Heath Ledger as the Joker in "The Dark Knight" (2008)
Ledger's portrayal of the iconic Batman villain earned him widespread acclaim and a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, showcasing his unparalleled talent and commitment to the role.
DiCaprio's physically demanding performance as frontiersman Hugh Glass, who survives a brutal bear attack and seeks vengeance against those who betrayed him, earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor after multiple nominations.
Leonardo DiCaprio in "The Revenant" (2015)
Natalie Portman in "Black Swan" (2010)
Portman's haunting portrayal of a ballerina descending into madness earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actress, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft.
Joaquin Phoenix in "Joker" (2019)
Phoenix's transformative performance as the troubled comedian Arthur Fleck, who descends into madness and becomes the iconic Batman villain, earned him widespread acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Frances McDormand in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" (2017)
McDormand's powerhouse performance as a grieving mother seeking justice for her daughter's murder earned her critical praise and her second Academy Award for Best Actress.
Daniel Day-Lewis in "Lincoln" (2012)
Day-Lewis's immersive portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln earned him widespread acclaim and his third Academy Award for Best Actor, showcasing his unmatched talent and dedication to his roles.
Cate Blanchett in "Blue Jasmine" (2013)
Blanchett's riveting performance as a troubled socialite facing a downward spiral earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actress, showcasing her exceptional range and depth as an actress.
Mahershala Ali in "Moonlight" (2016)
Ali's poignant portrayal of a compassionate drug dealer who becomes a mentor to a young boy struggling with his identity earned him critical praise and his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Viola Davis in "Fences" (2016)
Davis's performance as a long-suffering wife and mother earned her critical acclaim and her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, showcasing her immense talent and emotional depth.
Matthew McConaughey in "Dallas Buyers Club" (2013)
McConaughey's performance as a homophobic cowboy diagnosed with HIV/AIDS who becomes an advocate for AIDS patients earned him critical acclaim and his first Academy Award for Best Actor.