Over the past decade, cinema has gifted us with some of the most unforgettable acting performances in modern history. From deeply transformative roles to emotionally raw portrayals, these performances have not only captivated audiences but also redefined the art of storytelling on screen. Spanning from 2015 to 2025, this list celebrates the artistry, dedication, and sheer brilliance of the greatest acting performances of the last ten years. Let’s take a closer look at the moments that made us laugh, cry, and marvel at the power of performance.

1. Daniel Day-Lewis in Phantom Thread (2017)

Daniel Day-Lewis’s portrayal of Reynolds Woodcock, a meticulous and obsessive fashion designer, is a masterclass in subtlety and control. In what he declared as his final film role, Day-Lewis delivered a performance that was both restrained and deeply emotional. His ability to convey the inner turmoil of a man consumed by his craft, while navigating a complex and toxic relationship with Alma (Vicky Krieps), is nothing short of extraordinary. Every glance, pause, and gesture is deliberate, making Reynolds a character who feels both larger-than-life and achingly human.

2. Frances McDormand in Nomadland (2020)

Frances McDormand’s performance as Fern, a widow navigating life on the road, is a triumph of naturalism. McDormand blends seamlessly with real-life nomads, embodying resilience and vulnerability in equal measure. Her quiet, contemplative moments—whether staring at the vast landscapes or sharing stories by a campfire—are profoundly moving. McDormand’s ability to disappear into the role earned her a third Academy Award for Best Actress.

3. Joaquin Phoenix in Joker (2019)

Joaquin Phoenix’s transformation into Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian descending into madness, is both haunting and electrifying. Phoenix lost significant weight for the role, physically embodying Arthur’s fragility. His performance is raw, unsettling, and deeply empathetic, capturing the pain and alienation of a man pushed to the brink. The infamous dance down the stairs is now iconic, symbolizing Arthur’s complete surrender to chaos.

4. Cate Blanchett in TÁR (2022)

Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of Lydia Tár, a fictional, world-renowned conductor, is a tour de force. Blanchett commands the screen with her magnetic presence, capturing the complexities of a character whose genius is matched only by her flaws. Her performance is layered, oscillating between power and vulnerability, as Lydia’s life unravels under the weight of her own hubris. Blanchett’s meticulous attention to detail, from her conducting gestures to her emotional breakdowns, is nothing short of breathtaking.

5. Adam Driver in Marriage Story (2019)

Adam Driver’s performance as Charlie Barber, a theater director navigating a painful divorce, is devastatingly authentic. His raw, emotional outbursts—particularly the now-famous argument scene with Scarlett Johansson—are balanced by quieter moments of introspection and tenderness. Driver captures the heartbreak of a man trying to hold onto his family while grappling with his own shortcomings.

6. Viola Davis in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

Viola Davis transforms into the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey with a performance that is both commanding and deeply human. Davis captures Ma’s unapologetic confidence and vulnerability, particularly in her interactions with her band and the recording studio executives. Her physical transformation, complete with gold teeth and sweat-drenched makeup, adds to the authenticity of her portrayal.

7. Timothée Chalamet in Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Timothée Chalamet’s breakout performance as Elio Perlman is a masterclass in youthful longing and self-discovery. Chalamet captures the intensity and confusion of first love with remarkable nuance. His final scene, where Elio silently processes heartbreak by the fireplace, is a testament to his ability to convey profound emotion without words.

8. Brendan Fraser in The Whale (2022)

Brendan Fraser’s portrayal of Charlie, a reclusive English teacher struggling with obesity and guilt, marked a career-defining comeback. Fraser imbues Charlie with immense compassion and humanity, making his struggles deeply relatable. His physical transformation and emotional vulnerability earned him widespread acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actor.

9. Florence Pugh in Midsommar (2019)

Florence Pugh’s performance as Dani, a grieving woman who becomes entangled in a Swedish cult, is both harrowing and mesmerizing. Pugh captures Dani’s emotional fragility and growing sense of empowerment with remarkable depth. Her ability to convey terror, grief, and catharsis makes her performance unforgettable.

10. Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant (2015)

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar-winning performance as Hugh Glass, a frontiersman seeking revenge, is a testament to his dedication as an actor. DiCaprio endured grueling physical challenges, from eating raw bison liver to braving freezing temperatures, to bring Glass’s story to life. His performance is visceral and primal, relying more on physicality than dialogue to convey Glass’s relentless determination.

11. Michelle Yeoh in Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

Michelle Yeoh’s performance as Evelyn Wang, a laundromat owner thrust into a multiverse adventure, is a revelation. Yeoh seamlessly transitions between comedy, drama, and action, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her portrayal of Evelyn’s journey from disillusionment to self-acceptance is both heartwarming and inspiring.

12. Chadwick Boseman in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

In his final film role, Chadwick Boseman delivered a searing performance as Levee, a talented but troubled trumpet player. Boseman’s portrayal is filled with passion and intensity, particularly in his monologues about racial injustice and personal trauma. His untimely passing adds an extra layer of poignancy to his performance.

13. Margot Robbie in I, Tonya (2017)

Margot Robbie’s transformation into Tonya Harding is both darkly comedic and deeply empathetic. Robbie captures Tonya’s rough edges and vulnerability, making her a sympathetic figure despite her flaws. Her performance is fearless, unflinching, and utterly captivating.

14. Austin Butler in Elvis (2022)

Austin Butler’s portrayal of Elvis Presley is a star-making performance. Butler captures the King of Rock and Roll’s charisma, vulnerability, and struggles with fame. His electrifying stage performances and emotional depth make this a career-defining role.

15. Emma Stone in La La Land (2016)

Emma Stone’s performance as Mia, an aspiring actress navigating love and ambition, is enchanting. Stone’s ability to convey joy, heartbreak, and determination earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Her chemistry with Ryan Gosling and her show-stopping solo, “Audition (The Fools Who Dream),” are highlights of her performance.