1. Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anna Tuohy
Sandra Bullock managed to transform herself into a near-perfect depiction of Leigh Anne Tuohy that one struggled to differentiate between the two people during the filming of The Blind Side. Based on a novel, the film tells the story of Tuohy, who supports a pro football player. Because of this, Bullock won the Screen Actors Guild award for Best Actress, won an Oscar, and also won the Golden Globe award.
2. Emma Stone as Billie Jean King
As part of the cast in the movie Battle of the Sexes, Emma Stone had a few changes in her appearance to closely resemble tennis star Billie Jean King. The movie centers on the 1973 match, which was between King and Bobby Riggs, and created a discussion about women athletes. She was nominated for both a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for her role, which was described as her best ever.
3. Julia Roberts as Elizabeth Gilbert
The film Eat, Pray, Love, which was based on Elizabeth Gilbert's well-known book of the same name, was a huge hit due to its plot and Julia Roberts's powerful portrayal of Gilbert. The film tells the story of a lady who, following a divorce, embarks on a life-changing journey across three nations. Roberts' captivating depiction of Gilbert, which resonated with women worldwide, dazzled the audience.
4. Tom Hanks as Captain Richard Phillips
Known for his acting skills, Tom Hanks does a masterful job of playing Captain Richard Phillips in the movie Captain Phillips. Based on a book that tells the real-life experiences of Phillips who was taken hostage by Somali pirates, the movie brings his story to the screen. From the acting to the getup, Hanks becomes Captain Phillips for the role. The movie was a critical and commercial success.
5. Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison
The Doors is a movie that portrays the history of the American rock band, The Doors, their influence on music, and the magnetic personality of its frontman, Jim Morrison. Val Kilmer essays the role of Morrison and looks and feels like the real-life person on screen. Morrison’s hints of genius are brought out effortlessly by Kilmer, whose performance was praised by critics and fans alike.
6. James Franco as James Dean
James Dean, a television film, chronicles the life of the late actor, including his upbringing, difficult times, and Hollywood triumph. James Franco, who already looks a lot like the actor, performs a strong job that makes James Dean come to life. James Dean's adaptability and defiance are brilliantly portrayed by James Franco.
7. Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani
House of Gucci is a film based on the book by Sara Gay Forden that focuses on the conflict surrounding the Italian fashion house Gucci. Patrizia Reggiani, largely regarded as a controversial figure, is portrayed on screen by Lady Gaga. Gaga successfully portrays the violent ambition of Patrizia Reggiani on screen. She received nominations for Critics Choice, BAFTA, and Golden Globes.
8. Denzel Washington as Malcolm X
Based on the life and activism of Malcolm X, the movie of the same name features Denzel Washington in the titular role. Washington gives his all to the role and the similarity between him and the real-life Malcolm is striking. For his performance, Washington received a Critics Circle Award and was nominated at the Oscars. The movie was also critically acclaimed.
9. Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI in The Two Popes
Anthony Hopkins always does his best when he plays a part. And he portrays Pope Benedict XVI fittingly in the movie The Two Popes. Hopkins portrays the role flawlessly, down to the clothes and demeanor. The Pope's attempt to persuade the Cardinal not to step down in the wake of the Vatican leaks controversy is the subject of the film.
10. Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher
In The Iron Lady, Meryl Streep is cast in the title role and it depicts the life and career of British politician Margaret Thatcher. Streep has managed to be a convincing Thatcher, a very strong character who is difficult to mimic. It is such a change that how Streep performs the role of a real person is difficult to distinguish. A number of awards were presented to her for her role including a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and an Oscar.
11. Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury
It can be difficult to capture the spirit of a rock star as well-known as Freddie Mercury, but Rami Malek does so with assurance in the film Bohemian Rhapsody. He completely inhabits the part of Mercury and is unrecognizable. Malek received accolades for his portrayal of the singer's turbulent life in the film, including an Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Screen Actors Guild award.
12. Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo
Salma Hayek's performance in the film Frida earned her an Oscar nomination, and it's easy to see why. Based on the life of well-known Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, Hayek performs flawlessly and with ease. Like the artist's paintings, she brings a bright touch to the film and embodies Kahlo's bold and defiant spirit.
13. Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II
The film The Queen revolves around the passing of Princess Diana and the decisions Queen Elizabeth II had to make in her wake. Helen Mirren skillfully portrays the role of the monarch by drawing on her extensive experience and knowledge. She exhibits the demeanor, manners, and physical attributes of the position. Mirren was even asked to a banquet at Buckingham Palace by Queen Elizabeth II, who was impressed by her performance.
14. Christian Bale as Dick Cheney
Christian Bale's portrayal of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney enhances the impact of Vice, a film based on Cheney's biography. Bale, who is well-known for enduring dramatic bodily changes for his parts, physically and mentally inhabits the character in this film as well. The film won Bale a Golden Globe for his performance.
15. Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs
Ashton Kutcher is indistinguishable from the real-life Steve Jobs for his role in the movie Jobs. Based on the life of the famous tech genius, Kutcher nails the role. From the physical transformation to the body language, Kutcher aptly portrays Jobs and offers a compelling performance that helps the audience visualize Jobs’ vision. Critics also appreciated Kutcher’s honest performance.
16. Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln
The monumental job of depicting the life of renowned US President Abraham Lincoln on screen is accomplished by the film Lincoln. Daniel Day-Lewis plays the title role in the Steven Spielberg-directed film, using his extraordinary acting abilities to represent the character truthfully. In addition to changing his physical appearance, Daniel does a remarkable job at playing Lincoln. Daniel received an Oscar for his performance, and the film was a huge success.
17. Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela
The film Invictus is based on a book by John Carlin and depicts the events that occurred in South Africa before and during the Rugby World Cup in 1995. The role of Nelson Mandela is played by Morgan Freeman who gives a graceful and dignified performance. The movie received good reviews and Freeman was nominated for an Academy Award for the Best Actor for his role.
18. Hannah Taylor-Gordon as Anne Frank
Anne Frank: The Whole Story is a miniseries that was based on the book Anne Frank: The Biography by Mellisa Müller. The movie brings to life the struggles and thoughts of Anne Frank. Hannah Taylor-Gordon portrays Frank and gives an impressive performance. She embodies the role perfectly and highlights the innocence of the young girl aptly. Hannah was nominated at the Golden Globe and Emmy for her portrayal.
19. Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding
In the film I, Tonya, which is based on the story of American figure skater Tonya Harding and her contentious 1994 encounter with Nancy Kerrigan, Margot Robbie plays Harding with skill. Robbie does a great job portraying the controversial figure skater in this mockumentary-style film. She received nominations for the Golden Globe and Oscars for her well-received performance.
20. Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin
Respect is a movie that brings American singer Aretha Franklin’s life to the screen. Covering the first three decades of the influential singer, Jennifer Hudson plays the title role with great dedication. Franklin herself asked Hudson to play the role and finalized her after seeing her performance at Broadway’s The Color Purple. From the outward transformation to the mannerisms, Hudson offers a powerful portrayal.