Over the years, there have been countless extraordinary actors and actresses who have achieved the prestigious title of “Best Actor” for their outstanding portrayals of various characters in movies. These performances, honored with Oscars, span from those inspired by real individuals to those based on fictional characters.
One of the character portrayals that truly shines is Forrest Gump from the movie Forrest Gump. Tom Hanks flawlessly brought this multi-talented man to life and was rewarded with a well-deserved Best Actor Academy Award. The character of Forrest Gump was born from the 1986 Winston Groom book of the same name. Another remarkable performance is Anthony Hopkins’s unforgettable portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, which earned him the Best Actor Oscar in 1991.
Moreover, we must not overlook the exceptional supporting actor performances. Gregory Peck’s portrayal of Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird, based on Harper Lee’s novel, earned him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1962. Other memorable supporting actor roles featured on this list include Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas and Cuba Gooding Jr. as Rod Tidwell in Jerry McGuire.
Now it’s your turn to share your favorite Best Actor performance. Let us know which Oscar-winning character resonates with you the most.
(Note: The voting section has been removed as per the instructions.)
1. Atticus Finch
Gregory Peck – Best Actor (1962).
Actor: Gregory Peck
Movie: To Kill a Mockingbird
2. Sean Maguire
Robin Williams – Best Supporting Actor (1997).
Actor: Robin Williams
Good Will Hunting
3. Vito Corleone
Marlon Brando – Best Actor (1972).
Actor: Marlon Brando
Movie: The Godfather
4. Randle McMurphy
Jack Nicholson – Best Actor (1975).
Actor: Jack Nicholson
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
5. Hannibal Lecter
Anthony Hopkins – Best Actor (1991).
Actor: Anthony Hopkins
The Silence of the Lambs
6. Hans Landa
Christoph Waltz – Best Supporting Actor (2009).
Actor: Christoph Waltz
Inglourious Basterds
7. The Joker
Heath Ledger – Best Supporting Actor (2008).
Actor: Heath Ledger
Movie: The Dark Knight
8. Tommy DeVito
Joe Pesci – Best Supporting Actor (1990).
Actor: Joe Pesci
Goodfellas
9. Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks – Best Actor (1994).
Actor: Tom Hanks
Forrest Gump
10. Anton Chigurh
Javier Bardem – Best Supporting Actor (2007).
Actor: Javier Bardem
No Country for Old Men
11. Daniel Plainview
Daniel Day-Lewis – Best Actor (2007).
Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis
Movie: There Will Be Blood
