Best Lead Actor Performances In History

Honorable Mention: Al Pacino "The Godfather"
While the academy considered him supporting, he is the center of the film. His turn in character is the best in film history. From happy and nice at the beginning, you see the rage and deceit in his eye by the end. It would show he would be an actor to reckon with as one of the all time greats. His performance in "Dog Day Afternoon" could have also made this list. However Al Pacino going head to head and out acting Marlon Brando in this movie is too good be to be ignored.


5.) Peter O'Toole "Lion In The Winter"
Peter O'Toole is my favorite actor and this is one reason why. Peter plays Henry II as contends with his wife and chooses an heir for his throne. He dominates every scene with power and control. When you think classic theater performances, this would be the role model to them all.


4.) Daniel Day-Lewis "My Left Foot"
A performance you'd swear is real. I've never seen such a commitment to a role before. The guy is the master of becoming new people and this is his best.


3.) Marlon Brando "Last Tango In Paris"
I Believe only Brando could have done this film. He shows so much with so little, he speaks soliloquies with mere expressions. It's a performance to be remembered for all time.


2.) Robert De Niro "Raging Bull"
There is so much rage in De Niro's portrayal of Jake LaMotta that is seems impossible this is also Mr Focker. Hell I'd say the jail cell scene is the best acted scene in film history. The best work by one of the best actors ever.


1.) F. Murray Abraham "Amadeus"
Abraham is lucky because he gets to play in to time periods. He plays a young and old Salieri, who in his mind was the rival of Mozart. As a young man he shows so much emotion in his listening I would never say he was just acting, he was living. It is the older version though where he truly makes it the best. There are entire scenes of him telling stories while never moving from his wheel chair. Yet you never lose focus. It's just a guy talking (brilliant dialogue to be fair) and you never lose attention. That is something brilliant masterful.