Request: Oscar Nominated Performances of the Aughts, Ranked

by Nathaniel R

This list was requested by Carlos recently in the comments. Perhaps in light of the Oscar Nominated Performances ranked of the past six years... so why not. It's a perfect weekend activity and will help you get in the mood for the possibly turbulent Oscar season ahead. So let's do this crazy...

ALL THE OSCAR NOMINATED PERFORMANCES RANKED (2000-2009)

First a terrible confession for one such as I: Two Oscar nominated performances in the Aughts slipped right past my movie devouring eyeballs (the shame. the shame.) I never got around to Tommy Lee Jones In the Valley of Elah or Cooler Alec Baldwin. I accept your judgment and will choose my favorite of whatever punishments are recommended.

So let's rank the whole other 198 lot of 'em, with the caveats that this is silly (apples & oranges) and had you asked me on a different day the order might have been different though the general truth of the groupings below would stay the same. 

1. Mo'Nique, Precious (2009) *
2. Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
3. Johnny Depp, The Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)
4. Heath Ledger, Brokeback Mountain (2005)
5. Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood (2007) *
6. Judi Dench, Notes on a Scandal (2006)
7. Christoph Waltz, Inglorious Basterds (2009) *
8. Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton (2007) *
9. Ellen Burstyn, Requiem for a Dream (2000)
10. Viggo Mortensen, Eastern Promises (2007)
11. Nicole Kidman, Moulin Rouge! (2001)
12. Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler (2008)
13. Julianne Moore, Far From Heaven (2002)
14. Imelda Staunton, Vera Drake (2004)
15. Kate Winslet, Eternal Sunshine (2004)
16. Chris Cooper, Adaptation (2002) *
17. Laura Linney, You Can Count on Me (2000)
18. Ian McKellen, Lord of the Rings (2001)
    
    🔺 so amazing. I can't even...
    also spectacular... 🔻
    
    
     
19. Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson (2006)
20. Julia Roberts, Erin Brockovich (2000) *
21. Sean Penn, Milk (2008) *
22. Julie Christie, Away From Her (2007)
23. Clive Owen, Closer (2004)
24. Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married (2008)
25. Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) *
26. Javier Bardem, No Country For Old Men (2007)*
27. Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight (2008) *
28. Adrien Brody, The Pianist (2002) *
29. Bill Murray, Lost in Translation (2003)
30. Holly Hunter, Thirteen (2003)
31. Laura Linney, The Savages (2007)
32. Tom Wilkinson, Michael Clayton (2007)
33. Catherine Zeta Jones, Chicago (2002) *
34. Jack Nicholson, About Schmidt (2002)
35. Meryl Streep, Adaptation (2002)
36. Penelope Cruz, Volver (2006)
37. Colin Firth, A Single Man (2009)
38. Ben Kingsley, Sexy Beast (2001)
    
    terrific choices Oscar, well done... 
    
    
     
39. Sissy Spacek, In the Bedroom (2001)
40. Benicio Del Toro, Traffic (2000) *
41. Willem Dafoe, Shadow of the Vampire (2000)
42. Casey Affleck, The Assassination of Jesse James (2007)
43. Diane Lane, Unfaithful (2002)
44. Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air (2009)
45. Virginia Madsen, Sideways (2004)
46. Cate Blanchett, I'm Not There (2007)
47. Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart (2009) *
48. Annette Bening, Being Julia (2004)
49. Hal Holbrook, Into the Wild (2007)
50. Javier Bardem, Before Night Falls (2000)
51. Denzel Washington, Training Day (2001)*
52. Tom Wilkinson, In the Bedroom (2001)
53. Renée Zellweger, Bridge Jones Diary (2001)
54. Marcia Gay Harden, Pollock (2009) *
55. Viola Davis, Doubt (2008)
56. Albert Finney, Erin Brockovich (2000)
57. Forrest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland (2006) *
58. Nicole Kidman, The Hours (2002) *
59. Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener (2005) *
60. Amy Adams, Junebug (2005)
61. Gabby Sidibe, Precious (2009)
62. Cate Blanchett, The Aviator (2004) *
63. Ellen Page, Juno (2007)
64. Carey Mulligan, An Education (2009)
65. Michelle Williams, Brokeback Mountain (2005)
66. David Straithairn, Good Night and Good Luck (2005)
67. Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls (2006)
68. Jude Law, Cold Mountain (2003)
69. Diane Keaton, Something's Gotta Give (2003)
70. Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler (2008)
71. Melissa Leo, Frozen River (2008)
72. Tom Hanks, Castaway (2000)
73. Nicolas Cage, Adaptation (2002)
74. Charlize Theron, Monster (2003)*
75. Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker (2009)
76. Benicio Del Toro, 21 Grams (2003)
77. Robert Downey Jr, Tropic Thunder (2008)
78. Natalie Portman, Closer (2004)
79. Paul Newman, Road to Perdition (2002)
80. Ben Kingsley, House of Sand and Fog (2003)
81. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote (2005) *
82. Terence Howard, Hustle & Flow (2005)
83. Jake Gyllenhaal, Brokeback Mountain (2005)
84. Adriana Barazza, Babel (2006)
85. George Clooney, Michael Clayton (2007)
    
    definitely worthy of praise even though in some cases maybe people got a little carried away with the superlatives...
    
    
     
86. Daniel Day Lewis, Gangs of New York (2002)
87. Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line (2005) *
88. Kate Winslet, Iris (2000)
89. Leonardo DiCaprio, The Aviator (2004)
90. Keira Knightley, Pride & Prejudice (2005)
91. Josh Brolin, Milk (2008)
92. Meryl Streep, Julia & Julia (2009)
93. Marion Cotillard, La Vie En Rose (2007) *
94. Kate Winslet, The Reader (2008) *
95. Helen Mirren, Gosford Park (2000)
96. Saoirse Ronan, Atonement (2007)
97. Marisa Tomei, In the Bedroom (2001)
98. William Hurt, A History of Violence (2005)
99. Jim Broadbent, Iris (2001)
100. Shohreh Agdashloo, House of Sand and Fog (2003)
101. Thomas Hayden Church, Sideways (2004)
102. Maggie Smith, Gosford Park (2000)
103. Ed Harris, Pollock (2000)
104. Halle Berry, Monsters Ball (2001) *
105. Marcia Gay Harden, Mystic River (2003)
106. Catherine Keener, Capote (2005)
107. Will Smith, Ali (2001)
108. Richard Jenkins, The Visitor (2008)
109. Julianne Moore, The Hours (2002)
110. Frances McDormand, Almost Famous (2000)
     
     good stuff even if Oscar nominations or especially wins feel, let's say, a bit generous 
     
     
      
111. Jackie Earle Haley, Little Children (2006)
112. Morgan Freeman, Million Dollar Baby (2004) *
113. Penelope Cruz, Nine (2009)
114. Kate Winslet, Little Children (2006)
115. Catalina Sandino Moreno, Maria Full of Grace (2004)
116. Renee Zellweger, Chicago (2002)
117. Cate Blanchett, Notes on a Scandal (2006)
118. Kate Hudson, Almost Famous (2000)
119. Woody Harrelson, The Messenger (2009)
120. Christopher Walken, Catch Me If You Can (2002)
121. Joan Allen, The Contender (2000)
122. Matt Dillon, Crash (2005)
123. Hilary Swank, Million Dollar Baby (2004) *
124. Jamie Foxx, Collateral (2004)
125. George Clooney, Up in the Air (2009)
126. Mark Wahlberg, The Departed (2006)
127. Helen Mirren, The Queen (2006) *
128. Julie Walters, Billy Elliott (2000)
     
     I get it but ... 
     
     
      
129. Samantha Morton, In America (2003)
130. Kathy Bates, About Schmidt (2003)
131. Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
132. Clint Eastwood, Million Dollar Baby (2004)
133. Jamie Foxx, Ray (2004)*
134. Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air (2009)
135. Frances McDormand, North Country (2005)
136. Christopher Plummer, The Last Station (2009)
137. Joaquin Phoenix, Walk the Line (2005)
138. Djimon Hounsou, Blood Diamond (2006)
139. Ed Harris, The Hours (2002)
140. Ethan Hawke, Training Day (2001)
141. Sophie Okonedo, Hotel Rwanda (2004)
142. Geoffrey Rush, Quills (2000)
143. Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone (2007)
144. Keisha Castle Hughes, Whale Rider (2003)
145. Juliette Binoche, Chocolat (2000)
146. Patricia Clarkson, Pieces of April (2003)
147. Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road (2008)
148. Russell Crowe, Gladiator (2000)*
149. Sean Penn, Mystic River (2003)*
150. Meryl Streep, Doubt (2008) 
151. Judi Dench, Iris (2001)
152. Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls (2006) *
153. George Clooney, Syriana (2005) *
154. Jeff Bridges, The Contender (2000)
     
     These nominations are either head scratchers or totally fine but probably nothing one should name "BEST" of a year 
     
     
      
155. Angelina Jolie, Changeling (2008)
156. Ruby Dee, American Gangster (2007)
157. Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon (2008)
158. Paul Giamatti, Cinderella Man (2005)
159. Abigail Breslin, Little Miss Sunchine (2006)
160. Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd (2007)
161. Michael Caine, The Quiet American (2002)
162. Don Cheadle, Hotel Rwanda (2004)
163. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt (2008)
164. Alan Alda, The Aviator (2004)
165. Djimon Hounsou, In America (2003)
166. Laura Linney, Kinsey (2004)
167. Jon C Reilly, Chicago (2002)
168. Taraji P Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
169. Judi Dench, Mrs Henderson Presents (2005)
170. Rinko Kikuchi, Babel (2006)
171. Helen Mirren, The Last Station (2009)
172. Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side (2009) *
173. Queen Latifah, Chicago (2002)
174. Jennifer Connelly, A Beautiful Mind (2000) *
175. Alan Arkin, Little Miss Sunshine (2006) *
176. Ken Watanabe, The Last Samurai (2003)
177. Amy Adams, Doubt (2008)
178. Morgan Freeman, Invictus (2009)
179. Peter O'Toole, Venus (2006)
180. Matt Damon, Invictus (2009)
181. Salma Hayek, Frida (2002)
182. Judi Dench, Chocolat (2000)
183. Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
184. Charlize Theron, North Country (2005)
     
     I think the rest are in their own unique ways, bad performances. Either the actor can't make sense of the character, or the performance is needlessly fussy or dull, or its over the top in an aggravating way
     
     
      
185. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy Heart (2009)
186. Felicity Huffman, Transamerica (2005)
187. Joaquin Phoenix, Gladiator (2000)
188. Naomi Watts, 21 Grams (2003)
189. Johnny Depp, Finding Neverland (2004)
190. Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
191. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Charlie Wilson's War (2007)
192. Renee Zellwegger, Cold Mountain (2003) *
193. Jon Voight, Ali (2001)
194. Russell Crowe, A Beautiful Mind (2001)
195. Tim Robbins, Mystic River (2003) *
196. Sean Penn, I Am Sam (2001)
197. Leonardo DiCaprio, Blood Diamond (2006)
198. Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones (2009)

Comments

[Anonny]

Even if it wouldn't be mine, that top 18 is glorious - so many amazing performances. If I'd kick anyone out of it it'd be Laura Linney but she wouldn't even be kicked that far away

I'll focus the "good stuff even if Oscar nominations or especially wins feel, let's say, a bit generous" category. That title is pretty cruel when you include so many gems underneath it. I'll list the two worst inclusions on here (they're beyond great and I would also list Swank but we won't go there) ;).
> Winslet, Little Children
> Wahlberg, The Departed. Say what you want about Wahlberg, he is GOLD in this film.

[Carlos]

Thanks so much Nathaniel, you rock! I love reading other people's lists like this and after your last ranking of the 2010's I was curious to see your rankings of the 2000's! Thanks again!

[Hannah]

Joaquin is the best part of Gladiator by a long shot IMO. I really disagree with your low ranking!

[BVR]

I love that you made this list. The most divisive is probably Watts. I remember LOVING her when "21 Grams" came out, but the movie's truncated editing has aged the performance poorly and I'm also not blind to all the valid criticism that surrounding her turn.

My top ten:
1. Rourke, "The Wrestler"
2. Depp, "Pirates of the Caribbean"
3. Dench, "Notes on a Scandal"
4. McKellen, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings"
5. Winslet, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"
6. Cotillard, "La vie en rose"
7. Moore, "Far from Heaven"
8. Swinton, "Michael Clayton"
9. Streep, "Adaptation."
10. Brody, " The Pianist"

Most Egregious Omissions:
Huppert, "The Piano Teacher"
Allen, "The Upside of Anger"
McGregor, "Moulin Rouge!"

[Tom Ford]

These lists are overwhelming, but I would have ranked higher:

Streep, Hoffman, Adams, Davis - Doubt (legendary)

Kidman, Harris - The Hours (beautiful work)

Would have ranked lower: Julia Roberts, Johnny Depp (sorry 90's)

[Eric]

i love nathaniel with a list!!!

super fun! wow, those top 40!! such great acting. i'd have mo'nique a little lower, but i know how you feel about that performance.

i totes agree that meryl in prada is 132 greater than mirren in the queen! what happened that year? nobody thinks or talks about the queen, only 10 years later?

i'd include jennifer hudson in the "uniquely bad" category as well, but i was somewhat tickled to at least see her so low. :)

and yeah, wow 2005 was our worst best actress list this new millennium, huh?

and i agree with every single head scratcher (though i liked rinko kukuchi and brad pitt more than you did)! lots of good actors in that part of the list, but not anyone's finest hour!

[Mike in Canada]

It's too bad you haven't seen The Cooler. It's fun, it's got some good Bello, and Baldwin would probably fall in your 50-100 range.

[Lala]

I hate Blanchett in The Aviator. I'll never understand the praise for her in that.

[Lala]

Also Don Cheadle was so good in Hotel Rwanda! I'm surprised you're not a fan. I would've given him the Oscar for sure.

[eurocheese]

No judgment on the misses - I still haven't talked myself into seeing Bardem in Biutiful - but Tommy Lee Jones is pretty great in In the Valley of Elah. Might be worth an afternoon watch sometime. (The Cooler was eh.)

Mine, and I had to go 25 because 10 wasn't happening:
1. Nicole Kidman, Moulin Rouge!
2. Jake Gyllenhaal, Brokeback Mountain
3. Heath Ledger, Brokeback Mountain
4. Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada
5. Julianne Moore, Far From Heaven
6. Sean Penn, Milk
7. Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls (sorry not sorry)
8. Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood
9. Carey Mulligan, An Education
10. Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

11. Julianne Moore, The Hours
12. Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
13. Julia Roberts, Erin Brockovich
14. Laura Linney, You Can Count On Me
15. Kate Winslet, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
16. Clive Owen, Closer
17. Natalie Portman, Closer
18. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chicago
19. Viola Davis, Doubt
20. Don Cheadle, Hotel Rwanda

21. Penelope Cruz, Volver
22. Nicole Kidman, The Hours
23. Charlize Theron, Monster
24. Sissy Spacek, In the Bedroom
25. Tom Wilkinson, In the Bedroom

[.]

@ Lala

I'm not huge on Blanchett's Hepburn either. Cinephiles tend to overpraise and overrate her in just about anything though.

[.]

Poor Renee Zellweger. After her charming turn in Bridget Jones Diary and her fun turn in Chicago, she had to win for her worst nominated performance :(

[Michael Rossi]

Stanley Tucci's work in The Lovely Bones is easily the worst Oscar nominated performance I have ever seen. Well done Nathaniel :-)

[Edward L.]

I also think Tommy Lee Jones is well worth seeing in In the Valley of Elah. He's excellent in it. Alec Baldwin is fine in The Cooler, just not one for the ages.

Ten from me that I think are great (in no particular order):

Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Chris Cooper, Adaptation.
Meryl Streep, Adaptation.
Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Viggo Mortensen, Eastern Promises
Monique, Precious
Hilary Swank, Million Dollar Baby
Bill Murray, Lost in Translation
Marisa Tomei, In the Bedroom

And five that I don't get:

Tim Robbins, Mystic River
Sean Penn, Mystic River
Will Smith, Ali
Renée Zellweger, Cold Mountain
Tom Wilkinson, Michael Clayton

[Alex]

Oh man, I WISH Alan Alda had been in Little Miss Sunshine. That's a beautiful typo.

[Rami]

You know it's an amazing top 10 when even Kidman in Moulin Rouge can't crack it :-)

[Frank]

Did you include Julianne Moore in Still Alice in your list? I might be blind and just keep on missing it ...

[NATHANIEL R]

Frank -- this list is the Aughts (2000-2009) so before Julianne's Still Alice time.

[mcv]

what does the * mean?
julia roberts in erin b does belong in the top 20. she was great in erin b. such a great performance which tapped into her natural charisma and moviestar wattage while allowing her to fill some great comedic and dramatic moments.

[Paul Outlaw]

@ Lala & .

That Aviator ranking (not only on this list) is a real head-scratcher for me too. My Top 5 Blanchett performances of '00-'10 are

Sheba Hart (Notes on a Scandal)
Jude (I'm Not There)
Charlotte Gray
Veronica Guerin
Daisy (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)

Her Sheba Hart is an outstanding bit of work. But her Katharine Hepburn wouldn't rank as high as Galadriel on my list...

[Morganb]

Charlize is way too low but otherwise fantastic list and fantastic work! I love Felicity Huffman in Transamerica but that might just be me...

[Morganb]

And i will fight to the death for Kate Winslet in Little Children - my god what a year 2006 was!

[Donovan]

Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole is not on this list....

[Lars]

@mcv : * denotes the winner

Need to make my own list now :)

[beyaccount]

Thanks for sharing such a great list, but Depp at number 3 is glaring out at me. I'm not sure the performance is "so amazing. I can't even..." worthy. Depp's acting in those films is over-the-top impressionism like Meryl in The Iron Lady.

[MARK]

WORST -Blanchett in TGA is the worst Actress nominated performance,Depp in Finding Neverland the worst Actor,Tucci worst Supporting Actor & The Zeeee for worst Supporting Actress.

BEST -Theron the Best Actress,Day Lewis TWBB Best Actor,Waltz Best Supporting Actor & Mo'nique Best Supporrting Actress.

[Carmen Sandiego]

Mo'nique in Precious as #1, that is correct.

As one of the resident contrarians, I'll stick up for Zellweger in Chicago, she was brilliant in it, even if one has qualms with her dancing skills (the strong direction and the clever editing do away with any difficulties she may have had).

Also, Meryl in Doubt is like Davis in Baby Jane. I love love LOVE it and she should have won all the awards that year. She should also have devoured her fellow nominees on stage as her acceptance speech.

[Thomas]

1. Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton (2007)
2. Mo'Nique, Precious (2009)
3. Charlize Theron, Monster (2003)
4. Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson (2006)
5. Kate Winslet, Eternal Sunshine (2004)
6. Gabby Sidibe, Precious (2009)
7. Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler (2008)
8. Julianne Moore, Far From Heaven (2002)
9. Laura Linney, You Can Count on Me (2000)
10. Virginia Madsen, Sideways (2004)

11. Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler (2008)
12. Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
13. Cate Blanchett, I'm Not There (2007)
14. Marion Cotillard, La Vie En Rose (2007)
15. Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood (2007)
16. Hilary Swank, Million Dollar Baby (2004)
17. Heath Ledger, Brokeback Mountain (2005)
18. Catalina Sandino Moreno, Maria Full of Grace (2004)
19. Imelda Staunton, Vera Drake (2004)
20., Julie Christie, Away From Her (2007)

21. Penelope Cruz, Volver (2006)
22. Joan Allen, The Contender (2000)
23. Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker (2009)
24. Amy Adams, Junebug (2005)
25. Meryl Streep, Adaptation (2002)
26. Judi Dench, Notes on a Scandal (2006)
27. Holly Hunter, Thirteen (2003)
28. Ben Kingsley, Sexy Beast (2001)
29. Ellen Burstyn, Requiem for a Dream (2000)
30. Helen Mirren, Gosford Park (2000)

31. Julianne Moore, The Hours (2002)
32. Chris Cooper, Adaptation (2002)
33. Julia Roberts, Erin Brockovich (2000)
34. Clive Owen, Closer (2004)
35. Laura Linney, The Savages (2007)
36. Hal Holbrook, Into the Wild (2007)
37. Javier Bardem, Before Night Falls (2000)
38. Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener (2005)
39. Ellen Page, Juno (2007)
40. Michelle Williams, Brokeback Mountain (2005)

41. Terence Howard, Hustle & Flow (2005)
42. Richard Jenkins, The Visitor (2008)
43. Frances McDormand, Almost Famous (2000)
44. Woody Harrelson, The Messenger (2009)
45. Benicio Del Toro, Traffic (2000)
46. Carey Mulligan, An Education (2009)
47. Christoph Waltz, Inglorious Basterds (2009)
48. Adriana Barazza, Babel (2006)
49. Shohreh Agdashloo, House of Sand and Fog (2003)
50. Cate Blanchett, Notes on a Scandal (2006)

51. Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married (2008)
52. Judi Dench, Iris (2001)
53. Viggo Mortensen, Eastern Promises (2007)
54. Tom Wilkinson, Michael Clayton (2007)
55. William Hurt, A History of Violence (2005)
56. Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road (2008)
57. Annette Bening, Being Julia (2004)
58. Sean Penn, Milk (2008)
59. Nicole Kidman, Moulin Rouge! (2001)
60. Colin Firth, A Single Man (2009)

61. Sissy Spacek, In the Bedroom (2001)
62. Casey Affleck, The Assassination of Jesse James (2007)
63. Diane Lane, Unfaithful (2002)
64. Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air (2009)
65. Tom Wilkinson, In the Bedroom (2001)
66. Natalie Portman, Closer (2004)
67. Kate Winslet, Iris (2000)
68. Marisa Tomei, In the Bedroom (2001)
69. Matt Dillon, Crash (2005)
70. Felicity Huffman, Transamerica (2005)

71. Forrest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland (2006)
72. Denzel Washington, Training Day (2001)
73. Melissa Leo, Frozen River (2008)
74. Jamie Foxx, Collateral (2004)
75. Laura Linney, Kinsey (2004)
76. George Clooney, Michael Clayton (2007)
77. Morgan Freeman, Million Dollar Baby (2004)
78. Christopher Walken, Catch Me If You Can (2002)
79. Maggie Smith, Gosford Park (2000)
80. Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart (2009)

81. Marcia Gay Harden, Pollock (2009)
82. Ed Harris, Pollock (2000)
83. Don Cheadle, Hotel Rwanda (2004)
84. Nicolas Cage, Adaptation (2002)
85. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote (2005)
86. Marcia Gay Harden, Mystic River (2003)
87. Saoirse Ronan, Atonement (2007)
88. Michael Caine, The Quiet American (2002)
89. Catherine Keener, Capote (2005)
90. Jackie Earle Haley, Little Children (2006)

91. Ben Kingsley, House of Sand and Fog (2003)
92. Kate Hudson, Almost Famous (2000)
93. Sean Penn, Mystic River (2003)
94. Benicio Del Toro, 21 Grams (2003)
95. Jake Gyllenhaal, Brokeback Mountain (2005)
96. Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight (2008)
97. Adrien Brody, The Pianist (2002)
98. Bill Murray, Lost in Translation (2003)
99. Viola Davis, Doubt (2008)
100. Robert Downey Jr, Tropic Thunder (2008)

101. Helen Mirren, The Queen (2006)
102. Samantha Morton, In America (2003)
103. Jude Law, Cold Mountain (2003)
104. Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon (2008)
105. Djimon Hounsou, In America (2003)
106. Josh Brolin, Milk (2008)
107. Meryl Streep, Julia & Julia (2009)
108. Daniel Day Lewis, Gangs of New York (2002)
109. Ed Harris, The Hours (2002)
110. Halle Berry, Monsters Ball (2001)

111. Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
112. Jack Nicholson, About Schmidt (2002)
113. Willem Dafoe, Shadow of the Vampire (2000)
114. Javier Bardem, No Country For Old Men (2007)
115. Diane Keaton, Something's Gotta Give (2003)
116. Nicole Kidman, The Hours (2002)
117. David Straithairn, Good Night and Good Luck (2005)
118. Thomas Hayden Church, Sideways (2004)
119. Keisha Castle Hughes, Whale Rider (2003)
120. Albert Finney, Erin Brockovich (2000)

121. Renée Zellweger, Bridge Jones Diary (2001)
122. Penelope Cruz, Nine (2009)
123. Clint Eastwood, Million Dollar Baby (2004)
124. Frances McDormand, North Country (2005)
125. Ethan Hawke, Training Day (2001)
126. Sophie Okonedo, Hotel Rwanda (2004)
127. Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone (2007)
128. Joaquin Phoenix, Walk the Line (2005)
129. Jim Broadbent, Iris (2001)
130. Jamie Foxx, Ray (2004)

131. Renee Zellweger, Chicago (2002)
132. Meryl Streep, Doubt (2008)
133. Ken Watanabe, The Last Samurai (2003)
134. Jennifer Connelly, A Beautiful Mind (2000)
135. Tom Hanks, Castaway (2000)
136. Jeff Bridges, The Contender (2000)
137. Djimon Hounsou, Blood Diamond (2006)
138. Naomi Watts, 21 Grams (2003)
139. Mark Wahlberg, The Departed (2006)
140. Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

141. Keira Knightley, Pride & Prejudice (2005)
142. George Clooney, Syriana (2005)
143. Russell Crowe, Gladiator (2000)
144. Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line (2005)
145. Kate Winslet, The Reader (2008)
146. Will Smith, Ali (2001)
147. Abigail Breslin, Little Miss Sunchine (2006)
148. George Clooney, Up in the Air (2009)
149. Ruby Dee, American Gangster (2007)
150. Christopher Plummer, The Last Station (2009)

151. Geoffrey Rush, Quills (2000)
152. Patricia Clarkson, Pieces of April (2003)
153. Kathy Bates, About Schmidt (2003)
154. Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air (2009)
155. Julie Walters, Billy Elliott (2000)
156. Johnny Depp, The Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)
157. Catherine Zeta Jones, Chicago (2002)
158. Russell Crowe, A Beautiful Mind (2001)
159. McKellen, Lord of the Rings (2001)
160. Renee Zellwegger, Cold Mountain (2003)

161. Rinko Kikuchi, Babel (2006)
162. Cate Blanchett, The Aviator (2004)
163. Angelina Jolie, Changeling (2008)
164. Helen Mirren, The Last Station (2009)
165. Juliette Binoche, Chocolat (2000)
166. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Charlie Wilson's War (2007)
167. Morgan Freeman, Invictus (2009)
168. Amy Adams, Doubt (2008)
169. Alan Arkin, Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
170. Paul Newman, Road to Perdition (2002)

171. Charlize Theron, North Country (2005)
172. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy Heart (2009)
173. Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls (2006)
174. Paul Giamatti, Cinderella Man (2005)
175. Judi Dench, Mrs Henderson Presents (2005)
176. Matt Damon, Invictus (2009)
177. Salma Hayek, Frida (2002)
178. Judi Dench, Chocolat (2000)
179. Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd (2007)
180. Peter O'Toole, Venus (2006)

181. Alan Alda, The Aviator (2004)
182. Joaquin Phoenix, Gladiator (2000)
183. Johnny Depp, Finding Neverland (2004)
184. Taraji P Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
185. Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
186. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt (2008)
187. Jon C. Reilly, Chicago (2002)
188. Queen Latifah, Chicago (2002)
189. Leonardo DiCaprio, The Aviator (2004)
190. Jon Voight, Ali (2001)

191. Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
192. Tim Robbins, Mystic River (2003)
193. Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side (2009)
194. Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls (2006)
195. Sean Penn, I Am Sam (2001)
196. Leonardo DiCaprio, Blood Diamond (2006)
197. Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones (2009)

[NATHANIEL R]

Donovan - she's on the other list (2010-2015)

[Jeremy]

Just when I think I'm over Bill Murray in Lost in Translation losing to ITS THAT MY DAUGHTER IN THERE, this list happens and Im upset again. I Am Sam should've made Sean Penn ineligible for the next five years.

[Tony T]

I'm too lazy to make a good list like this but I'll make some comments about your top 15 instead.
Nathaniel, our movie tastes align much much better than our TV and actor tastes.

Mo'Nique, Precious (2009) - Great performance - wish she banked on it and followed it up with more work- may have not been available

Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada (2006) - really really fun to watch but becoming overrated as of late. The performance not Streep who is a legend.

Johnny Depp, The Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) - not sure how this places this high.

Heath Ledger, Brokeback Mountain (2005) - landmark performance but also I think places a bit too high. Most of the praise I think belongs to the movie rather than the actor

Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood (2007) * - that would be my number 1

Judi Dench, Notes on a Scandal (2006) - that would also be my number 1. We definitely do not talk about that performance or that movie enough. The Dench/Blanchett duet in this is extraordinary and completely unpretentious.

Christoph Waltz, Inglorious Basterds (2009) - great performance and characterization. Completely ruined in retrospect by subsequent work

Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton (2007) - I adore this performance as well but I also think places too high here

Ellen Burstyn, Requiem for a Dream (2000) - absolutely in my top 5. What a great role!

Viggo Mortensen, Eastern Promises (2007) - I love that movie and Viggo's work with Cronenberg. Also admittedly forgot Viggo was even nominated for this.

Nicole Kidman, Moulin Rouge! (2001) - one of the few real star making performances of the last 20 years.

Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler (2008) - I think more great casting than great acting here.But it was my best actor of that year.

Julianne Moore, Far From Heaven (2002) - Surprised at the fact that this didn't make your top 5.

Imelda Staunton, Vera Drake (2004) - I adore Vera Drake and Imelda Staunton in it. That movie got so much praise in 2004 and then everyone stopped talking about it. That's the risk with understated movies. But it a real great and it has so many layers .

Kate Winslet, Eternal Sunshine (2004) - cult favorite. movie and role.

I think my top 20 would be all actresses and Day Lewis and Mortensen.

[Suzanne]

Like others, I don't get how Johnny Depp is at #3...? I'm rather shocked you would have given Johnny Depp the Oscar over Bill Murray.

I've never seen The Lovely Bones. I guess I'm not missing anything.

Anyway, these are 10 that have stayed with me.

Bill Murray, Lost in Translation
Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada (could also be here for Adaptation)
Judy Dench, Notes on a Scandal
Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton
George Clooney, Michael Clayton
Tom Wilkinson, Michael Clayton (could also be here for In the Bedroom)
Marcia Gay Harden, Pollock
Ellen Burstyn, Requiem for a Dream
Julianne Moore, Far From Heaven
Chris Cooper, Adaptation.

[ScottC]

Great project, and solid ranking. I think those bottom four categories are especially on-target and very well-described, even if I like Mirren in The Queen and both Phoenix performances more than you do (I'm with Hannah - at this point I don't think Gladiator is terribly interesting to watch, except for Phoenix's work in it).

[Yavor]

The Blanchett performances of 2000 - 2009 that I re-watch the most are:

*Galadriel LOTR - the extended edition of Fellowship of the Ring is easily Supporting Actress Oscar-worthy
*Cate / Shelly Coffee & Cigarettes - Supporting Actress Oscar-worthy
*Katharine Hepburn The Aviator - Some of her scenes are just brilliant

Cate Blanchett always makes her characters very particular. With her, it's always working on some level.

[Pivo]

The Brazilian struggle is real: http://variety.com/2016/film/in-contention/oscars-controversy-aquarius-brazil-1201845672/

[WhatWhatinThe]

This is incredibly difficult.

My Top 5 (in no particular order):
* Mo'Nique, Precious
* Meryl Streep, Devil Wears Prada
* Daniel Day Lewis, There Will Be Blood
* Judi Dench, Notes on a Scandal
* Ellen Burstyn, Requiem for a Dream

I haven't seen enough of Ellen's work to comment, but for the other four, the above performances are easily their career best work, which is saying a lot given some of their careers.

It would be much more difficult to choose the next 5. For me the top 5 stand out from the rest, but if I HAD to chose at this very moment I would add the following (in no particular order):
* Johnny Depp, Pirates
* Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
* Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton
* Ian McKellen, The Fellowship of the Ring
* Bill Murray, Lost in Translation

With Ledger (Brokeback), Brody (Pianist), Winslet (Sunshine), Cooper (Adaptation), Waltz (Basterds) and Moore (Heaven) as very very close alternates that might make it if you ask me again in 10 minutes.

[cash]

Sean Penn in Mystic River is too high. I do not get that Oscar win at all.

[beyaccount]

@Tony The reason why Mo'Nique didn't follow up on Precious was that she was blackballed.

[gwynn1984]

I spent way too much time with this, so...

Nate's winners:

2000 - Bardem, Burstyn Del Toro*, Harden*
2001 - Washington*, Kidman, McKellen, Tomei
2002 - Brody*, Moore, Cooper*, Zeta-Jones*
2003 - Depp, Keaton, Del Toro, Hunter
2004 - DiCaprio, Staunton, Owen, Madsen
2005 - Ledger, Witherspoon*, Gyllenhaal, Weisz*
2006 - Gosling, Streep, Murphy, Barazza
2007 - Day-Lewis*, Christie, Bardem*, Swinton*
2008 - Rourke, Hathaway, Ledger*, Cruz*
2009 - Firth, Sidibe, Waltz*, Mo'Nique*

Trivia:

Most Heartbreaking Nate Loss - Dench, 2006
Best Year of Nate Winners- 2007
Worst Year of Nate Winners - 2005
Worst Nate Winner - Tomei, 2001
2 Nate Wins in the Oughts: Bardem, Del Toro, Ledger
Interesting Co-Stars with Nate Wins - Ledger/Gyllenhaal, Sidibe/Mo'Nique

[DO]

Blanchett in The Aviator, Worst Oscar winning performance
It reminded me of a Carol Burnett show parody
Daniel Day Lewis There will be blood #1 for me...Followed by Streep in Devil wears Prada...
She gave such humanity to a character that is completely a one note villain in the book..
Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo best duo ever in You can count on me..

[Dusty]

I am surprised that Julianne Moore in 'Far from Heaven' was not ranked even higher! It's a shame that Dennis Quaid & Patricia Clarkson's performances in that movie were not nominated & eligible for this list.

[/3rtful]

The reason why Mo'Nique didn't follow up on Precious was that she was blackballed.

Her husband-manager negotiated her out of offers. And you can't blackball a person who held no power to begin with.

[LadyEdith]

I'm late this thread but I have a few thoughts. I love the work and attention you put into this list.
Also I find I'm mostly in agreement with your choices regarding the top & bottom of the scale.

Kudos for sticking up for 2 classic comic performances. (Meryl Streep in Prada
& Johnny Depp in the first Pirates)
Both of those performances were unique & original. They became classics that everyone knows & quotes. Familiarity sometimes breeds contempt or at the very least people take them for granted. But these performances hold up over time & are every bit as extraordinary as Daniel Day Lewis in TWBB.

The bottom 10 belong there. Glad you called out some great actors on their over-acting.
This is fun - is there another decade you would be interested in doing?

[Sonja]

I've seen The Aviator twice and I always forgot Blanchett was in that.
Meryl in TDWP is simply iconic. That's all.
And so fantastic in Adaptation! Thank god CZJ went Lead at the Globes. 8)
That the film didn't get in for BP, BD and score is a CRIME.
And Stanley Tucci is a deserving nominee in 2009.... for Julie&Julia!
But of course a creepy childmurderer is way more baity to the Academy than a sweet and supporting husband. *sigh*

[Josh]

Don't know if i can rank them all but I'm pretty confident that Mickey Rourke is by far my favorite. I love that performance.

[ferdi]

I hated PRECIOUS, one of the most overrated movies of the last twenty years, so i don't get all this Mo'nique praise (she was great, but not top 10 worthy for me).
Love your ranking of Streep (Prada), Day-Lewis (Blood), Ledger (Brokeback), Dench (Scandal) and Burstyn (Requiem): those performances are out of this world.
I would have put in my top 10, in no particular order, also Moore (Heaven), Kidman (Moulin) and Winslet (Sunshine).
Blanchett (I'm not there and Notes on a Scandal) and Moore (The Hours) are TOO LOW.

This kind of lists makes me fall in love with your site over and over again. so much fun!

[JB]

The most frustrating thing about that Tucci nom, is that same year he was just sublime in Julia and Julia, and would have been such a deserving nominee for that film!

[NATHANIEL R]

Lady Edith - not sure i could do other decades without a million rewatches. it's been so long for anything pre 2000.

[Jans]

Blanchett's performance in Aviator reminds me of Streep's in August - over the top, mannered and unnecessary flourishes and gestures. I love them both but those may be some of their worst.

[MARK]

Agreed,far too fussy but Streep has momentswhere she is superb as does Blanchett.