do next. Pike never goes too over-the-top in the role, however, creating a psychopath who’s surprisingly – and hauntingly – believable.
#18: Mahershala Ali
“Moonlight” (2016) Appearances can be deceiving. Mahershala Ali’s Juan is a drug dealer, so obviously, he’s a bad guy, right? Well, he is contributing to the crack epidemic, not only hurting his customers, but their loved ones as well. When Juan meets the neglected Chiron, however, he shows his true colors. He emerges as the father that Chiron never had, trying to provide stability and send him down the right path. Had Juan been raised in another environment, his tender side might’ve been embraced. Instead, Juan must play the role he was born into to survive, even though he’ll still likely die young. Ali brings warmth to the character, who wishes to do right by Chiron. But can this compensate for his other actions?
#17: Frances McDormand
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017) We live in frustrating times and perhaps no modern character better epitomizes these feelings than Frances McDormand’s Mildred Hayes. We’d like to live in a world where the police track down all wrongdoers, justice is served, and we’re left with some sense of closure. It’s not always that simple, as is the case with the unsolved murder of Mildred’s teenage daughter. Mildred just wants answers, but she only hits roadblocks around every turn. With the world against her, Mildred’s rebelling turns into anarchy. It does little to help her cause, but McDormand helps us to understand that Mildred feels as if she has nowhere else to go. All she has left is the illusion of control, which she’ll reach for no matter what the consequences.
#16: Halle Berry
“Monster’s Ball” (2001) Only two years after portraying the first African-American to be nominated for the Best Actress Oscar, Dorothy Dandridge, Halle Berry became the first woman of color to win in this category. Ironically, there was a point where Berry feared “Monster’s Ball” would end her career due in part to the risque subject matter. Yet, Berry felt she had to take the role. Her risks paid off with one of the most devastating and resilient performances we’ve ever seen. Every time it looks like Berry’s Leticia has weathered through the worst, another catastrophic storm awaits. While by no means an easy film to watch, Berry’s bravery sees us through the rollercoaster of grief. She may break your heart, but Leticia’s will to survive subsequently mends it.
#15: Ellen Burstyn
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“Requiem for a Dream” (2000) We’ve seen some amazing films about addiction, although few have put the audience in the characters’ shoes like “Requiem for a Dream.” This psychological drama has an all-around striking cast, but it was the legendary Ellen Burstyn who received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her unbelievably committed performance as Sara Goldfarb. Where most of the film’s central characters fall victim to heroin, the widowed Sara becomes addicted to pharmaceutically-enhanced weight loss. Sara’s determination to look slim on television turns into an obsession, taking a drastic toll on her body and mind. She thus serves as a disturbing reminder that drug abuse comes in many different forms. All the while, Burstyn is electrifying as a woman who’s plunging deeper and deeper into a bad dream come true.
#14: Christian Bale
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“American Psycho” (2000) Christian Bale, a known method actor, went through a startling evolution for this now cult classic film. Sure, Bale is a good-looking guy like Patrick Bateman. Just as Bateman has his unnerving body care ritual, though, Bale fully committed to getting the Bateman look down, even having his teeth capped. Physical appearance aside, Bale seemed an unlikely candidate to play an axe-murdering psychopath at the time, being best known for his childhood roles in movies like “Newsies.” Bale changed our perception of him here, balancing dark humor, terror, and extreme narcissism in a riveting performance. Author Bret Easton Ellis thought his book was unfilmable. It might’ve been without Bale.
#13: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Top 10 Best Philip Seymour Hoffman Performances
“Capote” (2005) For years, Philip Seymour Hoffman was often listed among character actors who might not be household names, despite always turning in reliable performances. That all changed with “Capote,” which propelled Hoffman to A-lister status. Truman Capote was such an over-the-top persona that it’d be easy for any portrayal to feel like a caricature. While Hoffman gets Capote’s mannerisms and accent down, his goal wasn’t to deliver a spot-on impression. The true challenge was expressing the author’s “vitality and the nuances.” The result is a more layered portrait than some might’ve anticipated. Hoffman’s Capote is confident, but lonely, insecure, and regretful underneath, sacrificing part of his soul for his art. After you’ve seen the film, you’ll never look at Hoffman or Capote the same way again.
#12: Jamie Foxx
Top 10 Jamie Foxx Performances
“Ray” (2004) There have been so many music biopics over the past couple of decades that they’re starting to blend into each other. Yet, Jamie Foxx’s turn as Ray Charles still rises above all others as the gold standard. Although Foxx was dubbed for the film’s singing portions, everything behind the piano is all him. This is even more impressive considering that Foxx glued his eyes closed, making him blind for much of the shoot. Foxx only got to meet the real Charles once. Playing the blues on separate pianos, Charles gave Foxx his seal of approval, saying, “The kid’s got it.” Charles died shortly before the film’s release with Foxx’s Best Actor-winning performance serving as the perfect tribute to the legend and the man.
#11: J. K. Simmons
Top 20 Best Performances of the Century So Far
“Whiplash” (2014) J. K. Simmons has been one of the 21st century’s most consistently entertaining character actors. He landed the role of a lifetime in “Whiplash,” winning an Academy Award for his chilling performance as jazz instructor Terence Fletcher. This merciless teacher conducts his band with the ferocity of a drill sergeant. Within seconds, Fletcher can go from being calm and reasonable to chucking a cymbal at a student’s head. In Fletcher’s mind, his brutal methods are justified as long as students reach their full potential, even if a few get pushed beyond their limits. As coldblooded as Fletcher can be, Simmons unearths the character’s humanity. He molds Fletcher into a Shakespearean antagonist who vindicates every cruel action he commits in the name of making beautiful music.
#10: Leonardo DiCaprio
Top 10 Leonardo DiCaprio Performances
“The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013) 2013 saw some amazing performances, and despite not winning the Oscar, many would argue that the year’s best actor was Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort. DiCaprio’s portrayal of the titular wolf demonstrates that there’s really no line between your average Wall Street hotshot and a fraternity brother. Every waking moment is a crazy party, making you feel so invincible that consequences appear nonexistent. This makes the fall from the top all the more brutal, but you never doubt that Jordan would do it all again in a heartbeat. Belfort requires a performer who can act privileged enough to despise yet charismatic to the point that we can’t look away. DiCaprio sells the performance, along with this pen.
#9: Natalie Portman
“Black Swan” (2010) To watch “Black Swan,” you need to mentally prepare yourself. Not just because of the more graphic moments, but because Natalie Portman’s performance is so emotionally draining. Every second Portman is on screen, we can sense everything she threw into this role, from the nearly 20-pound weight loss, to the six months of ballet training, to the emotional turmoil that Nina conveys. To an extent, the role mirrors Portman’s career. Just as Nina must transform from innocent White Swan to seductive Black Swan, Portman strove to mature out of her child star days with more daring roles. Nina was the boldest part she could’ve asked for. She’s a vision of perfection in the role, which reminds us that such perfection can come at a price.
#8: Tom Hanks
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“Cast Away” (2000) Being a one-man show for most of its runtime, the success “Cast Away” almost entirely depended on its lead. Fortunately, Tom Hanks was more than up to the task of carrying the film on his shoulders. Hanks’ Oscar-nominated performance starts off very dialogue-driven, playing Chuck Noland as a workaholic who’s demanding, yet caring and always likable. Once Chuck is stranded on a deserted island, the performance begins to rely more on Hanks’ body language and facial expressions. Hanks lost over fifty pounds during shooting and we really feel that physical transformation. What’s more, we experience Chuck’s isolation as he turns to a volleyball for companionship. While Chuck is a tragic figure in many respects, Hanks’ humor and sincerity make him a bonfire of hope.
#7: Charlize Theron
Top 10 Charlize Theron Performances
“Monster” (2003) “Unrecognizable” is a word that gets tossed around a lot when it comes to biopic performances, almost to the point that it’s become a cliche. In the case of Charlize Theron as Aileen Wuornos, though, few other words do it justice. There’s so much more to Theron’s transformation than the uncanny prosthetics and 30 pounds she gained. She gets inside Wuornos’ head, unearthing what made her a monster. In doing so, Theron also finds Wuornos’ humanity, although not to the point where we’re willing to forgive the atrocities she committed. Theron got into character by traveling through Wuornos’ old stomping grounds of Daytona, Florida with director Patty Jenkins, who knew there was only one person who could tackle this demanding part.
#6: Javier Bardem
“No Country for Old Men” (2007) Javier Bardem was the embodiment of evil in his Oscar-winning performance as Anton Chigurh. The relentless Anton almost seems like a supernatural entity who will destroy anything or anyone that stands in his way, showing zero compassion in the process. Anton is very much a human being, however, which makes Bardem’s portrayal all the more harrowing. While Anton may bleed like any other person, whether or not he possesses a soul is another question entirely. We don’t get a sense that Anton enjoys causing pain and suffering. Rather, it’s as if he doesn’t have a choice, living by a strict set of principles and judging a person’s fate based on a coin toss. Whatever Anton is, Bardem’s performance personified the darkest side of mankind.
#5: Toni Collette
“Hereditary” (2018) Performances in horror movies often go overlooked by the Academy, hence why Toni Collette infamously wasn’t nominated for “Hereditary.” While this Ari Aster film includes supernatural elements like covens and demonic possession, it also organically incorporates real-world horrors like fatal accidents, sudden loss, and the realization that your mother might’ve been happier if you were never born. This is where Collette shines the most, playing a parent overcome with grief, resentment, and the walls of sanity crumbling around her. When Collette does take on a more monstrous form, her screen presence is as disturbing as anything we’ve experienced this century so far. Collette manages to be the most sympathetic and scariest character, a feat we haven’t quite seen since Regan in “The Exorcist.”
#4: Jake Gyllenhaal
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“Nightcrawler” (2014) Despite widespread praise, Jake Gyllenhaal shockingly wasn’t even nominated for his chilling work in “Nightcrawler.” Gyllenhaal created a villain for the ages in Lou Bloom, a con artist who, as far as we’re concerned, has no past. We know nothing about who he was before the film’s events. He’s almost like an alien who fell out of the sky. He may look human and talk like one, albeit in an unnervingly calm manner. What he lacks is the basic human emotion of empathy, something that isn’t required in the stringer profession. In place of compassion, Lou compensates with ambition, not letting anyone or anything stand in his way of getting what he wants.
#3: Joaquin Phoenix
Another Top 10 Joaquin Phoenix Movie Performances
“The Master” (2012) There was a period in Joaquin Phoenix’s career when he seemed lost and confused. This was largely because people didn’t realize he was shooting a mockumentary called “I’m Still Here.” After playing such a warped version of himself, it’s fitting that Phoenix’s next part would be Freddie Quell, a wandering soul desperately seeking guidance. Freddie seemingly finds what he’s been looking for in a cult helmed by an enigmatic leader. From the Navy to Lancaster Dodd, Freddie has spent much of his life following others. We’re left to ask if Freddie can ever be his own master. For that matter, can any of us? In any case, Phoenix is a master of the screen, commanding every scene he’s in with an unpredictable allure. It was
#2: Daniel Day-Lewis
Top 10 Daniel Day-Lewis Performances
“There Will Be Blood” (2007) Few actors have taken more chances throughout their careers than Daniel Day-Lewis. For starters, just look at his work in “Gangs of New York” or “Lincoln”. “There Will Be Blood” might’ve been his biggest swing though, resulting in a performance that hits the audience like a tidal wave of oil. Paul Thomas Anderson had Day-Lewis in mind while writing the character of Daniel Plainview, an oil baron whose greed snowballs into insanity. Day-Lewis drew some inspiration from “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” director John Huston and old recordings from the film’s era. Yet, it’s hard to compare Plainview’s voice, delivery, or presence to anything we’ve seen before or since. Day-Lewis created a towering, unpredictable figure who stands on his own. This performance could’ve backfired in so many ways, but everything about it is iconic.
#1: Heath Ledger
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“The Dark Knight” (2008) Whenever an actor steps into an established role, they run the risk of repeating their predecessors. With Heath Ledger as the Joker, it was as if we were meeting this character for the first time. Ledger originally auditioned to play the Dark Knight in “Batman Begins.” At the time, many could imagine Ledger in that role, but they were more skeptical of him playing the Clown Prince of Crime. The second Ledger takes off his mask and delivers his first line, any doubts are swept away by a haunting, transcendent, and darkly humorous performance. We’ve seen others come close to capturing what Ledger achieved with the character. Joaquin Phoenix’s 2019 embodiment in “Joker” is certainly nothing to scoff at, but Ledger’s portrayal is truly lightning in a bottle, winning him a posthumous Academy Award.
