Gary Oldman

Gary Leonard Oldman is a British actor and director. He is well-known for his versatility as well as his passionate acting style. He was honored with an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and three British Academy Film Awards. His films have made more than $11 billion globally, making him one of the highest-grossing performers of all time.

His portrayal of Winston Churchill, possibly the most British figure of all time, is a rare example of a makeup technique that does not overpower the performance. Like all of his characters, Oldman discovers Churchill's humanity. His performance as George Smiley in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is another well-known British classic, this time from the pen of acclaimed author John le Carré.

His place on this list is most likely assured by his roles as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series and Commissioner Gordon in Nolan's Batman epic. He gives each of those parts particular humanity that shows through despite the weight of the brands. Though it is his more challenging work in films like Mank and The Darkest Hour that will secure his legacy moving forward.