Devin Jacobs
Some actors and actresses have a way of staying in the spotlight, no matter what. With their undeniable talent and captivating presence, they consistently grab our attention and keep us engaged. To that end, here are 15 stars who continue to shine brightly and make every role unforgettable.
Meryl Streep
Born on June 22, 1949, Meryl Streep has wowed us with her incredible range and knack for accents. Often called “the best actress of her generation,” Meryl has turned her career into a winning streak. With a jaw-dropping 21 Academy Award nominations and three wins, she’s basically Hollywood royalty.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is a cinematic chameleon, effortlessly switching between historical dramas and high-octane action films. His range allows him to play roles like a fearless soldier, a sharp-witted lawyer, and a tough-as-nails cop while making each character memorable.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis received the Triple Crown of Acting and the EGOT. Plus, Time magazine recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2012 and 2017. Viola’s impact is undeniable; she continues to make waves and inspire with her incredible talent.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Nearly three decades in the biz, Leonardo DiCaprio still brings the heat. He’s earned over $6.5 billion at the box office, and this has landed him in the top 10 highest-grossing actors of all time. Known for his intense dedication to each role, Leo immerses himself completely and turns every performance into the best.
Cate Blanchett
Starting her career on the Australian stage, Cate Blanchett made a splash in 1997 with her film debut. She rose to international fame with her stunning depiction of Queen Elizabeth I in the 1998 period drama “Elizabeth.” This role got her first Academy Award nomination.
Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks burst onto the scene with a string of hit comedies like “Splash,” “The Money Pit,” and “A League of Their Own.” His portrayals earned him back-to-back Academy Awards for Best Actor, first for his powerful role as a gay lawyer in “Philadelphia” and then as Forrest Gump in “Forrest Gump.”
Julianne Moore
Since the early ’90s, Julianne Moore has wowed us with her gripping roles. After five Academy Award nominations, she clinched her first Oscar in 2015 for “Still Alice.” Her journey to that golden trophy began in 1998 with a Best Supporting Actress nod for “Boogie Nights” in 1997.
Daniel Day-Lewis
Widely considered one of the greatest actors ever, Daniel collected countless accolades over a career of more than four decades. Known for diving deep into his roles, he’s said that the intense dedication leaves him needing long breaks to “recharge his batteries” before taking on his next challenge.
Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet is considered one of the top actresses of her generation. By 31, she had already snagged five Academy Award nominations, establishing her as the youngest actress to hit that milestone. She finally took home the Oscar for her powerful role in “The Reader.”
Anthony Hopkins
Acting “tricks” don’t get much simpler than Anthony Hopkins’ approach to just learning the lines and trying to be real. For his role as Winton, the WWII hero who saved over 600 children, Hopkins went the extra mile by closely studying his walk, talk, and every detail.
Natalie Portman
At just 13, Natalie graced her first red carpet; by 23, she had her first Academy Award nomination. Six years later, she took home the Oscar. From a hitman’s young protégé to an unraveling ballerina, Natalie has tackled various iconic roles with versatility.
Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali shot to fame in the 2010s, winning an Oscar for his moving role as Juan in “Moonlight.” Earlier, he showed off his martial arts chops as an action hero in three films. When he took on the role of Blade, Wesley Snipes reminded him that it takes serious dedication to do the character justice.
Christian Bale
Mastering the art of versatility and known for his extreme physical transformations, Christian Bale has become a standout in Hollywood. Over the years, his dedication has earned him an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, and a reputation as one of the industry’s most committed actors.
Jessica Chastain
Jessica Chastain has become the pinnacle of acting excellence, delivering one acclaimed performance after another. Catapulted to the top of the A-list with two Oscar nominations, she’s been unstoppable ever since, continually wowing Hollywood with her talent in a string of new films.
Helen Mirren
Defying expectations for over five decades, Helen has taken the world of film, television, and theater by storm. Lately, she’s been rocking a “radical” longer hairstyle, challenging the idea that women of a certain age should stick to short hair, and is enjoying every bit of it.