Best 2000's Male Acting Performances In a Leading Role

1 Daniel Day-Lewis - There Will Be Blood (2007)

2 Philip Seymour Hoffman - Capote (2005)

3 Denzel Washington - Training Day (2001) Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr. is an American actor and filmmaker. He has received three Golden Globe awards, a Tony Award, and two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for the historical war drama film Glory and Best Actor for his role as a corrupt cop in the crime thriller Training Day.

4 Sean Penn - Milk (2008)

5 Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart (2009) Jeffrey Leon "Jeff" Bridges is an American actor, singer and producer. He comes from a prominent acting family, and appeared on the television series Sea Hunt, with his father, Lloyd Bridges and brother, Beau Bridges.

6 Russell Crowe - Gladiator (2000) Russell Ira Crowe is an actor, film producer and musician. Although a New Zealand citizen, he has lived most of his life in Australia and identifies himself as an Australian.

7 Jamie Foxx - Ray (2004) Eric Marlon Bishop, known professionally by his stage name Jamie Foxx, is an American actor, singer, songwriter and comedian.

8 Christian Bale - American Psycho (2000)

9 Tom Green - Freddy Got Fingered (2001)

10 Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler (2008)

The Contenders

11 Adrien Brody - The Pianist (2002)

12 Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight (2008)