Criteria: - These perfomances are based on characterization, charisma, intensity, and mainly on how well the actor portrayed the role. The genre of the role has no affect on its placement. Comedy, drama, and action, as well as both leading roles and supporting roles were all given a fair consideration.
1
Sophie's Choice - Meryl Streep - 1982
***2
Sunset Boulevard - Gloria Swanson - 1950
***3
The African Queen - Katharine Hepburn - 1951
***4
Misery - Kathy Bates - 1990
***5
The Lion in Winter - Katharine Hepburn - 1968
***6
Erin Brocovich - Julia Roberts - 2000
***7
Gaslight - Ingrid Bergman - 1944
***8
Gone With the Wind - Vivien Leigh - 1939
***9
The Piano - Holly Hunter - 1993
***10
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - Elizabeth Taylor - 1958
*** 
