Mike Nichols is, in my opinion, the best "actor's director." Especially lately, he has been directing actors, some of whom are established as the best actors in the world and some of whom are complete unknowns, to miraculous performances. However, his talent in directing actors has been present since his debut as director, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton give two of the best performances ever. He is also responsible for a good deal of Meryl Streep's best work, which says a lot. I cannot wait for Charlie Wilson's War except for the fact that I'll have to stare at overrated Emily Blunt and Amy Adams' faces. Ew. Anyway.
10. Meryl Streep in Postcards from the Edge (1990)
9. Meryl Streep in Silkwood (1983)
8. Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate (1967)
7. Emma Thompson in Wit (2001)
6. Al Pacino in Angels in America (2003)
5. Meryl Streep in Angels in America (2003)
4. Richard Burton in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
3. Jeffrey Wright in Angels in America (2003)
2. Clive Owen in Closer (2004) (OK not as good as Burton. But let me be biased)
1. Elizabeth Taylor in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
10. Meryl Streep in Postcards from the Edge (1990)
9. Meryl Streep in Silkwood (1983)
8. Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate (1967)
7. Emma Thompson in Wit (2001)
6. Al Pacino in Angels in America (2003)
5. Meryl Streep in Angels in America (2003)
4. Richard Burton in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
3. Jeffrey Wright in Angels in America (2003)
2. Clive Owen in Closer (2004) (OK not as good as Burton. But let me be biased)
1. Elizabeth Taylor in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
