Top Ten Tuesday: The Last Ten Winners of the Best Actor Oscar

Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.

No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good?

Back in December, I ranked the last ten winners of the Best Actress Oscar in order of personal preference. This week, it’s the gentlemen’s turn. We’ll be diving into the Best Actor category and ranking the last ten winners – from 2015 through 2024.

The criteria are straightforward: we’re looking strictly at the performances themselves, not the films as a whole or the actors’ careers. Which of these Oscar-winning turns stands out the most? Which ones still resonate, and which ones may have faded with time?

Let’s not waste any more time – on to the rankings!

10. Rami Malek – Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

9. Brendan Fraser – The Whale (2022)

8. Will Smith – King Richard (2021)

7. Gary Oldman – Darkest Hour (2017)

6. Adrien Brody – The Brutalist (2024)

5. Anthony Hopkins – The Father (2020)

4. Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer (2023)

3. Joaquin Phoenix – Joker (2019)

2. Casey Affleck – Manchester by the Sea (2016)

1. Leonardo DiCaprio – The Revenant (2015)

What do you agree/disagree with? Who is the best Lead Actor winner of the past ten years?