by P Vandegrift

Created on: December 18, 2006   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

What a choice of talent there is for this category! It is difficult to settle on just one. Each actor on this list has moved the audience in so many different ways; from unstoppable laughter to heart-wrenching portrayals of madness and loss.

* First up is Jack Nicholson. From a young theatre actor to film icon, this man has entranced audiences across the world. The Shining definitely was one of those moments where I could not take my eyes off his performance. It still haunts me years later. As Good As It Gets showed us another side, yes still prickly, but he gives an honest portrayal of a vulnerable man.

* Anthony Hopkins is the British counterpart of Jack Nicholson. In the same way Jack sends chills up and down our spine, Anthony does the same emotionally and physically. His moving portrayal in Remains of the Day glues itself deep in the heart. And then along comes his Dr. Hannibal Lector in Silence of the Lambs and we have to reopen another part of our heart to him whilst sitting in front of the television with our knees up to our chests and ALL of the lights on in the house.

* Daniel Day Lewis is another actor that can morph into any role given without hesitation. One look into his eyes and it is easy to see the commitment he has to his craft. It is no ordinary glimmer. It shows us his soul.

* Ian McKellen enchanted us with his role as Gandalf in Lord of the Rings, and mesmerized us as James Whale in Gods and Monsters. However he is also known for his earlier stage work. One of the best is his performance alongside Judi Dench in the 1979 Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Macbeth. This production is also out on video.

* Peter Sellers. Just the mention of his name starts me giggling. So subtle, so tortured, so brilliant.

* Robert Duvall, Omar Sharif, Peter O'Toole, the list can go on.

We are so lucky to bear witness to the natural talent of all these men. No doubt the list will get longer as time goes by!

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