I personally didn't like american gangster that much, so didn't pick Denzel or Russell based on that. I love Christian Bale, he was great in 3:10, so was Russell. Matt Damon is perfect as Bourne and I love Gerard Butler as Leonidas. Those are my top 4. I didn't see Michael Clayton yet, but I will always love George!

I picked Casey Affleck because he did an awesome job in Gone Baby Gone.

For quality, you can't beat Crowe! He is just an amazing, believable actor.
I like Christian Bale, but his performance in 3:10 was not his best.
I haven't seen "Becoming Jane" or "Atonement", but I would like to! McAvoy looks promising!
Based on "entertainment" factor, I would go with Butler for 300.

Will Smith I a Legend

javier bardem

Bale and Crowe both did an outstanding job on 3:10 to Yuma. It's a tossup between the two for me but I'm leaning more towards Bale.

From what I've seen, it goes to Christian.

My favorites or Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, and Matt Damon

My vote is for Christian Bale-- but not for "3:10 to Yuma" (which I haven't seen, to be honest), but for "Rescue Dawn." I hope Mr. Bale gets nominated for some big awards this year, and I think Steve Zahn, his "Rescue" co-star, gets some noms too.

Denzel. American Gangster was awesome.

I voted for Casey, he was really suberb in Gone Baby Gone.

anniemation — I know, Bale was so good in Rescue Dawn. I was about to put that on there and then thought it had come out in 2006. But you're right — it's one of this year's releases, so I'll add it to the poll. Thank you!

Honestly my two favorite performances so far this year weren't on here: Emile Hirsch for Into the Wild and Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem for No Country.

Ben Foster hands down. I loved him in 3:10 to Yuma.

Phasekitty - Excellent call on Emile and Josh! I haven't seen No Country yet, but I did see Into the Wild and Emile was excellent in that.

Christian Bale. If Ben Foster was on the list, I would have voted for him.

Christian Bale all the way!
I wonder if his acting in Yuma or Rescue Dawn will be acknowledged by the critics...

Christian Bale definitely!!!!!

Joaquin Phoenix. This year, and every year! When it comes to drama, I think he is a cut above the rest.

Phasekitty and I are on the same wavelength: Emile Hirsch for Into the Wild and Josh Brolin for No Country for Old Men!!!

Heidi - I agree, Joaquin has been robbed twice of the Best Actor award and he was good in We Own the Night. However, I think Emile Hirsch in Into the Wild was unbelievable in what I'm sure was a mentally, spiritually and obviously physically gruelling role.

I voted for James McAvoy since Emile wasn't on there. He made me cry in Becoming Jane.

casey affleck was AMAZING in gone baby gone!

Bale.

Gerard Butler, 300

Ryan Gosling - Lars and the Real Girl.

♥

Javier Bardem - No Country for Old Men.

Javier Bardem, but also i would pick Casey Affleck

James is winning this by a nose!

RYAN GOSLING in Fracture! He was soo good in it.

matt damon. see i really like him - even if jason bourne wasn't overly dramatic as a character

tonight... we dine.. IN HELL !!!

James McAvoy

Denzel. He's a stellar good guy and an even better bad guy. Who else can boast that?

Cillian Murphy, Sunshine.

omgggg.... loveee james mcavoy

Matt Damon!!!

i just saw zodiac yesterday...

I can't believe Jake Gyllenhaal is winning. I didn't like Zodiac at all, but especially his performance.

Casey Affleck was also in another drama, The Assassination of Jesse James, in which he played Robert Ford. He played that part incredibly well.

I really liked George Clooney's performance in Michael Clayton, but I definitely think this should go to Javier Bardem.

Christian Bale is a GREAT actor.

Christian Bale, definitely. But Ryan Gosling and Viggo Mortensen should have been on the list.

I'm excited for Christian Bale in the next Terminator!

Casey Affleck

i saw zodiac two weeks ago and i didn't like jake

oh matt damon you get hotter with each movie!