Jonny,

You got me there. I forgot DiCaprio. A great piece of acting before he reached his puberty (perhaps) in 'what's eating Gilbert Grape'. (but I do not want to give him total credit, Depp was splendid in that movie and he should take the majority of accolades) But then there were some sloppy loverboy episodes in 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Titanic' which I am not sure boosted his acting ability to a different level. But then there were 'Aviator' and 'Blood diamond' and 'Departed'. He needs to win an oscar, badly.

nayapidi,

Think big, I might need a library.

Adventurer,

I did not know that amid most sajhaites who swear by the name of Penelope Cruz and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp, there could be few who could admire Smita Patil and Naseeruddin shah. I am extremely delighted that there are people who have an eye for a good piece of acting. Didn't mean to say there was anything wrong with their choice but I watch movie for a lot more reason than to escape from my humdrum life.

Speaking of your choices. I'd like to pick Clive Owen. That Brit is amazing. A very talented actor who also has enough personality and swagger to pull it off. Also, I reiterate I am not a big fan of Christian Bale, and that is a personal choice. I know he is a good actor and have seen both those movies which that much hyped Batman Trilogy (soon to be) and that magician flick with Jackman, but for some reason he is not my type. One reason why is - his acts well only when he loses weight. And movie pundits unanimously laud his 'seriousness' in depicting that character other than his acting skills (which is good, don't get me wrong). Also, I wonder what made you list Jake Gyllenhal and Britanny Murphy, but maybe that is your personal choice.