Standing Ovation

Howard Fine on the cast of 'Sophie's Choice'

I am inspired every time I watch "Sophie's Choice." It reminds me of what I love most about our profession. It demonstrates the intellectual, emotional, verbal, and physical talent of three exceptional actors.

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.

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.

Hart Hanson on Jackie Gleason in 'Nothing in Common'

I have an unshakable prejudice, a certainty, which is that funny people can do anything. Jackie Gleason's performance in Garry Marshall's 1986 movie "Nothing in Common" seeded this conviction in my brain.

Jackie Earle Haley on Matthew Fox in 'Lost'

When Matthew's character started to realize that he had died, his performance was so real, so true, so honest, that I started to choke up. I was still completely engrossed in the moment.

Duncan Stewart on Christine Ebersole in 'Grey Gardens'

Christine was more than an actor playing a part; she was actually inhabiting the character. I was fortunate enough to see both productions and the portrayal was always thrilling.

Carmen La Via on Lee Marvin in 'Ship of Fools'

"Ship of Fools" is a great movie with a brilliant cast, but it is Lee Marvin's performance as a drunken, failed baseball player that is most vivid, specifically in a scene with Vivien Leigh.

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.

Donna Morong on Alison Pill in 'In Treatment'

Pill has a remarkable ability to completely listen, think, and react as the character of April. Her work creeps up on the viewer because it is never self-conscious or grandiose.

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.