Favorite Best Actors

1. James Cagney for Yankee Doodle Dandy :I just rewatched this film not too long ago and there has probably never been a more energetic actor than James Cagney. Granted this is not one of his infamous gangster roles but Cagney fits right into the role of George M. Cohan just as well as his tough guys. His dancing always reminds me of a wind up toy only he never winds down and just keeps going.

2. William Holden for Stalag 17: Some people consider this to be a make up Oscar for not winning for "Sunset BLVD." I disagree, Holden was the perfect leading man for the cynical Billy Wilder world, he took the mantle from Bogart in the 50s with films like this playing a tough army officer who is accused of being a Nazi spy. In many ways he's the perfect Wilder hero, and Holden's performance balances the films humour, cynicism, suspense, and drama very nicely.

3. Marlon Brando for The Godfather: Probably the best "character role" Oscar given to anybody. Brando dolls himself up with cottonball cheeks, a soft raspy voice, and a cat on his lap to give us one of the greatest screen icons forever. Although I question that this role was indeed a lead actor one (It's pretty much Pacino's story even though he was given a supporting nomination) Brando's presence is greatly felt and one of his last really great performances.

4. Alec Guinness for Bridge on the River Kwai: Guinness was probably the best chameleon ever with his early comedic roles but in this famous epic film, he's the proper British soldier who is so preoccupied with building the perfect bridge by British soldiers, it doesn't occur to him till the tragic ending that he was helping the enemy. Was he mad or just completely oblivious? His courage, stubbornness, and madness made him, I think one of the most contradictory and fascinating characters in film.

5. Spencer Tracey for Captains Couragous: Tracey has probably had better roles, but I think my favorite performance by him is in this as the happy go lucky fisherman who teaches a spoiled brat the ways of the world. In many ways it's over the top especially the phony accent, but Tracey is able to find great truth and humanity in this character. This is one of the overlooked gems that should be considered a classic film for children up there with "The Wizard of Oz."