The Academy Award for Best Actor is one of the most prestigious honors in the film industry, recognizing outstanding performances by male actors in leading roles. Over the years, this accolade has been awarded to numerous talented individuals who have brought memorable characters to life on the big screen.
2024: Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer”
At the 96th Academy Awards held on March 10, 2024, Cillian Murphy received the Best Actor award for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s biographical drama “Oppenheimer.” Murphy’s compelling performance as the theoretical physicist, often referred to as the “father of the atomic bomb,” was widely acclaimed. This win marked a significant milestone, as Murphy became the first Irish-born actor to receive the Best Actor Oscar.
2023: Brendan Fraser in “The Whale”
In 2023, Brendan Fraser won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in “The Whale,” directed by Darren Aronofsky. Fraser’s portrayal of Charlie, a reclusive English teacher living with severe obesity, earned him widespread recognition and marked a remarkable comeback in his acting career.
2022: Will Smith in “King Richard”
Will Smith received the Best Actor award in 2022 for his performance as Richard Williams, the father and coach of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, in “King Richard.” His heartfelt portrayal of the determined and loving father garnered critical acclaim.
2021: Anthony Hopkins in “The Father”
In 2021, Anthony Hopkins won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in “The Father,” where he played an aging man grappling with dementia. His nuanced and powerful performance was lauded for its depth and authenticity.
2020: Joaquin Phoenix in “Joker”
Joaquin Phoenix received the Best Actor award in 2020 for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck in “Joker.” His intense and transformative performance as the troubled comedian who becomes the iconic villain was both haunting and compelling.
2019: Rami Malek in “Bohemian Rhapsody”
Rami Malek won the Best Actor Oscar in 2019 for his role as Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” His energetic and heartfelt performance as the Queen frontman earned him widespread acclaim.
2018: Gary Oldman in “Darkest Hour”
Gary Oldman received the Best Actor award in 2018 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour.” His transformative performance as the British Prime Minister during World War II was widely praised.
2017: Casey Affleck in “Manchester by the Sea”
In 2017, Casey Affleck won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in “Manchester by the Sea.” His portrayal of a man dealing with personal tragedy and responsibility was both poignant and powerful.
2016: Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Revenant”
Leonardo DiCaprio received the Best Actor award in 2016 for his role in “The Revenant.” His gritty and determined performance as frontiersman Hugh Glass earned him his first Oscar after several nominations.
2015: Eddie Redmayne in “The Theory of Everything”
Eddie Redmayne won the Best Actor Oscar in 2015 for his portrayal of physicist Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything.” His sensitive and detailed performance was widely acclaimed.
2014: Matthew McConaughey in “Dallas Buyers Club”
Matthew McConaughey received the Best Actor award in 2014 for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club.” His transformative performance as Ron Woodroof, a man battling AIDS, was both compelling and moving.
These performances highlight the diverse range of characters and stories that have been honored by the Academy over the years. Each actor brought a unique depth and authenticity to their roles, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and the film industry alike.
List of best actor winners this century
- 2000: Kevin Spacey (“American Beauty”)
- 2001: Russell Crowe (“Gladiator”)
- 2002: Denzel Washington (“Training Day”)
- 2003: Adrien Brody (“The Pianist”)
- 2004: Sean Penn (“Mystic River”)
- 2005: Jamie Foxx (“Ray”)
- 2006: Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Capote”)
- 2007: Forest Whitaker (“The Last King of Scotland”)
- 2008: Daniel Day-Lewis (“There Will Be Blood”)
- 2009: Sean Penn (“Milk”)
- 2010: Jeff Bridges (“Crazy Heart”)
- 2011: Colin Firth (“The King’s Speech”)
- 2012: Jean Dujardin (“The Artist”)
- 2013: Daniel Day-Lewis (“Lincoln”)
- 2014: Matthew McConaughey (“Dallas Buyers Club”)
- 2015: Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”)
- 2016: Leonardo DiCaprio (“The Revenant”)
- 2017: Casey Affleck (“Manchester by the Sea”)
- 2018: Gary Oldman (“Darkest Hour”)
- 2019: Rami Malek (“Bohemian Rhapsody”)
- 2020: Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”)
- 2021: Anthony Hopkins (“The Father”)
- 2022: Will Smith (“King Richard”)
- 2023: Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”)
- 2024: Cillian Murphy (“Oppenheimer”)
