#7, Morgan Freeman

Actor: Morgan Freeman

#1 Film: The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

4 other top films: #2, Driving Miss Daisy (1989), #3, Million Dollar Baby (2004), #4, Seven (1995), #5, Street Smart (1987)

Critique: From narration in many films, voicing in many films, and acting in many films, Morgan Freeman has changed the thought of acting in various different ideals. In by far his best performance ever in The Shawshank Redemption , Morgan Freeman plays his character Red to perfection.

Recognitions: Morgan Freeman has been nominated for 4 academy awards and 4 Golden Globes. He has won the Golden Globe for Best Actor for his performance in Driving Miss Daisy.

#8, Russell Crowe

Actor: Russell Crowe

#1 Film: Gladiator (2000)

4 other top films: #2, A Beautiful Mind (2001), #3, The Insider (1999), #4, Cinderella Man (2005), #5, L.A Confidential (1997)

Critique: Though he has only produced 29 films in his career, Russell Crowe has taken on his roles to perfection. In a span of three years from 1999 to 2001 Russell Crowe was nominated for back to back academy awards for his perfomances in The Insider, Gladiator, and A Beautiful Mind. Till today I have not seen anyone who can match that record, he has done it and with ease because he is able to bring such greatness to his roles as an actor.

Recognitions: Russell Crowe has been nominated for 8 Screen Actor Guild Awards and has won 1 for his performance in A Beautiful Mind. He has been nominated for 3 academy awards and won 1 for Maximus Meridius in Gladiator. To add to those he was also nominated for 5 Golden Globes and has won 2, so even though he has only made 29 films, he has gotten much recognition for them.

#9, Denzel Washington

Actor: Denzel Washington

#1 Film: Training Day (2001)

4 other top films: #2, The Hurricane (1999), #3, Malcolm X (1992), #4, Glory (1989), #5, Antwone Fisher (2002)

Critique: For 28 years now, the work of Denzel Washington has been seen on the big screen and awarded for his performance. The platform on which Washington has appeared as an actor is incredible from his performance in Glory till now in The Taking of Pelham 123, he has not stopped to show us any less of what he is capable of doing. His acting is beyond excellent, his movies are great, and the caliber to which he sets films is astronomical. I speak for everyone when I say, Denzel Washington is nothing less of a great actor in the world of film.

Recognitions: Denzel Washington throughout his life has been nominated for 72 awards, 5 of them academy awards and 5 Golden Globes. He won 4 awards including the academy award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Glory as Private Trip, he has also won 7 awards for his performance as Malcolm X in Malcolm X. He has won 4 awards for Best Actor in his performance in The Hurricane including the Golden Globe. In his best film, Training Day, Washington won 7 awards for Best Actor including the academy award for his performance as Detective Alonzo Harris.

#10, Leonardo DiCaprio

Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio

#1 Film: The Aviator (2004)

4 Other Top Films: #2, The Departed (2006), #3, Blood Diamond (2006), #4, Titanic (1997), #5, Catch Me if You Can (2002)

Critique: As I was accumulating the data for this countdown I did realize how much of an impact Dicaprio made for it. His work has been acclaimed for 16 years and the movies he has starred in have been magnificent. Films that also deserve some recognition for his work are Revolutionary Road (2008), Gangs of New York (2002), Romeo and Juliet (1995), and his earliest acclaimed film, What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993). What I notice as I continue to see Dicaprio's work, is that he has created every role he has been given a complete work of art.

Recognitions: Dicaprio has been nominated for 30 awards in his film career, but only 2 of those have been for academy awards, and 7 for Golden Globes.

Actor/Actress Countdown Week

In these following weeks, I will be counting down from 10 to 1 the best actors and actresses, this week starting with the actor day by day I will be stating the name of the actor, his best films, his #1 film, a critique for his acting and the recognitions they have received.

#1, Beauty and the Beast

Title: Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Signature Quote: "Of course I came back, I couldn't let them hurt you."

Script: 4.9

Directing: 4.9

Acting/Voices: 4.9

My Grade: 4.9

Abstract: Belle is a nice and ordinary girl who lives a simple life in town with her father. The Beast is a arrogant man who in reality is a prince, who was transformed to a Beast. When Belle's father is taken prisoner in a castle by the Beast, she is forced to find him and persuade the Beast to let him free, but when she arrives at the castle the Beast influences her life more than she could ever think of and in a way, she transforms him into someone he never knew he could become.

Critique: Indeedly the most beautiful love story ever told, Beauty and the Beast to me is the greatest achievement in the world of film. The only animated feature ever nominated for Best Picture in 1991, Beauty and the Beast is by far the best animated film ever drawn up and that is why it is ranked #1 on my countdown. Ressurecting the world of animation to me in the early 90's shows why Beauty and the Beast is much more than just an ordinary film, it is an extraordinary love story. Incredible and excitedly genius Beauty and the Beast, is a very indulging and enjoying film to watch. The most beautiful love story ever told, Beauty and the Beast, is #1 on my animation countdown for now and ever because it reached new heights in the world of animation.

Recogntions: Beauty and the Beast, was nominated for four academy awards including Best Picture, Best Score, and Best Song. It received the award for Best Score and Best Original Song, though it failed to receive the award for Best Picture it is widely accalaimed as the best animation film ever made.

#2, The Lion King

Title: The Lion King (1994)

Signature Quote: "Remember who you are, you are my son, the one true king. Remember.."

Script: 4.9

Directing: 4.8

Acting/Voices: 4.8

My Grade: 4.9

Abstract: After the death of his memorable father, a young lion cub, Simba longs to take the throne of king in the circle of life.

Critique: Greatness is the word which I think of in The Lion King. This film was not great because of it's animation, but because of it's story. The circle of life in animals which is constantly displayed in this film is amazing in everyway. A great film to watch overall.

Recognitons: The Lion King won the award for Best Score in the academy awards, but failed to win the award for Best Original Song.