The Top Five Greatest Movie Actors Working Today

This is definitely another one that is going to be subject to a tremendous amount of interpretation. It is a topic that is regularly debated in homes, offices and critics' chairs the world over. It is without question a difficult call to make. There are so many things to take into consideration. I have often believed that many great actors go without the recognition that they deserve because they have yet to find the right vehicle to showcase their talents. There are many great actors who didn't even receive consideration for that reason alone. Perhaps a tragic flaw but one that could be corrected over time.

For now, here are the top five greatest movie actors working today in no particular order.

1. Don Cheadle. The first time I took notice of this man's ability was in the now classic Boogie Nights. He was completely believable whenever he spoke and he was clearly a disgruntled porno star who wanted to do something better with his life. The man has an uncanny ability to take on tremendously challenging roles that are not unique to his appearance or background. He can step inside the skin of his character and somehow convey to the audience not just who he is but exactly how he is feeling. I only hope he stays away from English accents in the future. I was never clear on why his Oceans' character had to be a Brit.

2. Brad Pitt. It is easy for most men to look at Pitt and conclude that he is only successful in Hollywood because of the way he looks. It would be simple to conclude that he has box office prowess in due large part to how the women will flock to any project that he engages. However, to say that he is successful strictly due to his appearance would be a grave underestimation. One need only observe his performance in Kalifornia to see a remarkable talent. To put it simply, Brad Pitt disappeared in that role and all that remained was a deranged serial killer. It wasn't a one-time thing either. This guy pulls it off time and time again.

3. Sean Penn. From Fast Times to Dead Man Walking there isn't much this Hollywood veteran can't do. He can deliver a performance so great that if the rest of the film isn't up to standard, he will leave it behind. The film can suffer but he rarely does. This Academy award winner can undertake any emotion or personality at a drop of a hat and he makes it seem effortless. He is a classic performer who was deserving of recognition many years prior to when it finally arrived. If he doesn't decide to start spending more time behind the camera, he will have more projects to choose from that he will ever know what to do with.

4. Daniel Day Lewis. After witnessing him in the film In The Name of The Father, I was convinced I was watching greatness. Lewis's performances exemplify what it is to be an actor. It is difficult to discuss him and his accomplishments considering the fact that so much has already been written. He has won virtually every award that exists for entertainers. He is invited to participate in projects developed by individuals coming from every corner of the globe. He is a master. If his name is associated with the project, you need never worry if you will enjoy the film. You will.

5. Gary Oldman. Perhaps the greatest and most overlooked actor in the business. Simply put, in every film he does, he becomes a different person. With most actors, the casting director decides if the character can be that actor. With Oldman, he always becomes his character. Very few in the business can do it. He is a magical performer. The Professional, True Romance, Hannibal, Batman Begins, Dracula, JFK, Harry Potter, Air Force One, Murder in the First,.... Enough said.

That is the list of the five greatest movie actors working today and many others are deserving. I'm sure names like Philip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton, Anthony Hopkins, Ralph Fiennes and so on come to mind but there just isn't enough space and time. If you have better ideas I'd be happy to hear them.