The greatest actors of all time

November 19, 2023

While not the only measure of greatness, awards and nominations from respected institutions can provide some indication of an actor’s recognition within the industry. Let’s take a look at the greatest actors of all time according to IMDb.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington, born on December 28, 1954, is an American actor, director, and producer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation. Washington won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as corrupt detective Alonzo Harris in “Training Day” (2001). In addition to his two wins, Washington has received several other Academy Award nominations, including for “Malcolm X” (1992), “The Hurricane” (1999), and “Flight” (2012).

Paul Newman

Paul Newman, born on January 26, 1925, was an American actor, director, and philanthropist who became one of the most enduring and respected figures in the entertainment industry. Newman won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his reprisal of the character Fast Eddie Felson in “The Color of Money” (1986). In 1986, Newman received an honorary Academy Award for his “many and memorable and compelling screen performances” and his “personal integrity and dedication to his craft.”

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins, born on December 31, 1937, is a Welsh actor widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema. His film debut was in “The Lion in Winter” (1968), where he played Richard the Lionheart. Hopkins achieved international fame for his portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in a psychological thriller “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991). He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his chilling performance. His ability to portray a wide range of characters, from Shakespearean roles to iconic villains, has contributed to his enduring legacy.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks, born on July 9, 1956, is an American actor and filmmaker widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and beloved actors in the industry. A two-time Academy Award winner for “Philadelphia” and “Forrest Gump,” Hanks is known for his broad range of performances. Known for his versatility, Hanks has seamlessly transitioned between genres, delivering memorable performances in dramas, comedies, and historical films.

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman, born on August 8, 1937, is an American actor and filmmaker known for his versatile performances and iconic roles in film and theater. Hoffman won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Ted Kramer in “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979), co-starring Meryl Streep. He won his second Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant, in “Rain Man” (1988) directed by Barry Levinson. Dustin Hoffman is celebrated for his acting prowess and the depth he brings to his characters.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis, born on April 29, 1957, is a retired English actor widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema. Known for his immersive and transformative performances, Day-Lewis has received numerous accolades throughout his career. Day-Lewis made his stage debut in the play “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour” (1978) and gained attention for his talent. Daniel Day-Lewis’s legacy in the world of cinema is marked by his unparalleled talent, commitment to his art, and a collection of unforgettable performances that have left an indelible mark on the history of film.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino, born on April 25, 1940, is an American actor and filmmaker known for his intense and dynamic performances. Pacino won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Scent of a Woman” (1992), in which he played a blind retired army officer. He received multiple Academy Award nominations for his roles in films such as “The Godfather” (1972), “Serpico” (1973), “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975), and “And Justice for All” (1979). His impact on the art of acting and his contributions to iconic films have left an enduring mark on the film industry.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro, born on August 17, 1943, in New York City, is an iconic American actor and producer known for his powerful performances and collaborations with renowned directors. In addition to his win for “Raging Bull,” De Niro received the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “The Godfather Part II.” He has received multiple nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, including for “Taxi Driver,” “Awakenings” (1990), and “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012).

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando (1924–2004) was an American actor and cultural icon known for his groundbreaking performances and significant influence on the acting profession. Known for his method acting and powerful performances in films like “The Godfather” and “A Streetcar Named Desire”, he left an enduring impact on film and popular culture, shaping the evolution of acting and storytelling in Hollywood. Despite the challenges he faced, his legacy continues to influence generations of actors and filmmakers.

Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson, born on April 22, 1937, is an American actor, filmmaker, and iconic figure in the film industry. Known for his ability to seamlessly portray a wide range of characters, from intense and dramatic roles to comedic and eccentric ones, Nicholson has had a remarkable career spanning several decades. Nicholson has won three Academy Awards: Best Actor for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975) and “As Good as It Gets” (1997), and Best Supporting Actor for “Terms of Endearment” (1983). He holds the record for the most Oscar nominations for a male actor, with 12 nominations.