The last decade of cinema has brought some truly remarkable performances from actors across all genres. From intense dramas to quirky comedies, these performances have not only captured the hearts of audiences but have also earned the recognition of the Academy, Golden Globes, and BAFTA. These actors didn’t just portray characters—they became them, often pushing their talents to new heights and leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Here are the 10 best award-winning performances from the last decade that truly stand out.
1. Joaquin Phoenix – Joker (2019)
Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck in Joker wasn’t just a performance—it was a revelation. Phoenix completely embodied the character, transforming himself physically and mentally into the troubled, unpredictable figure who ultimately becomes the infamous Joker. His unsettling, yet deeply empathetic portrayal earned him the Oscar for Best Actor in 2020.
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe, BAFTA
- Why It’s Great: Phoenix’s raw intensity and emotional range gave audiences a tragic glimpse into the making of a villain, making it one of the most memorable performances in recent history.
2. Frances McDormand – Nomadland (2020)
Frances McDormand’s performance in Nomadland is a masterclass in subtlety and restraint. As Fern, a woman who loses everything during the Great Recession and decides to live as a nomad, McDormand exudes vulnerability and strength in equal measure. Her portrayal of quiet resilience earned her her second Oscar for Best Actress.
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Actress, Golden Globe, BAFTA
- Why It’s Great: McDormand brings a deep humanity to her character, making Fern’s journey deeply emotional and powerful. Her ability to communicate so much with so little makes this performance unforgettable.
3. Daniel Day-Lewis – Phantom Thread (2017)
Daniel Day-Lewis’s portrayal of the eccentric fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock in Phantom Thread is another triumph in his illustrious career. Known for his intense method acting, Day-Lewis’s nuanced performance as a brilliant yet tortured artist in 1950s London earned him his third Academy Award for Best Actor.
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Actor, BAFTA
- Why It’s Great: Day-Lewis creates a character that is both compelling and deeply flawed, making Reynolds a man both to be admired and feared. The subtlety and precision of his performance elevate the film into an intense, character-driven masterpiece.
4. Gary Oldman – Darkest Hour (2017)
Gary Oldman’s transformation into Winston Churchill for Darkest Hour was nothing short of remarkable. Through incredible prosthetics and a flawless performance, Oldman captured Churchill’s leadership and internal struggles during World War II. His portrayal won him his first Academy Award after decades of brilliant work in the industry.
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe, BAFTA
- Why It’s Great: Oldman’s ability to immerse himself completely into the role, both physically and emotionally, made his portrayal of Churchill feel real, gritty, and full of the raw determination that defined the wartime leader.
5. Olivia Colman – The Favourite (2018)
Olivia Colman’s performance as Queen Anne in The Favourite was nothing short of a revelation. Colman delivered a nuanced portrayal of a monarch struggling with her emotions, power, and the complexity of her relationships. Her comedic timing, combined with deep pathos, earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Actress, Golden Globe, BAFTA
- Why It’s Great: Colman’s performance balanced humor with sadness in a way that few can achieve, giving Queen Anne a vulnerability that felt both relatable and tragic.
6. Rami Malek – Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Rami Malek’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody took audiences on a rollercoaster ride through the rock icon’s life. Malek’s physical transformation and his pitch-perfect portrayal of Mercury’s bravado, vulnerability, and talent earned him widespread acclaim.
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe, BAFTA
- Why It’s Great: Malek captured the essence of Freddie Mercury, from his infectious energy on stage to his more private, troubled moments. His performance elevated the film and turned it into a cultural phenomenon.
7. Leonardo DiCaprio – The Revenant (2015)
After years of being nominated, Leonardo DiCaprio finally earned his first Academy Award for his relentless performance in The Revenant. DiCaprio plays frontiersman Hugh Glass, who battles nature and personal betrayal to survive after being left for dead.
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe, BAFTA
- Why It’s Great: DiCaprio’s physical commitment to the role, including enduring harsh conditions to film in freezing temperatures, is unmatched. His performance, which conveys pain, survival, and revenge with minimal dialogue, is haunting and unforgettable.
8. Alicia Vikander – The Danish Girl (2015)
Alicia Vikander’s role as Gerda Wegener, the wife of artist Einar Wegener who transitions into Lili Elbe, is a performance of quiet strength and emotional depth. Vikander earned an Oscar for her portrayal of a woman who not only supports her spouse through a difficult transformation but also wrestles with her own identity and love.
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Golden Globe
- Why It’s Great: Vikander delivers a performance that is both subtle and emotionally powerful, exploring complex themes of identity and love with remarkable sensitivity.
9. Mahershala Ali – Moonlight (2016)
Mahershala Ali’s portrayal of Juan, a drug dealer who takes a young boy under his wing, was one of the standout performances in Moonlight. Ali’s ability to convey vulnerability, tenderness, and strength in a supporting role earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Golden Globe
- Why It’s Great: Ali’s performance brings nuance and depth to a character who could have easily been reduced to a stereotype. His portrayal of Juan as a father figure and mentor is one of the most touching elements of the film.
10. Cate Blanchett – Blue Jasmine (2013)
Cate Blanchett’s performance as Jasmine, a wealthy socialite who falls from grace, is one of her most compelling roles. In Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine, Blanchett brings both comedy and tragedy to her portrayal of a woman spiraling out of control.
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Actress, Golden Globe, BAFTA
- Why It’s Great: Blanchett’s range is on full display in this performance, where she effortlessly switches from high society glamour to raw, unfiltered desperation. Her portrayal of Jasmine’s unraveling is both devastating and mesmerizing.
FAQs About Award-Winning Actor Performances
What makes an award-winning performance?
An award-winning performance typically combines depth, authenticity, and emotional range. It’s not just about acting in a particular role—it’s about transforming into a character in a way that resonates with both audiences and critics.
Do all actors have to win an award to be considered great?
No, not at all. Many talented actors have never won an award but are still considered among the best in their craft. Awards are often subjective, and some exceptional performances can go unnoticed in a crowded field.
How do I write a script that produces an award-winning performance?
To create a script that helps an actor shine, focus on creating complex, multi-dimensional characters with strong arcs. Make sure your characters face significant challenges, allowing the actors to display a wide range of emotions.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Performance
Award-winning actor performances are the heart of great cinema. They bring stories to life, create unforgettable moments, and elevate films from good to iconic. These ten performances represent just a fraction of the incredible talent that has graced our screens over the past decade, and they remind us of the power of storytelling and the actors who bring those stories to life.
