Summary

• Cillian Murphy's performance in Oppenheimer was vital to the film's success, as he perfectly embodied the historical figure.
• Biographical roles are highly sought-after by actors and often lead to accolades during award season.
• Actors like Daniel Day-Lewis, Jamie Foxx, and Val Kilmer have showcased their meticulous attention to detail in portraying real-life figures.

Cillian Murphy's performance in Oppenheimer was a massive part of the film's success, as it nailed the casting of its titular historical figure. From cultural icons to politicians to great musicians, movie stars have often suited up as famous figures for biographical films. Through makeup and prosthetics, mannerisms, and speech patterns, actors have been able to truly embody their historical character. Several actors have shown a meticulous commitment to detail in forming their portrayals.

Biographical roles are highly desirable to actors, as they allow them to transform into someone totally different. The pre-existing cultural knowledge about a historical figure also adds to the character's appeal, often adding to the acclaim when it's pulled off. Biopics are prominent forces in award season, with many acting awards going to celebrated portrayals of real people. In the 2020s alone, Daniel Kaluuya, Will Smith, and Jessica Chastain won Academy Awards for playing historical figures, and Cillian Murphy could certainly claim Best Actor for 2023.

10 Oppenheimer (2023)

Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan described the process of selecting Cillian Murphy for Oppenheimer after looking at the image of J. Robert Oppenheimer on the cover of American Prometheus. He says, "I've been staring at the cover of the book American Prometheus for so many months, and there's this photograph, black and white, a light blue-eyed stare, very intense, of this guy." (via Christopher Nolan's most frequent collaborators, and his uncanny resemblance to the topical figure of Oppenheimer combined with his signature intensity made him perfect to star in the film.

9 Lincoln (2012)

Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln

Daniel Day-Lewis is widely considered one of the greatest actors ever, known for his transformative performances in movies like There Will Be Blood, Gangs of New York, and, of course, Lincoln. His portrayal of Abraham Lincoln has an uncanny resemblance to photographs of the American president, and Day-Lewis' meticulous attention to detail and research allowed him to embody the man entirely. Despite not knowing how Lincoln would sound, Daniel Day-Lewis brought an authentic feeling to the character.

8 Ray (2004)

Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles

Jamie Foxx won his Academy Award for the role of Ray Charles in the musical biopic Ray. Not only did Foxx physically resemble the iconic singer, but he heavily immersed himself in the role, mastering his distinct voice and style. The film captures the highs and lows of Ray Charles's musical and personal life, embellished by Jamie Foxx's complete transformation into the character. Portraying a musician is even more challenging, as the actor has to capture their demeanor, stage presence, and musical talent.

7 The Doors (1991)

Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison

One of the best Oliver Stone movies, the highlight of The Doors is undoubtedly Val Kilmer's performance as lead singer Jim Morrison. The film primarily explores his life, and Val Kilmer looks just like him on and off the stage. Kilmer does an incredible job capturing Morrison's physical stage presence, charisma, and enigmatic personality away from his music. Kilmer is perfectly cast as the rock legend, making The Doors a worthwhile biopic to watch.

6 Spencer (2021)

Kristen Stewart as Diana, Princess of Wales

While Elizabeth Debicki and Emma Corrin are phenomenal as Diana in The Crown, Kristen Stewart brought the iconic princess to life on the big screen for Spencer. Pablo Larraín's horror biopic is meant to stir anxiety as Diana is trapped in a challenging marriage with Prince Charles. Kristin Stewart channels Princess Diana for the role, bringing vulnerability and complexity to the most poignant portrayal of the real-life figure, earning the actress her first Academy Award nomination.

5 Darkest Hour (2017)

Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill

Gary Oldman typically looks nothing like Winston Churchill, which is part of what made his role as the Prime Minister so astonishing. Darkest Hour isn't the best movie, but the performance alone was enough to make it one of Gary Oldman's best movies. With hours of prosthetic work each day, Oldman transformed into Churchill, and the veteran actor also captured the prominent World War II figure's distinctive voice and commanding presence. Oldman has always been a versatile actor, and Darkest Hour won him his first Oscar.

4 Vice (2018)

Christian Bale as Dick Cheney

Like Gary Oldman in Darkest Hour, Christian Bale is nearly unrecognizable as Vice President Dick Cheney in Vice. Bale underwent a notable physical transformation to embody Dick Cheney, complimenting his nuanced portrayal with an immersive devotion to the look. Christian Bale is known for his body transformations for roles, but his work on Vice made it one of his most memorable. Co-star Amy Adams described it, saying, "He's more Dick Cheney than Dick Cheney." (via Jimmy Kimmel Live!)

3 Judy (2019)

Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland

Another Academy Award-winning performance was Renée Zellweger's portrayal of Judy Garland in Judy. Set thirty years after the making of The Wizard of Oz, the life of the iconic actress and the challenges she faced in the entertainment industry are explored. Zellweger captures Judy Garland's talent and vulnerability in a way that resonates with audiences, contextualizing her harrowing life story that many don't know about.

2 Malcolm X (1992)

Denzel Washington as Malcolm X

In one of Spike Lee's best movies, the always incredible Denzel Washington brings the charismatic and militant Malcolm X to life. Based primarily on The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Spike Lee's epic is one of the most nuanced and reflective biopics ever made. Washington's performance is deep and intense, playing the historical figure through different eras of his complicated life, which is a large part of the film's lasting critical acclaim. Malcolm X is one of the most integral films in the biopic genre.

1 I'm Not There (2007)

Cate Blanchett as Bob Dylan

I'm Not There is a movie based on a real person that's more than just a biopic. In the Todd Haynes film, music legend Bob Dylan is portrayed by six different actors, including Heath Ledger and Christian Bale. Cate Blanchett's Bob Dylan persona is the most accurate to what one might expect, capturing his enigmatic, poetic side. I'm Not There is a beautifully strange, unconventional biopic that captures the musician's multifaceted personality through its varying performances rather than a cohesive narrative.

Sources: THR, Jimmy Kimmel Live!