The Absolute Best Hollywood Actors of the Past 5 Years
The past five years in Hollywood have been defined by a significant blend of veteran excellence and the rapid rise of new talent. Following the global shift in cinema distribution and the return of blockbuster theatrical releases, male actors have navigated a landscape that increasingly values both franchise power and intimate, character-driven performances. From the resurgence of historic career comebacks to the debut of versatile leading men in streaming hits, the industry has seen a remarkable output of high-caliber work. This list highlights fifty performers whose recent contributions to film and television have shaped the cultural conversation and earned the highest accolades.
Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy achieved significant critical acclaim for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in the 2023 biographical thriller ‘Oppenheimer’. This performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, marking a high point in his long-standing collaboration with director Christopher Nolan. In addition to his film success, Murphy concluded his role as Tommy Shelby in the acclaimed series ‘Peaky Blinders’ during this five-year period. His work is frequently praised for its intensity and nuanced emotional depth.
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. transitioned from his iconic role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to a critically lauded performance in ‘Oppenheimer’. His portrayal of Lewis Strauss earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2024. During this period, he also explored documentary filmmaking with ‘Sr.’, a personal look at his father’s life and career. These projects demonstrate his versatility and continued influence within the Hollywood landscape.
Brendan Fraser
Brendan Fraser experienced a major career resurgence with his leading role in the 2022 drama ‘The Whale’. His performance as Charlie won him the Academy Award for Best Actor, as well as several other major industry accolades. In the following years, he appeared in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ as W.S. Hamilton. Fraser’s return to the spotlight has been widely documented as one of the most significant professional comebacks in recent cinema history.
Ke Huy Quan
Ke Huy Quan returned to acting after a multi-decade hiatus with his role in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. His performance as Waymond Wang earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2023. Following this success, he joined the cast of the Disney+ series ‘Loki’ for its second season. He also appeared in the television series ‘American Born Chinese’, further establishing his presence in modern Hollywood.
Will Smith
Will Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams in the 2021 film ‘King Richard’. The performance was praised for its depth and his physical transformation into the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. He also starred in the 2022 historical action film ‘Emancipation’ as a man escaping slavery. Despite public controversies, Smith remains a prominent figure in major studio productions and dramatic storytelling.
Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins became the oldest person to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 2020 film ‘The Father’. In the film, he portrayed a man struggling with dementia, a performance that received near-universal critical praise. He continued his prolific career with roles in ‘The Son’ and ‘One Life’, where he played humanitarian Nicholas Winton. Hopkins’ work in the last five years has been characterized by profound emotional resonance and technical precision.
Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix gained widespread recognition for his transformative performance in the 2019 film ‘Joker’, which earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. He continued to take on challenging roles, starring in the introspective drama ‘C’mon C’mon’ in 2021. In 2023, he played the title character in Ridley Scott’s historical epic ‘Napoleon’. Phoenix is known for his immersive approach to character development and his selection of complex, unconventional projects.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Cliff Booth in the 2019 film ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. He followed this success with a leading role in the 2022 action thriller ‘Bullet Train’, showcasing his talent for physical comedy. Pitt also starred in ‘Babylon’, an epic period drama exploring the transition from silent films to talkies in Hollywood. His production company, Plan B Entertainment, continues to be a major force in developing award-winning cinematic content.
Daniel Kaluuya
Daniel Kaluuya won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Fred Hampton in the 2021 film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. He also starred in Jordan Peele’s 2022 science fiction horror film ‘Nope’, which was a significant box office success. Kaluuya provided the voice for Spider-Punk in the critically acclaimed animated film ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. His work over the past five years has solidified his reputation as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Paul Giamatti
Paul Giamatti received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in the 2023 comedy-drama ‘The Holdovers’. He plays a strict history teacher at a prep school, a performance that earned him a Golden Globe and a Critics’ Choice Award. During the same period, he concluded his long-running role as Chuck Rhoades in the television series ‘Billions’. Giamatti is frequently recognized for his ability to portray cynical yet deeply human characters with great nuance.
Jeffrey Wright
Jeffrey Wright earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his lead role in the 2023 film ‘American Fiction’. He also played Commissioner James Gordon in the 2022 superhero film ‘The Batman’, bringing a grounded presence to the DC franchise. Wright continued his work in the final seasons of the HBO series ‘Westworld’ as the character Bernard Lowe. His career in the last five years has been marked by a balance of high-profile blockbusters and sophisticated independent dramas.
Colman Domingo
Colman Domingo received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in ‘Rustin’. He also earned praise for his role in the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ as Mister. On television, Domingo won a Primetime Emmy Award for his guest performance in the series ‘Euphoria’. His recent work showcases a wide range of dramatic capability across both stage and screen adaptations.
Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper directed, co-wrote, and starred as Leonard Bernstein in the 2023 biographical film ‘Maestro’. The project earned him multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor and Best Picture. Previously, he starred in the 2021 neo-noir thriller ‘Nightmare Alley’, directed by Guillermo del Toro. Cooper continues to be a major creative force in Hollywood, balancing his time between acting in high-profile films and directing complex narratives.
Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling received widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his role as Ken in the 2023 blockbuster ‘Barbie’. His performance was noted for its comedic timing and the hit musical number ‘I’m Just Ken’. Prior to this, he starred in the 2022 action-thriller ‘The Gray Man’ on Netflix. Gosling’s recent career choices demonstrate a transition into versatile roles that blend humor with high-stakes action.
Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2023 film ‘Poor Things’. He also starred in the limited series ‘I Know This Much Is True’, for which he won a Primetime Emmy for playing identical twin brothers. Ruffalo continued his role as Bruce Banner in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in the series ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’. His recent performances highlight his ability to handle both surreal comedy and intense psychological drama.
Robert Pattinson
Robert Pattinson garnered critical praise for his portrayal of Bruce Wayne in the 2022 film ‘The Batman’. This role marked a significant step in his career, establishing him as a leading man in major franchise cinema. He also starred in the 2019 psychological horror film ‘The Lighthouse’ alongside Willem Dafoe. Pattinson has successfully navigated a path from teen stardom to becoming one of the most respected actors in contemporary film.
Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in the 2021 musical ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. He also reprised his role as Peter Parker in the global hit ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, a performance that was highly celebrated by fans. Garfield starred in the 2022 true-crime limited series ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’, earning an Emmy nomination. His work over the last five years showcases a commitment to emotionally demanding and physically rigorous roles.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in the 2021 Western drama ‘The Power of the Dog’. He continued to play the title character in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In 2021, he also starred in the biographical drama ‘The Electrical Life of Louis Wain’. Cumberbatch remains one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors for his ability to portray intellectual and complex characters.
Austin Butler
Austin Butler rose to international stardom for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the 2022 biographical film ‘Elvis’. His performance earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor and an Academy Award nomination. Following this success, he played the villainous Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in the 2024 sequel ‘Dune: Part Two’. Butler’s rapid ascent in Hollywood is attributed to his immersive preparation and distinct physical presence on screen.
Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell received his first Academy Award nomination for his role in the 2022 film ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’. He also underwent a dramatic physical transformation to play the Penguin in the 2022 film ‘The Batman’. During this five-year period, Farrell starred in the survival drama ‘Thirteen Lives’ directed by Ron Howard. His recent projects have been noted for their diversity, ranging from intimate character studies to major studio blockbusters.
Barry Keoghan
Barry Keoghan earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’. He followed this with a leading role in the 2023 psychological thriller ‘Saltburn’, which generated significant cultural conversation. Keoghan also appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Eternals’ as the character Druig. His career is currently defined by his choice of enigmatic and often unsettling characters that challenge audience expectations.
Paul Mescal
Paul Mescal rose to prominence with his role in the 2020 limited series ‘Normal People’, for which he won a BAFTA TV Award. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in the 2022 independent film ‘Aftersun’. In 2023, he starred in the fantasy drama ‘All of Us Strangers’ alongside Andrew Scott. Mescal is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the industry due to his vulnerable and authentic acting style.
Timothée Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet solidified his status as a leading man by starring as Paul Atreides in ‘Dune’ (2021) and its 2024 sequel. He also took on the iconic role of Willy Wonka in the 2023 musical fantasy film ‘Wonka’, which was a commercial success. His work in the 2022 film ‘Bones and All’ showcased his continued interest in independent and genre-bending cinema. Chalamet’s influence in Hollywood remains strong as he balances blockbuster franchises with artistic collaborations.
Tom Holland
Tom Holland achieved massive commercial success with the release of ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ in 2021. He also explored more dramatic territory with lead roles in ‘Cherry’ and ‘The Devil All the Time’ during this period. In 2022, he starred as Nathan Drake in the action-adventure film ‘Uncharted’, based on the popular video game series. Holland remains one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, particularly for his athletic performances and relatable screen presence.
Adam Driver
Adam Driver received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in the 2019 drama ‘Marriage Story’. He worked with director Ridley Scott on two major 2021 releases, ‘The Last Duel’ and ‘House of Gucci’. In 2023, he portrayed the legendary automotive figure Enzo Ferrari in the biographical film ‘Ferrari’. Driver is known for his intense physicality and his frequent collaborations with legendary directors like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the 2019 film ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He later appeared in the 2021 satirical comedy ‘Don’t Look Up’, which became one of the most-watched films on Netflix. In 2023, he reunited with Martin Scorsese for the historical crime drama ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. DiCaprio continues to be selective with his roles, focusing on high-profile projects that address significant social or historical themes.
Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe received critical acclaim for his intense performance in the 2019 psychological horror film ‘The Lighthouse’. He reprised his iconic role as the Green Goblin in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, earning praise for his enduring villainous presence. In 2023, he starred in ‘Poor Things’, portraying a scientist in the surrealist comedy-drama. Dafoe remains one of the most versatile character actors in the industry, frequently appearing in both experimental and mainstream projects.
Mads Mikkelsen
Mads Mikkelsen garnered international praise for his lead role in the 2020 Danish film ‘Another Round’, which won the Oscar for Best International Feature. He joined the Wizarding World franchise as Gellert Grindelwald in the 2022 film ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’. In 2023, he played the antagonist in ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’. Mikkelsen is celebrated for his ability to bring complexity and a sense of menace to his Hollywood roles.
Steven Yeun
Steven Yeun became the first Asian American to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in ‘Minari’ (2020). He followed this success with a role in Jordan Peele’s ‘Nope’ and a starring turn in the 2023 series ‘Beef’. For ‘Beef’, he won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe. Yeun’s work over the last five years has been characterized by his ability to lead diverse and high-concept narratives.
Riz Ahmed
Riz Ahmed received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role as a drummer losing his hearing in ‘Sound of Metal’ (2020). He also won an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for ‘The Long Goodbye’ in 2022. Ahmed starred in the sci-fi thriller ‘Encounter’ and provided voice work for the animated film ‘Nimona’. His recent contributions reflect his dedication to storytelling that explores identity and human resilience.
Lakeith Stanfield
Lakeith Stanfield earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ (2021). He continued to star in the acclaimed series ‘Atlanta’, which concluded its final season in 2022. Stanfield played the lead role in the 2023 horror-comedy ‘Haunted Mansion’ and the biblical drama ‘The Book of Clarence’. His acting style is often noted for its eccentricity and deep emotional vulnerability.
Dev Patel
Dev Patel starred as Sir Gawain in the 2021 epic fantasy film ‘The Green Knight’, receiving praise for his physical and emotional performance. In 2024, he made his directorial debut with the action thriller ‘Monkey Man’, in which he also played the lead role. Patel previously starred in ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’ in 2019, showcasing his range in period comedy. His recent work highlights his transition into a creative force both in front of and behind the camera.
Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali followed his two Oscar wins with a dual role in the 2021 science fiction drama ‘Swan Song’. He also voiced the character Uncle Aaron in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ in 2023. Ali starred in the 2023 apocalyptic thriller ‘Leave the World Behind’ alongside Julia Roberts. He continues to be a highly respected figure in Hollywood, known for his composed and powerful screen presence.
Sterling K. Brown
Sterling K. Brown received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2023 film ‘American Fiction’. He concluded his celebrated run as Randall Pearson in the final season of the drama series ‘This Is Us’ in 2022. Brown also appeared in the 2022 film ‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.’ as a charismatic megachurch pastor. His work is consistently praised for its emotional intelligence and command of both drama and comedy.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in the 2021 film ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’. He also starred in and produced the 2021 thriller ‘The Little Things’ alongside Rami Malek. In 2023, he returned to his popular action franchise with ‘The Equalizer 3’, which was a commercial success. Washington remains a titan of the industry, delivering consistently high-quality performances across various genres.
Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Herman J. Mankiewicz in ‘Mank’ (2020). He currently stars as Jackson Lamb in the acclaimed espionage series ‘Slow Horses’, which premiered in 2022. Oldman also made a memorable appearance as Harry S. Truman in the 2023 film ‘Oppenheimer’. His recent work demonstrates his enduring ability to disappear into diverse and technically challenging roles.
Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks portrayed Fred Rogers in the 2019 film ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He starred in the 2020 Western ‘News of the World’ and the 2022 biographical drama ‘Elvis’ as Colonel Tom Parker. In 2023, he played the lead in ‘A Man Called Otto’, a film that showcased his continued appeal as a dramatic lead. Hanks remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, often choosing roles that emphasize human decency and resilience.
Christian Bale
Christian Bale starred as Ken Miles in the 2019 racing drama ‘Ford v Ferrari’, receiving a Golden Globe nomination. He entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2022 as Gorr the God Butcher in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. Bale also starred in and produced the 2022 mystery ‘The Pale Blue Eye’ and appeared in David O. Russell’s ‘Amsterdam’. Known for his extreme physical transformations, Bale continues to be one of the most dedicated actors in the industry.
Matt Damon
Matt Damon played a key supporting role as Leslie Groves in the 2023 Academy Award-winning film ‘Oppenheimer’. He also starred in the 2023 sports drama ‘Air’, which he co-produced under his company, Artists Equity. In 2021, he appeared in ‘Stillwater’ and co-wrote and starred in ‘The Last Duel’. Damon’s recent career is marked by a focus on mature dramas and collaborative projects with longtime friend Ben Affleck.
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage experienced a significant critical revival with his performance in the 2021 film ‘Pig’. He played a fictionalized version of himself in the 2022 action-comedy ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’. In 2023, he took on the role of Dracula in the horror-comedy ‘Renfield’ and starred in the surreal ‘Dream Scenario’. Cage’s recent output has been celebrated for its eccentricity and his willingness to take creative risks.
Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler delivered a career-best performance in the 2019 crime thriller ‘Uncut Gems’, earning numerous critics’ awards. He continued to balance comedic roles with dramatic work, starring in the 2022 sports drama ‘Hustle’. Sandler also starred in the 2024 science fiction film ‘Spaceman’, showcasing a more somber side of his acting range. While he remains a major draw for Netflix comedies, his dramatic turns have earned him significant industry respect.
Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes received critical acclaim for his role as Chef Julian Slowik in the 2022 satirical thriller ‘The Menu’. He also starred in ‘The King’s Man’, the 2021 prequel to the ‘Kingsman’ film series. Fiennes reprised his role as M in the 2021 James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’. His work over the past five years highlights his versatility in playing both sophisticated villains and authoritative leaders.
Pedro Pascal
Pedro Pascal became a global star through his lead roles in the series ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’. His performance in ‘The Last of Us’ earned him multiple award nominations, including a Primetime Emmy. On the big screen, he appeared as Maxwell Lord in ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ and starred in ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’. Pascal’s recent success has made him one of the most prominent and beloved actors in modern television and film.
Jeremy Allen White
Jeremy Allen White achieved widespread fame for his role as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto in the series ‘The Bear’, which began in 2022. For this role, he has won multiple awards, including two Golden Globes and an Emmy for Best Actor. He also starred in the 2023 biographical wrestling drama ‘The Iron Claw’ as Kerry Von Erich. White’s intense acting style and physical preparation have made him a breakout star of the past five years.
Oscar Isaac
Oscar Isaac starred in the 2021 miniseries ‘Scenes from a Marriage’ and played the lead in the Marvel series ‘Moon Knight’ in 2022. In film, he appeared in ‘Dune’ (2021) as Duke Leto Atreides and starred in the 2021 drama ‘The Card Counter’. He also provided the voice for Miguel O’Hara in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. Isaac is frequently praised for his range and his ability to lead both high-concept sci-fi and intimate dramas.
Jacob Elordi
Jacob Elordi transitioned from teen stardom to critical recognition with his role in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. In 2023, he portrayed Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla’ and starred in the psychological thriller ‘Saltburn’. These performances established him as a serious dramatic actor capable of handling complex and high-profile roles. Elordi is currently considered one of the most influential young actors in the Hollywood landscape.
Glen Powell
Glen Powell rose to major prominence with his breakout role as Hangman in the 2022 blockbuster ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. He followed this success with the 2023 romantic comedy ‘Anyone But You’, which became a significant box office hit. Powell also starred in the 2022 biographical war film ‘Devotion’ and the 2023 action-comedy ‘Hit Man’. His career is currently characterized by a blend of traditional leading-man charisma and versatile comedic timing.
Charles Melton
Charles Melton received widespread critical acclaim and several critics’ awards for his role in the 2023 film ‘May December’. His performance as Joe Yoo was noted for its emotional depth and nuance, marking a significant departure from his previous work. Before this breakout role, he was primarily known for his performance in the series ‘Riverdale’. Melton is now recognized as a rising talent with the potential for a major dramatic career.
Bill Hader
Bill Hader concluded his critically acclaimed run as the creator and star of the dark comedy series ‘Barry’ in 2023. His performance and direction for the series earned him multiple Primetime Emmy Awards during the last five years. He also appeared in the 2019 horror film ‘It Chapter Two’ as the adult Richie Tozier. Hader is highly regarded for his ability to transition seamlessly between absurdist comedy and harrowing drama.
Rami Malek
Rami Malek followed his Oscar win with a prominent role as the antagonist Safin in the 2021 James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’. He also appeared in the 2022 period drama ‘Amsterdam’ and played a supporting role as David Hill in ‘Oppenheimer’ (2023). Malek is known for his distinct screen presence and his selection of projects that involve complex, often enigmatic characters. His work continues to be a staple of high-profile Hollywood cinema.
Share which of these actors has given your favorite performance of the past five years in the comments.
