Standing Ovation

Matt Smith On Peter Falk in 'A Woman Under the Influence'

Seattle-based monologuist Matt Smith says "quiet" performances like Peter Falk's in "A Woman Under the Influence" inspire him to act.

Jim Wilhelm on D'Jamin Bartlett in 'A Little Night Music'

I had never heard anyone sing live like that before. It was a performance that stuck with me for many, many years, and it was that performance that really fostered my love of girl belters.

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.

Alphonso MacAuley on Daniel-Day Lewis in 'There Will Be Blood'

The star of TV's "Breaking In" and "Love That Girl" cites Daniel Day-Lewis' Oscar-winning turn in "There Will Be Blood."

Charles Grodin on Montgomery Clift in 'A Place in the Sun'

Montgomery Clift not only inspired me to become an actor, he also saved me from being an actor from Pittsburgh with an English accent. I will always appreciate him and revere his work.

Neil LaBute on Jason Patric in 'After Dark, My Sweet'

Jason Patric was so amazing in "After Dark, My Sweet" that I watched the film, left the auditorium, went straight back to the box office and bought another ticket for the next performance.

Paul Doherty on Michael Jeter in 'Greater Tuna'

What Michael did never rang false or seemed contrived. His choices always were of the earth and more inspired than directed. It was these gifts that made his performances so deeply memorable.

Charlie Hofheimer on Geoffrey Rush in 'Shine'

The actor currently appearing in "The Lyons" and on "Mad Men" praises Geoffrey Rush's complete immersion in "Shine."

Jennifer Aspen on Marion Cotillard in 'La Vie en Rose'

The star of ABC's "GCB" on Marion Cotillard's Oscar-winning performance as Edith Piaf.

Chris Game on John Cazale in 'Dog Day Afternoon'

As Fredo, Cazale almost shrinks himself. The lips are thin, the mustache is thin, the clothes are too big. He embodies that chair like a praying mantis on his back, flailing on the ice, then collapses in exhaustion.