Empire Award for Best Actor

Last updated

Empire Award for Best Actor
Awarded forBest performance by an actor in a leading role
CountryUnited Kingdom
Presented by Empire magazine
First awarded1996
Currently held by Hugh Jackman - Logan (2018)
Empire Awards

The Empire Award for Best Actor was an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honor an actor who has delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role while working within the film industry. The Empire Award for Best Actor was one of five ongoing awards which were first introduced at the 1st Empire Awards ceremony in 1996 (the others being Best Actress, Best Director, Best Film and Best British Film) with Nigel Hawthorne receiving the award for his role in The Madness of King George . Winners were chosen by the readers of Empire magazine.

Contents

Since its inception, the award was given to 18 actors. Johnny Depp and James McAvoy have received the most awards in this category with two awards each. Johnny Depp was nominated on five occasions, more than any other actor. Hugh Jackman was the most recent winner in this category for his role in Logan .

Winners and nominees

In the list below, winners are listed first in the colored row in boldface, followed by the other nominees. The number of the ceremony (1st, 2nd, etc.) appears in parentheses after the awards year, linked to the article (if any) on that ceremony.

Table key
KeyDescription
 Indicates the winner

1990s

YearActorCharacterFilmRef.
 Nigel Hawthorne King George III The Madness of King George [1]
Morgan Freeman Det. Lt. William Somerset Seven [2]
Kevin Spacey Det. Sgt. Jack Vincennes L.A. Confidential [3]
Tom Hanks Captain John H. Miller Saving Private Ryan [4] [5]
Jeff Bridges Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski The Big Lebowski
Jim Carrey Truman Burbank The Truman Show
Matt Damon Will Hunting Good Will Hunting
Samuel L. Jackson Ordell Robbie Jackie Brown

2000s

YearActorCharacterFilmRef.
 Pierce Brosnan James Bond The World Is Not Enough [6] [7]
Brad Pitt Tyler Durden Fight Club
Bruce Willis Malcolm Crowe The Sixth Sense
Keanu Reeves Thomas Anderson / Neo The Matrix
Tom Cruise Dr. William "Bill" Harford Eyes Wide Shut
Russell Crowe Maximus Decimus Meridius Gladiator [8] [9]
George Clooney Ulysses Everett McGill O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Jim Carrey The Grinch Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
John Cusack Rob Gordon High Fidelity
Kevin Spacey Lester Burnham American Beauty
Elijah Wood Frodo Baggins The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring [10] [11]

[12]

Benicio del Toro Javier Rodriguez Traffic
Billy Bob Thornton Ed Crane The Man Who Wasn't There
Haley Joel Osment David A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Viggo Mortensen Aragorn The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Tom Cruise Chief John Anderton Minority Report [13]
Colin Farrell Danny Witwer Minority Report
Mike Myers Austin Powers
Dr. Evil 		Austin Powers in Goldmember
Tom Hanks Michael Sullivan, Sr. Road to Perdition
Viggo Mortensen Aragorn The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Johnny Depp Captain Jack Sparrow Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl [14]
Daniel Day-Lewis William "Bill the Butcher" Cutting Gangs of New York
Hugh Jackman Logan / Wolverine X2
Sean Astin Samwise "Sam" Gamgee The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Viggo Mortensen Aragorn The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Matt Damon David Webb / Jason Bourne The Bourne Supremacy [15]
Jim Carrey Joel Barish Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Johnny Depp J. M. Barrie Finding Neverland
Tobey Maguire Peter Parker / Spider-Man Spider-Man 2
Tom Cruise Vincent Collateral
Johnny Depp Willy Wonka Charlie And The Chocolate Factory [16] [17]

[18]

Andy Serkis Kong King Kong
Christian Bale Bruce Wayne / Batman Batman Begins
Matt Dillon Sgt. John Ryan Crash
Viggo Mortensen Tom Stall / Joey Cusack A History of Violence
Daniel Craig James Bond Casino Royale [19]
Christian Bale Alfred Borden (The Professor) / Fallon The Prestige
Johnny Depp Captain Jack Sparrow Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Leonardo DiCaprio William "Billy" Costigan, Jr. The Departed
Sacha Baron Cohen Borat Sagdiyev Borat
James McAvoy Robbie Turner Atonement [20]
Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Gerard Butler Leonidas 300
Matt Damon David Webb / Jason Bourne The Bourne Ultimatum
Simon Pegg Sgt. Nicholas "Nick" Angel Hot Fuzz
Christian Bale Bruce Wayne / Batman The Dark Knight [21]
Daniel Craig James Bond Quantum of Solace
Daniel Day-Lewis Daniel Plainview There Will Be Blood
Johnny Depp Benjamin Barker / Sweeney Todd Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Robert Downey Jr. Tony Stark / Iron Man Iron Man

2010s

YearActorCharacterFilmRef.
 Christoph Waltz SS Colonel Hans Landa Inglourious Basterds [22] [23]
Michael Caine Harold "Harry" Brown Harry Brown
Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes Sherlock Holmes
Robert Pattinson Edward Cullen The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Sam Worthington Jake Sully Avatar
Colin Firth King George VI The King's Speech [24] [25]
Aaron Taylor-Johnson Dave Lizewski / Kick-Ass Kick-Ass
James Franco Aron Ralston 127 Hours
Jesse Eisenberg Mark Zuckerberg The Social Network
Leonardo DiCaprio Dom Cobb Inception
Gary Oldman George Smiley Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy [26]
Andy Serkis Caesar Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Daniel Craig Mikael Blomkvist The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Ryan Gosling Driver Drive
Martin Freeman Bilbo Baggins The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey [27]
Christoph Waltz Dr. King Schultz Django Unchained
Daniel Craig James Bond Skyfall
Daniel Day-Lewis President Abraham Lincoln Lincoln
Robert Downey Jr. Tony Stark / Iron Man The Avengers
James McAvoy DS / PC Bruce Robertson Filth [28]
Chiwetel Ejiofor Solomon Northup 12 Years a Slave
Leonardo DiCaprio Jordan Belfort The Wolf of Wall Street
Martin Freeman Bilbo Baggins The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Tom Hanks Richard "Rich" Phillips Captain Phillips
Andy Serkis Caesar Dawn of the Planet of the Apes [29] [30]
Benedict Cumberbatch Alan Turing The Imitation Game
Bradley Cooper Chris Kyle American Sniper
Eddie Redmayne Stephen Hawking The Theory of Everything
Richard Armitage Thorin Oakenshield The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Matt Damon Mark Watney The Martian [31]
Leonardo DiCaprio Hugh Glass The Revenant
Michael B. Jordan Adonis Creed Creed
Michael Fassbender [lower-alpha 1] Macbeth
Steve Jobs 		Macbeth
Steve Jobs
Tom Hardy Ronald "Ronnie" Kray and Reginald "Reggie" Kray
Max Rockatansky 		Legend & Mad Max: Fury Road
Eddie Redmayne Newton “Newt” Scamander Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them [32]
Benedict Cumberbatch Stephen Strange Doctor Strange
Casey Affleck Lee Chandler Manchester by the Sea
Ryan Gosling Sebastian Wilder La La Land
Ryan Reynolds Wade Wilson / Deadpool Deadpool
Hugh Jackman James Howlett / Logan / Wolverine Logan [33]
Andy Serkis Caesar War for the Planet of the Apes
Armie Hammer Oliver Call Me by Your Name
Gary Oldman Winston Churchill Darkest Hour
John Boyega Finn Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Multiple awards and nominations

Multiple awards

As of the 23rd Empire Awards , the following individuals received two or more Best Actor awards:

AwardsFilm
2 James McAvoy
Johnny Depp
Matt Damon

Multiple nominations

As of the 23rd Empire Awards , the following individuals received two or more Best Actor nominations:

NominationsFilm
5 Johnny Depp
4 Andy Serkis
Daniel Craig
Leonardo DiCaprio
Matt Damon
Viggo Mortensen
3 Christian Bale
Daniel Day-Lewis
Jim Carrey
Robert Downey Jr.
Tom Cruise
Tom Hanks
2 Benedict Cumberbatch
Christoph Waltz
Daniel Radcliffe
Eddie Redmayne
Hugh Jackman
James McAvoy
Kevin Spacey
Martin Freeman
Ryan Gosling

Notes

  1. ↑ Academy Award nominated performance for Steve Jobs .

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The Empire Award for Best Film was an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honor the best film of the previous year. The Empire Award for Best Film was one of five ongoing awards which were first introduced at the 1st Empire Awards ceremony in 1996 with Braveheart receiving the award. Star Wars: The Last Jedi was the most recent winner in this category. Winners were chosen by the readers of Empire magazine.

The Empire Award for Best British Film was an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honour the best British film of the previous year. The Empire Award for Best British Film was one of five ongoing awards which were first introduced at the 1st Empire Awards ceremony in 1996 with Shallow Grave receiving the award. God's Own Country was the most recent winner in this category. Winners were chosen by the readers of Empire magazine.

The Empire Award for Best Director was an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honor directors working within the film industry.

The Empire Award for Best British Actor was an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honor a British actor who has delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role while working within the film industry. The Empire Award for Best British Actor was first introduced at the 1st Empire Awards ceremony in 1996 with Ewan McGregor receiving the award for his role in Shallow Grave and last presented at the 10th Empire Awards ceremony in 2005. It was one of three Best British awards retired that year. Winners were voted by the readers of Empire magazine.

The Empire Award for Best Actress was an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honor an actress who has delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role, while working within the film industry. The Empire Award for Best Actress was one of five ongoing awards which were first introduced at the 1st Empire Awards ceremony in 1996, with Nicole Kidman receiving the award for her role in To Die For. Winners were chosen by the readers of Empire magazine.

The Empire Award for Best British Actress was an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honor a British actress who has delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role, while working within the film industry. The Empire Award for Best British Actress was first introduced at the 1st Empire Awards ceremony in 1996, with Kate Winslet receiving the award for her role in Heavenly Creatures, and last presented at the 10th Empire Awards ceremony in 2005. It was one of three Best British awards retired that year. Winners were voted by the readers of Empire magazine.

The Empire Award for Best Comedy is an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honor the best comedy film of the previous year. The Empire Award for Best Comedy is one of four new Best Film ongoing awards which were first introduced at the 11th Empire Awards ceremony in 2006 with Team America: World Police receiving the award. The Death of Stalin is the most recent winner in this category. Winners are voted by the readers of Empire magazine.

The Empire Award for Best Horror was an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honor the best horror film of the previous year. The Empire Award for Best Horror was one of four new Best Film ongoing awards which were first introduced at the 11th Empire Awards ceremony in 2006 with The Descent receiving the award. Get Out was the last winner in this category in 2018 event. Winners are voted by the readers of Empire magazine.

The Empire Award for Best Thriller is an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honor the best thriller film of the previous year. The Empire Award for Best Thriller is one of four new Best Film ongoing awards which were first introduced at the 11th Empire Awards ceremony in 2006 with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang receiving the award. Winners are voted by the readers of Empire magazine.

The Empire Award for Best Newcomer was an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honor a director with a breakthrough film or an actor who has delivered a breakthrough performance while working within the film industry. The Empire Award for Best Newcomer was first introduced at the 1st Empire Awards ceremony in 1996 with Bryan Singer receiving the award for his direction of The Usual Suspects and last presented at the 16th Empire Awards ceremony in 2011. Winners were voted by the readers of Empire magazine.

The Empire Award for Best Male Newcomer is an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honor an actor who has delivered a breakthrough performance while working within the film industry. The Empire Award for Best Male Newcomer is one of two ongoing awards which were first introduced at the 17th Empire Awards ceremony in 2012 with Tom Hiddleston receiving the award for his role in Thor. Josh O'Connor is the most recent winner in this category for his role in God's Own Country. Winners are voted by the readers of Empire magazine.

The Empire Award for Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy was an Empire Award presented annually by the British film magazine Empire to honor the best sci-fi, fantasy or superhero film of the previous year. The Empire Award for Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy is one of four new Best Film ongoing awards which were first introduced at the 11th Empire Awards ceremony in 2006 with Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith receiving the award. A Monster Calls is the most recent winner in this category. Winners are voted by the readers of Empire magazine.

Along with the annual Empire Awards that were presented by Empire magazine for best in acting, directing and film there have been honorary awards which weren't always presented on a consistent annual basis. As of the 19th Empire Awards three honorary awards are currently handed out: Empire Hero Award, Empire Inspiration Award and Icon Award.

References

  1. ↑ "Past Winners - 1996". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2003. Retrieved September 16, 2011.
  2. ↑ "Past Winners - 1997". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2003. Retrieved September 16, 2011.
  3. ↑ "Past Winners - 1998". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2003. Retrieved September 16, 2011.
  4. ↑ "Past Winners - 1999". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2003. Retrieved September 16, 2011.
  5. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.co.uk . 1999. Archived from the original on August 19, 2000.
  6. ↑ "Past Winners - 2000". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2003. Retrieved September 16, 2011.
  7. ↑ "Empire 2000 Awards: Nominations Announced. Sixth Sense is an early leader". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. February 2, 2000. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Past Winners - 2001". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2003. Retrieved September 16, 2011.
  9. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.co.uk . 2001. Archived from the original on March 16, 2002.
  10. ↑ "2002 Awards Winners". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.co.uk . 2001. Archived from the original on June 12, 2002.
  12. ↑ "Empire Magazine reports on the 2002 Empire Awards: Best Actor/Best Actress". Empire (154). United Kingdom: Bauer Consumer Media: 54. April 2002. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  13. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2003. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2004. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2005. Retrieved September 15, 2011.
  16. ↑ "2006 Awards Winners". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  17. ↑ "2006 Awards Winners Announced! The Sony Ericsson Empire Awards in full". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. March 13, 2006. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  18. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2006. Archived from the original on June 13, 2013.
  19. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2007. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  20. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2008. Retrieved September 15, 2011.
  21. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2009. Archived from the original on November 6, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2011.
  22. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2010. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  23. ↑ Reynolds, Simon (February 25, 2010). "In Full: Empire Awards 2010 nominees". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  24. ↑ "2011 Awards Winners". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2013. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2011. Archived from the original on June 13, 2013.
  26. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2012. Archived from the original on June 13, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
  27. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2013. Archived from the original on June 19, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2004.
  28. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2014. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
  29. ↑ "Best Actor". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media. 2015. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  30. ↑ Barraclough, Leo (March 30, 2015). "'Interstellar' wins Film, Director at Empire Awards". Variety.com . Penske Business Media . Retrieved March 30, 2015.
  31. ↑ Nugent, John (February 18, 2016). "Jameson Empire Awards 2016: Star Wars and Mad Max lead the nominations". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media . Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  32. ↑ Dyer, James (March 15, 2017). "2017 Three Empire Awards Nominations Announced". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media . Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  33. ↑ Travis, Ben (March 18, 2018). "Star Wars: The Last Jedi Wins Big at Rakuten TV Empire Awards 2018". Empireonline.com . Bauer Consumer Media . Retrieved March 18, 2018.
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