Biopicsare all the rage lately. They’re biographical films of an individual, usually a public or historical figure. Sometimes, the movie tells that person’s entire life story, like withChaplin.In other cases, it takes the route ofLincolnand captures a specific period of time. A biopic gives audiences the chance to experience that notable figure’s life, seeing the hardships, events, and influences that shaped them into the person we’ve come to know. Hollywood has been clamoring for biopics lately with recent releases likeI Want to Dance with SomebodyandElvis.A film based on the life of superstar Michael Jacksonis also reportedly in the works.
These movies obviously require good scripts and directors. But the most important ingredient in any biopic is the casting–finding an actor or actress who can capture the physical and mental embodiment of that public figure. Audiences want to see these people come to life on screen. That includes everything from their mannerisms, to their voice, to their famous hairstyle. Here are ten roles and movies that absolutely nailed their casting decisions.
10Naomi Ackie as Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)
With her powerful, mesmerizing voice, Whitney Houston became a bestselling superstar and one of the greatest singers of all time.IWanna Dance With Somebodycaptures her rise to fame and her tragic, untimely demise. Despite the film’s mixed reviews,Naomi Ackie’s performance as Houston received widespread acclaim. Ackie juggled the different aspects of Whitney’s personality, from her wholesome sweetness to her in-your-face sassiness. She didn’t sing Whitney’s music in the film (it would be hard to match that voice), but Ackie copied the singer’s movements and facial expressions during her most memorable performances. The scene where Whitney sings the National Anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl matches perfectly with the real footage.
9Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash - Walk the Line (2005)
Country star Johnny Cash was another musical legend. He had a rebellious attitude that suited his rough and gruff singing voice. He produced a ton of hits likeWalk the Line,which would become the title of his biopic years later.Walk the Lineshowed audiences the first half of Cash’s life, from his traumatic childhood to his super stardom. The role was played by Joaquin Phoenix, another perfect casting call. Phoenix imitated the star’s deep voice, even while singing Cash’s music himself. While dressed in Johnny’s signature all-black wardrobe, smoking a cigarette with a devil-may-care attitude, Phoenix embodied everything that Johnny Cash was. He even curled his upper lip in exactly the same way. Phoenix received an Oscar nomination for the role but wound up losing to another entry on this list.
8Austin Butler as Elvis Presley - Elvis (2022)
Elvis Presley is one of the most significant figures to come out of the twentieth century. A global icon and sex symbol, Elvis captured the hearts of millions with his music. He charmed America’s youth with his good looks and signature hairstyle, while ticking off older generations with his provocative, swinging hips. When anElvismovie was first announced, there were a lot of questions about who would fill the King of Rock’s blue suede shoes. The role wound up going to Austin Butler, and he couldn’t have been more perfect. Butler nailed every aspect of the character, from the way Elvis danced and moved to the unique way he spoke. Apparently, the actor’s still having a hard time getting rid of Presley’s accent.
Extra credit goes to Butler’s hair and make-up team, who captured Elvis’s fashion sense and his disheveled, slicked-back hairdo. And on top of all that,Butler also sang many of the songs in the film. The actor received universal acclaim for bringing The King back to life and was nominated for Best Actor at both the Oscars and Golden Globes. Butler already took home the Golden Globe. Will he do the same at the Oscar’s?
Related:Elvis: Actors Almost Cast as The King in Baz Luhrmann’s Biopic
7Denzel Washington as Malcolm X - Malcolm X (1992)
Malcolm X was one of the pivotal, out-spoken leaders of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. He fought for equality and racial justice for African-Americans, though his rhetoric was considered dangerous and controversial at times.Malcolm X, the film on the advocate’s life, was directed by Spike Lee andis regarded as one of his best movies. But it’s Denzel Washington’s riveting performance that makes the film stand out. The actor was a spitting image of Malcolm X with that red hair and those famous horn-rimmed glasses. Denzel also captured the passion and conviction behind Malcolm’s words. He received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Denzel wound up losing to Al Pacino inScent of a Womanbut eventually claimed the award for his unforgettable role inTraining Day.
6Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland - Judy (2019)
Judy Garland is one of Hollywood’s most classic stars. She was a triple threat: an actress, a dancer, and a singer, famous for her deeper singing voice. Her most well-known movie,The Wizard of Oz,is regarded asone of the greatest classics of all time, and her performance ofSomewhere Over the Rainbowcontinues to be the definitive version.Judycaptures the later part of Garland’s life, depicting her financial and professional troubles and her declining health as she struggles with drug addiction. Renée Zellweger played the role of Judy. She delivered a heart-wrenching performance that builds up to the final scene of the movie–when Garland breaks down in front of her audience while singingSomewhere Over the Rainbow. Zellweger learned how to mimic Garland’s voice and did all of her own singing in the film. And her efforts paid off. Zellweger wound up taking home the Oscar for Best Actress for this role.
Related:Kenya Barris Explains Why He’s Remaking The Wizard of Oz
5Philip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote - Capote (2005)
Truman Capote was a famous American writer. He’s the literary mind behindBreakfast at Tiffany’s,which was adapted intothe iconic film starring Audrey Hepburn.Capotedepicts the novelist at the height of his career, as he pens one of his greatest works:In Cold Blood.The role was played to perfection by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. He didn’t just resemble Capote physically. Hoffman altered his voice to match Capote’s unusual, high-pitched tone and captured his flamboyant aura. His performance was universally praised. It earned Hoffman the Oscar for Best Actor, beating out Joaquin Phoenix inWalk the Line.
4Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury - Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Freddie Mercury was a songwriter and lead vocalist of the 1980s rock group Queen. He catapulted to worldwide fame for his animated on-stage persona, and his unique four-octave voice turned him into one of the greatest singers in rock and roll.Bohemian Rhapsodyis the story of his life and shows how Queen came up with their biggest hits. Rami Malek nailed the part of Freddie Mercury in this movie. Although much shorter than Mercury, Malek rocked the singer’s other physical traits, like his signature bushy mustache and horrible teeth (prosthetics, of course). But what wowed audiences most was how Malek captured Mercury’s presence, like his on-stage charisma and flamboyant style. He also imitated many of the movements from Freddie’s actual performances. Malek’s portrayal won him the Oscar for Best Actor and has since marked him as one of the best actors of his generation.
3Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln - Lincoln (2012)
Few people can name all the U.S. presidents, but nearly everyone can recall America’s famous sixteenth president, Abraham Lincoln. Rather than take you through his entire life story,Lincolnfocuses on the end of America’s Civil War – and also the end of Lincoln’s life. The film had a legendary collaboration: Steven Spielberg as director and Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln himself. Day-Lewis is regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time and isone of the most awarded performers in Hollywood. As usual, he killed it in this role, capturing the inner turmoil that Lincoln surely must’ve felt at the height of the Civil War. With his lean build and tall frame, Day-Lewis looked exactly like the late president.
The black top hat, beard, and disheveled hair only helped to complete his look. It was truly like watching Abraham Lincoln walk around on screen. And apparently, the Academy agreed when they handed Daniel Day-Lewis yet another Best Actor award for this role.
Related:Best Daniel Day-Lewis Movies, Ranked
2Jaime Foxx as Ray Charles - Ray (2004)
Jaime Foxx isn’t a name that you’d typically expect to find on a list like this. But he absolutely deserves to be on here with his incredible performance inRay.The film follows the life of legendary Ray Charles. Charles paved the way for black musicians and is considered one of the greatest artists of all time. He did just about everything you could do in music: he wrote songs, he sang, and he played the piano and saxophone – all while being blind. Jaime Foxx had a similar situation inRay.While filming, the actor had to wear silicone eye prosthetics that really did impair his vision. He sang Ray’s songs and also played the piano himself. Foxx even attended the Braille Institute of America to better prepare himself for the role.
The actor bore a striking resemblance to Ray, especially when he spoke with the singer’s soft, fast-talking cadence and the loose way that Ray would move his head. His accurate portrayal earned Foxx a well-deserved Oscar for Best Actor.
1Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta - Raging Bull (1980)
Jake LaMotta was an Italian tough guy from the Bronx, who became boxing’s middleweight champion in the late 40s and early 50s. Martin Scorcese’s masterpieceRaging Bullis based on the boxer’s life and is widely regarded asone of the greatest films ever made. Here, Scorcese partnered with one of his favorite collaborators: Robert De Niro. The renowned actor has delivered some incredible performances in his time, but his portrayal of Jake LaMotta might just be the best. De Niro captures the boxer’s raw energy and flawed personality, shifting seamlessly between loving affection and violent rage.
The scene where De Niro unleashes feral screams while throwing fists against his prison wall is nothing short of exceptional. To look more like LaMotta, De Niro wore a prosthetic nose – and also gained 60 pounds to portray the boxer during his older age. It was truly a transformative performance that earned De Niro the Oscar for Best Actor.
