The Absolute Best Hollywood Actors of the Past 10 Years

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The last decade in Hollywood has been defined by a transition toward character-driven narratives and transformative physical performances. Actors have navigated a landscape shifting between massive franchise expansions and the rise of prestige streaming cinema. This period saw several veterans secure their legacies with late-career masterpieces while a new generation of performers established themselves through rigorous dramatic work. The following selection highlights the individuals who have shaped the cinematic output of the past ten years through critical acclaim and cultural impact.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves
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Keanu Reeves experienced a significant career resurgence beginning with the 2014 release of ‘John Wick’. He has since starred in three successful sequels, solidifying the series as a cornerstone of modern action cinema. In 2021, he returned to one of his most iconic roles in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. Reeves also voiced the character Duke Caboom in the 2019 film ‘Toy Story 4’. His recent work is noted for its focus on highly choreographed stunt work and physical performance.

Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke
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Ethan Hawke received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the 2014 film ‘Boyhood’, which was filmed over twelve years. He gained further critical praise for his leading role as a tormented priest in the 2017 drama ‘First Reformed’. Throughout the last decade, he has balanced independent projects like ‘Blaze’ with mainstream television roles such as Arthur Harrow in ‘Moon Knight’. Hawke also starred in the 2022 horror hit ‘The Black Phone’ as the primary antagonist. He continues to be recognized for his versatility across various genres and mediums.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal
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Jake Gyllenhaal delivered a critically acclaimed performance as a driven freelance photographer in the 2014 film ‘Nightcrawler’. He followed this with a dual role in Tom Ford’s 2016 psychological thriller ‘Nocturnal Animals’. In 2019, he entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the villain Mysterio in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’. Gyllenhaal also starred in the 2021 thriller ‘The Guilty’, a film almost entirely centered on his character’s phone conversations. His work over the last ten years demonstrates a preference for complex and often obsessive characters.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon
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Matt Damon received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role as an optimistic astronaut in the 2015 film ‘The Martian’. He returned to the action genre in 2016 with ‘Jason Bourne’, the fifth installment of the popular spy franchise. In 2019, he portrayed automotive visionary Carroll Shelby in the historical drama ‘Ford v Ferrari’. Recently, he played a pivotal role in the 2023 biographical thriller ‘Oppenheimer’ as Leslie Groves. Damon has also been active as a producer and writer, most notably with the 2021 film ‘The Last Duel’.

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey
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Matthew McConaughey began the last decade with a leading role in Christopher Nolan’s 2014 science fiction epic ‘Interstellar’. That same year, he received widespread acclaim for his performance in the first season of the television series ‘True Detective’. He voiced the lead character Buster Moon in the successful animated musical ‘Sing’ and its 2021 sequel. In 2019, he starred in the action-comedy ‘The Gentlemen’ directed by Guy Ritchie. His recent career has focused on a blend of high-concept dramas and commercial voice work.

Eddie Redmayne

Eddie Redmayne
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Eddie Redmayne won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in the 2014 film ‘The Theory of Everything’. He followed this with another nomination for his role in ‘The Danish Girl’ in 2015. Redmayne took on the lead role of Newt Scamander in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise, beginning in 2016. In 2020, he played political activist Tom Hayden in the legal drama ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’. He recently received acclaim for his performance as a serial killer in the 2022 film ‘The Good Nurse’.

Casey Affleck

Casey Affleck
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Casey Affleck won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the 2016 drama ‘Manchester by the Sea’. He also starred in the 2017 supernatural drama ‘A Ghost Story’, which received positive reviews for its experimental approach. In 2019, he wrote, directed, and starred in the survival drama ‘Light of My Life’. He recently appeared in the 2023 biographical thriller ‘Oppenheimer’ as Boris Pash. Affleck is known for his understated acting style and roles in contemplative dramatic films.

Mark Rylance

Mark Rylance
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Mark Rylance won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a Soviet spy in the 2015 film ‘Bridge of Spies’. He collaborated again with director Steven Spielberg for the 2016 live-action adaptation of ‘The BFG’. Rylance appeared in the 2017 war epic ‘Dunkirk’ and the 2020 historical drama ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’. In 2022, he starred in the romantic horror film ‘Bones and All’. His work is frequently praised for its precision and theatrical depth.

J.K. Simmons

J.K. Simmons
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JK Simmons won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of an abusive music instructor in ‘Whiplash’ (2014). He has since appeared in a wide variety of films, including the 2016 musical ‘La La Land’. Simmons provided the voice for Omni-Man in the animated series ‘Invincible’, which premiered in 2021. He received another Academy Award nomination for his role as William Frawley in ‘Being the Ricardos’ (2021). He is also known for returning to the role of J. Jonah Jameson in several ‘Spider-Man’ related projects.

Sam Rockwell

Sam Rockwell
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Sam Rockwell won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ (2017). He received a second nomination for portraying George W. Bush in the 2018 biographical film ‘Vice’. In 2019, he portrayed Captain Klenzendorf in the satirical comedy-drama ‘Jojo Rabbit’. Rockwell also earned critical acclaim for his performance as Bob Fosse in the limited series ‘Fosse/Verdon’. His career is marked by a distinctive ability to play eccentric and morally gray characters.

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins
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Anthony Hopkins won his second Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in ‘The Father’ (2020). He portrayed an elderly man dealing with the progression of dementia, a role that was widely cited as one of his career bests. In 2019, he played Pope Benedict XVI in the biographical drama ‘The Two Popes’. He also held a recurring role as Dr. Robert Ford in the television series ‘Westworld’ from 2016 to 2018. Hopkins remains one of the most active and acclaimed veteran actors in the industry today.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown
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Sterling K. Brown rose to prominence with his Emmy-winning role in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’ (2016). He gained further acclaim for his starring role in the television drama ‘This Is Us’, which began in 2016. In 2018, he appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Black Panther’ as N’Jobu. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the 2023 film ‘American Fiction’. Brown is recognized for his commanding screen presence and emotional range.

Kingsley Ben-Adir

Kingsley Ben-Adir
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Kingsley Ben-Adir received critical attention for his portrayal of Malcolm X in the 2020 film ‘One Night in Miami…’. He appeared as a version of Ken in the 2023 blockbuster ‘Barbie’, showcasing his comedic range. In 2024, he took on the titular role in the musical biopic ‘Bob Marley: One Love’. He also starred as the primary antagonist Gravik in the Marvel series ‘Secret Invasion’. His career has rapidly progressed from television roles to leading parts in major biographical and franchise films.

Jacob Elordi

Jacob Elordi
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Jacob Elordi gained international recognition for his role as Nate Jacobs in the television series ‘Euphoria’, which premiered in 2019. He transitioned into high-profile film roles with his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the 2023 drama ‘Priscilla’. That same year, he starred in the psychological thriller ‘Saltburn’, earning a BAFTA nomination for his performance. He originally became known to younger audiences through his work in ‘The Kissing Booth’ trilogy. Elordi has quickly become one of the most sought-after young leading men in Hollywood.

Glen Powell

Glen Powell
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Glen Powell appeared in the 2016 biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’ as astronaut John Glenn. He achieved a significant career breakthrough in 2022 with his role as Hangman in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. Powell starred in and co-wrote the 2023 action-comedy ‘Hit Man’, which received positive reviews at major film festivals. He also starred in the 2023 romantic comedy ‘Anyone but You’, which became a commercial success. His recent trajectory has established him as a prominent figure in modern blockbuster cinema.

Nicholas Hoult

Nicholas Hoult
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Nicholas Hoult continued his role as Beast in the ‘X-Men’ franchise throughout the mid-2010s. He earned praise for his portrayal of a war boy in the 2015 action masterpiece ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’. In 2018, he appeared in the historical comedy-drama ‘The Favourite’ as Robert Harley. Hoult also starred as Peter III in the satirical television series ‘The Great’ from 2020 to 2023. He recently played the title character in the 2023 horror-comedy ‘Renfield’.

Miles Teller

Miles Teller
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Miles Teller starred as a determined jazz drummer in the 2014 critically acclaimed film ‘Whiplash’. He played the role of Peter Hayes in the ‘Divergent’ series and portrayed Reed Richards in ‘Fantastic Four’ (2015). In 2022, he starred as Rooster in the massive box office success ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. Teller also led the 2022 biographical miniseries ‘The Offer’ about the making of ‘The Godfather’. His performances often focus on themes of ambition and high-stakes pressure.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson
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Robert Pattinson transitioned away from franchise work with acclaimed roles in independent films like ‘Good Time’ (2017). He received high praise for his performance in the 2019 psychological horror film ‘The Lighthouse’. In 2020, he appeared in Christopher Nolan’s action-thriller ‘Tenet’ as Neil. He took on the role of Bruce Wayne in the 2022 film ‘The Batman’, which was both a critical and commercial success. Pattinson is noted for his eclectic role choices and dedication to director-driven projects.

Steven Yeun

Steven Yeun
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Steven Yeun gained fame for his role as Glenn Rhee in the television series ‘The Walking Dead’ until 2016. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for the 2020 film ‘Minari’, becoming the first Asian American to do so. In 2018, he starred in the South Korean psychological thriller ‘Burning’, which won numerous international awards. He headlined the 2023 Netflix limited series ‘Beef’, for which he won an Emmy Award. Yeun has also voiced characters in animated projects like ‘Invincible’.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel
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Dev Patel received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the 2016 film ‘Lion’. He played the title character in the 2019 adaptation ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’. In 2021, he starred in the fantasy epic ‘The Green Knight’ as Sir Gawain. Patel made his directorial debut with the 2024 action film ‘Monkey Man’, in which he also starred. His career has been defined by a transition from child stardom to acclaimed adult dramatic and action roles.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed
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Riz Ahmed received critical acclaim for his performance in the 2016 HBO miniseries ‘The Night Of’. He starred as a heavy metal drummer losing his hearing in the 2020 film ‘Sound of Metal’. This role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, making him the first Muslim to be nominated in that category. Ahmed also appeared in the 2016 blockbuster ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. In 2022, he won an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for ‘The Long Goodbye’.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt
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Brad Pitt won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Cliff Booth in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019). He starred in the 2014 war film ‘Fury’ as a tank commander during World War II. In 2019, he led the science fiction drama ‘Ad Astra’ as an astronaut searching for his father. He also headlined the 2022 action film ‘Bullet Train’, playing an unlucky assassin. Pitt remains one of the most prominent leading men and influential producers in the industry.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise
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Tom Cruise continued his success with the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise, releasing three installments between 2015 and 2023. He starred in the 2014 science fiction film ‘Edge of Tomorrow’, which has since become a cult favorite. In 2022, he headlined ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, a film that grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Cruise is widely recognized for performing his own high-risk stunts in major action productions. His commitment to the theatrical experience has been credited with helping revive the post-pandemic box office.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo
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Mark Ruffalo continued his role as Bruce Banner and the Hulk in several Marvel Cinematic Universe films throughout the decade. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role in the 2015 investigative drama ‘Spotlight’. In 2020, he won an Emmy Award for playing identical twins in the limited series ‘I Know This Much Is True’. He earned another Academy Award nomination for his performance in the 2023 film ‘Poor Things’. Ruffalo is known for balancing blockbuster franchise work with intense dramatic roles.

Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell
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Colin Farrell received his first Academy Award nomination for his leading role in the 2022 film ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’. During the last decade, he collaborated with director Yorgos Lanthimos on ‘The Lobster’ (2015) and ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ (2017). He appeared as Graves in the 2016 film ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’. In 2022, he underwent a significant physical transformation to play the Penguin in ‘The Batman’. His recent career is highlighted by a focus on character-centric and independent cinema.

Jeremy Strong

Jeremy Strong
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Jeremy Strong achieved widespread fame for his role as Kendall Roy in the television series ‘Succession’ (2018–2023). He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in the show. Strong appeared in the 2020 film ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ as Jerry Rubin. In 2022, he starred in the historical drama ‘Armageddon Time’ alongside Anthony Hopkins. He is recognized for his intense preparation and method acting techniques.

Barry Keoghan

Barry Keoghan
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Barry Keoghan gained critical attention for his role in the 2017 psychological thriller ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’. He appeared in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dunkirk’ (2017) and the Marvel film ‘Eternals’ (2021). Keoghan received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ (2022). In 2023, he took on a leading role in the thriller ‘Saltburn’, which earned him further award nominations. He is noted for his ability to portray unsettling and complex characters.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal
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Pedro Pascal rose to global prominence with his role in ‘Game of Thrones’ in 2014. He has since become the lead in major series such as ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’. Pascal appeared as the villain Maxwell Lord in the 2020 film ‘Wonder Woman 1984’. In 2022, he starred alongside Nicolas Cage in ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’. His presence in both major television franchises and film has made him one of the most recognizable actors of the era.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield
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Andrew Garfield received Academy Award nominations for his roles in ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ (2016) and ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ (2021). He starred in Martin Scorsese’s 2016 historical drama ‘Silence’ as a Jesuit priest. In 2021, he reprised his role as Peter Parker in the massive crossover event ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. Garfield also led the 2022 limited series ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’, earning an Emmy nomination. He is highly regarded for his commitment to emotionally demanding roles.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac
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Oscar Isaac starred as Poe Dameron in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy beginning in 2015. He received critical acclaim for his role in the 2014 science fiction film ‘Ex Machina’. Isaac took on the title role in the Marvel series ‘Moon Knight’ in 2022. He also appeared in the 2021 epic ‘Dune’ as Duke Leto Atreides and starred in the 2021 miniseries ‘Scenes from a Marriage’. His filmography over the last decade includes a wide array of blockbuster, independent, and television projects.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan
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Michael B. Jordan gained stardom with his role as Adonis Creed in the ‘Creed’ trilogy, which began in 2015. He received widespread praise for his portrayal of Erik Killmonger in the 2018 Marvel film ‘Black Panther’. In 2019, he starred in the legal drama ‘Just Mercy’ as civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson. Jordan made his directorial debut with ‘Creed III’ in 2023, while also returning as the lead actor. He is considered one of the leading stars of his generation.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek
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Rami Malek won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (2018). He gained initial fame for his lead role in the television series ‘Mr. Robot’, which ran from 2015 to 2019. In 2021, he appeared as the primary antagonist Lyutsifer Safin in the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’. He also had a role in the 2023 historical thriller ‘Oppenheimer’. Malek is known for his distinct physical acting and expressive performances.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser
TMDb

Brendan Fraser experienced a major career comeback with his role in the 2022 film ‘The Whale’. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of a reclusive teacher, marking a significant milestone in his career. During the last decade, he also appeared in the television series ‘Doom Patrol’ as the voice and physical model for Robotman. In 2023, he had a role in Martin Scorsese’s historical drama ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. His return to the spotlight has been one of the most discussed industry narratives of recent years.

Paul Mescal

Paul Mescal
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Paul Mescal achieved fame with his lead role in the 2020 limited series ‘Normal People’. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for the 2022 independent film ‘Aftersun’. In 2023, he starred in the romantic fantasy ‘All of Us Strangers’, which garnered significant critical praise. He has been cast as the lead in the upcoming ‘Gladiator II’ directed by Ridley Scott. Mescal is frequently cited as one of the most talented actors to emerge in the 2020s.

Austin Butler

Austin Butler
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Austin Butler received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of the title character in the 2022 biopic ‘Elvis’. He spent several years preparing for the role, which became a significant commercial and critical success. In 2024, he appeared as the villainous Feyd-Rautha in ‘Dune: Part Two’. He also headlined the Apple TV+ miniseries ‘Masters of the Air’, which premiered in early 2024. Butler’s recent work has established him as a major new force in Hollywood.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch
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Benedict Cumberbatch received Academy Award nominations for his roles in ‘The Imitation Game’ (2014) and ‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021). He entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the titular character in ‘Doctor Strange’ (2016) and has appeared in multiple sequels. During the last decade, he also completed his run on the series ‘Sherlock’ and starred in ‘The Courier’ (2020). He is recognized for his ability to portray highly intelligent and emotionally complex figures.

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman
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Gary Oldman won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in ‘Darkest Hour’ (2017). He received another nomination for his role as Herman J. Mankiewicz in the 2020 film ‘Mank’. Since 2022, he has starred in the spy thriller series ‘Slow Horses’ as Jackson Lamb. Oldman also appeared in the 2023 film ‘Oppenheimer’ as President Harry S. Truman. He remains one of the most respected character actors of his generation.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe
TMDb

Willem Dafoe received Academy Award nominations for ‘The Florida Project’ (2017) and ‘At Eternity’s Gate’ (2018). He starred in the 2019 psychological horror film ‘The Lighthouse’ and appeared in ‘Poor Things’ (2023). In 2021, he reprised his role as the Green Goblin in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. Dafoe is known for his willingness to take on unconventional and physically demanding roles. His prolific career has included numerous collaborations with auteur directors.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington
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Denzel Washington received Academy Award nominations for ‘Fences’ (2016), ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’ (2017), and ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ (2021). He also directed the 2016 film ‘Fences’, which was an adaptation of the August Wilson play. Washington continued his success in the action genre with ‘The Equalizer’ trilogy between 2014 and 2023. In 2016, he was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. He remains a central figure in both prestige drama and commercial cinema.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale
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Christian Bale received Academy Award nominations for his roles in ‘The Big Short’ (2015), ‘Vice’ (2018), and ‘Ford v Ferrari’ (2019). He underwent significant physical transformations for his portrayals of Dick Cheney and Ken Miles. In 2022, he entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Gorr the God Butcher in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. Bale also starred in the 2022 mystery thriller ‘The Pale Blue Eye’. He is widely regarded as one of the most dedicated method actors of his era.

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet
TMDb

Timothée Chalamet rose to stardom with his Academy Award-nominated role in ‘Call Me by Your Name’ (2017). He has since led major productions such as ‘Dune’ (2021) and its 2024 sequel as Paul Atreides. Chalamet also starred in ‘Little Women’ (2019) and took on the title role in the musical ‘Wonka’ (2023). He is known for his work in both high-fashion independent cinema and large-scale blockbusters. He is currently one of the most culturally prominent young actors in the world.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling
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Ryan Gosling received an Academy Award nomination for his role in the 2016 musical ‘La La Land’. He starred in the 2017 science fiction sequel ‘Blade Runner 2049’ as Officer K. In 2018, he portrayed Neil Armstrong in the biographical drama ‘First Man’. Gosling gained significant acclaim for his role as Ken in the 2023 film ‘Barbie’, which earned him another Academy Award nomination. His career over the last decade has showcased a mix of stoic dramatic roles and comedic flair.

Adam Driver

Adam Driver
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Adam Driver gained international fame as Kylo Ren in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy from 2015 to 2019. He received Academy Award nominations for ‘BlacKkKlansman’ (2018) and ‘Marriage Story’ (2019). Driver has collaborated with several prominent directors, including Martin Scorsese in ‘Silence’ and Ridley Scott in ‘House of Gucci’. In 2023, he portrayed Enzo Ferrari in the biographical drama ‘Ferrari’. He is recognized for his intense screen presence and versatility.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya
TMDb

Daniel Kaluuya achieved a breakthrough with his Academy Award-nominated performance in ‘Get Out’ (2017). He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Fred Hampton in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ (2021). Kaluuya also appeared in the Marvel film ‘Black Panther’ (2018) and the horror-thriller ‘Nope’ (2022). He provided the voice for Spider-Punk in the 2023 animated film ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. His work often explores complex social and political themes.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali
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Mahershala Ali won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor within three years for ‘Moonlight’ (2016) and ‘Green Book’ (2018). He starred in the third season of the television series ‘True Detective’ in 2019. In 2021, he led the science fiction drama ‘Swan Song’, earning a Golden Globe nomination. He has been cast as Blade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making a voice cameo in the 2021 film ‘Eternals’. Ali is noted for his poise and the quiet intensity he brings to his characters.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper
TMDb

Bradley Cooper has received multiple Academy Award nominations as both an actor and producer over the last decade. He starred in and directed the 2018 remake of ‘A Star Is Born’, which was a massive critical and commercial success. In 2023, he directed and starred in the Leonard Bernstein biopic ‘Maestro’, earning further acclaim. Cooper also provides the voice for Rocket Raccoon in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise. His transition into directing has established him as a major filmmaker in Hollywood.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr.
TMDb

Robert Downey Jr. concluded his iconic run as Tony Stark in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019), the highest-grossing film of the decade. Following his departure from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he produced and starred in ‘Dolittle’ (2020). In 2023, he received widespread critical praise and won an Academy Award for his role as Lewis Strauss in ‘Oppenheimer’. He also appeared in the 2024 miniseries ‘The Sympathizer’, playing multiple characters. His career has seen a shift from franchise leadership to prestige character acting.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy
TMDb

Cillian Murphy gained immense popularity for his role as Thomas Shelby in the series ‘Peaky Blinders’, which concluded in 2022. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in the 2023 film ‘Oppenheimer’. Murphy has been a frequent collaborator with director Christopher Nolan, appearing in ‘Dunkirk’ (2017) and the ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy. He also starred in the 2020 horror sequel ‘A Quiet Place Part II’. His performance in ‘Oppenheimer’ is considered one of the definitive acting achievements of the decade.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio
TMDb

Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for the 2015 survival drama ‘The Revenant’. He starred in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019), receiving another nomination for his performance. In 2021, he led the ensemble cast of the satirical comedy ‘Don’t Look Up’. He reunited with Martin Scorsese for the 2023 historical epic ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ as Ernest Burkhart. DiCaprio continues to work exclusively with high-profile directors on significant cinematic projects.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix
TMDb

Joaquin Phoenix won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the title character in ‘Joker’ (2019). He is known for his intense character studies in films such as ‘Inherent Vice’ (2014) and ‘You Were Never Really Here’ (2017). In 2023, he collaborated with Ridley Scott for the historical epic ‘Napoleon’ and starred in Ari Aster’s ‘Beau Is Afraid’. He is set to reprise his role in the 2024 sequel ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’. Phoenix remains one of the most respected and daring actors working in Hollywood today.

Share your own picks for the best actors of the last decade in the comments.

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