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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The grand annual event of the Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, has just concluded, marking the success of today’s commendable motion picture arts. Continuously inspiring new generations, the prestigious awards never fail to draw the attention of a global audience.
Among the lineup of distinguished nominees, the Oscars’ Best Actor is among the most anticipated. Those who take home the golden statuette not only make history, but they left a lasting impact through their extraordinary talent, solidifying their legacy in the world of cinema.
Best Actor Oscar Winners in the Last 10 Years
Variety compiled the list of best actor Oscar winners for the past 10 years, with the addition of the people's sweetheart Cillian Murphy, the 600-pound English teacher Brendan Fraser, and industry mogul Will Smith. Other revered performers also include:
1. Adrien Brody, The Brutalist (2025)
A legend in film production, Adrien Brody secured his second Oscar for Best Actor this year after a competitive race against Sebastian Stan, Timothèe Chalamet, Colman Domingo and Ralph Fiennes. His on-screen skill first landed him among the Academy’s best in 2003 for his role in The Pianist. In this year’s speech, Brody reaffirmed his dedication to proving his talent and securing impactful, meaningful roles in the future.
2. Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer (2024)
Cillian Murphy is a respected senior in the industry, with a career full of accomplishments. His role as an atomic scientist in Christopher Nolan’s historical work, Oppenheimer, has led Murphy to his first ever Oscar. In his acceptance speech, the actor said Oppenheimer was his “most creatively satisfying journey” and claimed that the Oscar win was “overwhelming.”
3. Branden Fraser, The Whale (2023)
After a decade-long break from the cinematic picture, Branden Fraser had a glorious comeback in 2022 with The Whale. In his winning speech, Fraser thanked the audience for making his 30-year venture meaningful with a magnificent acknowledgement in hands.
4. Will Smith, King Richard (2022)
Will Smith’s first Oscar for Best Actor was profound, but overshadowed by the onstage incident when he slapped presenter Chris Rock following a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. As a consequence, Smith eventually filed a resignation from the Academy.
5. Anthony Hopkins, The Father (2021)
Anthony Hopkins, who played a role of a character suffering from dementia, is the oldest Best Actor winner in history. Bringing his second trophy home at the age of 83, Hopkins reached another milestone in the industry after his first one in 1991’s The Silence of the Lambs. His seamless delivery has brought him prevailing over the late Chadwick Boseman.
6. Joaquin Phoenix, Joker (2020)
Joaquin Phoenix made triumphant history with a villain role, securing one of the Academy Awards’ most desired accolades. Earning more than $1 billion at the box office, the comic-book movie, Joker, put an emphasis on the character’s mental illness. Thanks to Phoenix’s portrayal, Joker was one of the most talked-about villains on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody (2019)
Rami Malek executed an impeccable depiction of the late pop sensation Freddie Mercury in the 2018 biographical movie. The cinematic art not only captivated the crowds, but it also garnered attention from respected critics in the Academy Awards. Earning four Oscars and $869 million, Bohemian Rhapsody remains one of the most valued biographical movies.
8. Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour (2018)
Despite being a veteran in the industry, Gary Oldman has only received Oscar nominations twice. In 2018, Oldman was finally introduced as the Best Actor winner for the first time, thanks to his role as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
9. Casey Affleck, Manchester by The Sea (2017)
In the 2017’s Academy Awards ceremony, Casey Affleck alongside Denzel Washington were the front-runners for the Best Actor category. His impressive performance as a janitor living with PTSD in Manchester by the Sea led the man to rise on top and take home the Oscar.
10. Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant (2016)
Honoring his role as frontiersman Hugh Glass in The Revenant, the Academy Awards crowned Leonardo DiCaprio as the 2016’s Best Actor, two decades after his first Oscar nomination
The Best Actor Oscar winners represent more than just cinematic excellence; they embody dedication, passion, and the power of storytelling. Each year, these esteemed actors leave an unforgettable mark on the industry, setting new standards and inspiring future generations. For cinephiles alike, check also the coverage of the richest film directors here.
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