Standing Ovation

Terry Schreiber on Mark Rylance in 'La Bete' and 'Jerusalem'

Mark Rylance is an ideal example of what a stage actor should be. Not only is he truthful and courageous in his own character development; he is also generous and supportive to the actors with whom he works.

Nathan Fillion on Ralph Fiennes in 'Hamlet'

The whole stage available, he stood in the center, and while delivering Hamlet's monologue, he was still. Using only subtle expressions, and the power of his voice, he commanded an entire theater.

Giancarlo Esposito on Bruno Ganz and Frank Langella in 'Unknown'

If you're an actor, watching a master teaches you how to be smoother, more honest, and more trusting. Sometimes when actors audition, we're a little too big, and we don't realize that being more subtle is essential to acting. It really is just being.

Ellyn Long Marshall on Michelle Rodriguez in 'Girlfight'

She carried "Girlfight" with believability and a relentless consistency that far surpassed that of many more-experienced actors.

Alan Mandell on Frances McDormand in 'Good People'

She was that character. There was something so vulnerable about her. She was so convincing, she made me actually squirm in my seat. It was like being a child again.

Kathleen Chalfant on Lois Smith in 'East of Eden'

I wanted to be an actor, but that was mostly because I wanted to be in a Western and ride a horse and be kissed by the hero, so I'm not sure of the depth of my commitment until I saw Lois Smith in "East of Eden." 

Gil Cates on Laurence Olivier in 'Othello'

That performance of Olivier's was extraordinary. He lowered his voice literally a full octave. He was just magical. His voice was unlike any I've heard him have before, either in movies or on stage.

Justin Tanner on Gena Rowlands in 'A Woman Under the Influence'

Rowlands' performance as Mabel Longhetti is as ugly and clumsy as an actual life—so nakedly real that it hurts to watch. I remember thinking I had seen the greatest piece of acting ever captured on film. I still think so.

Jamie Harris on Richard Harris in 'This Sporting Life'

My father's turn in "This Sporting Life" was a fantastic performance. He was an animal. He was a brooding man. The '60s really had that brooding, strong man.

Octavia Spencer on Jessica Chastain in 'Jolene'

There are not many actresses who would consider playing a role with nudity, let alone a shy one. But Jessica was able to imbue the complex character with naïveté yet worldliness, insecurity and confidence.