Is there any better way to score a movie role than being the movie’s director and just casting yourself? Tons of actors have done it, and many of them have been recognized for it with Oscars, Golden Globes, and other awards.
Whether it’s a one-time deal—like Joseph Gordon-Levitt in “Don Jon,”—or a career-identifying move—like Bradley Cooper in “A Star Is Born”—it’s one that allows complete creative control. When you think of it that way, it’s hard to find a reason why actors wouldn’t want the opportunity. And we’re thrilled they’ve done it, leaving us with memorable performances and great movies along the way.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck has starred in two films he’s directed. In “The Town,” Affleck plays Doug MacRay, and in “Argo,” he plays Tony Mendez. “Argo” won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2013, as well as two other Oscars.
Drew Barrymore
In 2009, Drew Barrymore had a supporting role in her movie “Whip It,” where she acted alongside Ellen Page.
Bradley Cooper
As far as directorial debuts go, Bradley Cooper’s is as good as they come. “A Star is Born,” in which Cooper stars opposite Lady Gaga, became a box office sensation when it debuted in 2018, and subsequently garnered several awards and nominations including a best picture nom at the 91st Academy Awards.
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Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner has acted in every film he’s directed, the most notable being the 1990 hit, “Dances with Wolves.” Costner’s film took home seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Costner was also nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Other films he’s directed and acted in are “Open Range,” “The Postman,” and “Waterworld.”
Danny DeVito
Danny DeVito has acted in several films for which he was the director including, “Matilda,” “The War of the Roses,” and “Death to Smoochy.”
Clint Eastwood
Back in 2004, ClintEastwood starred in “Million Dollar Baby,” directing himself to acclaim—and an Oscar nomination. Eastwood also acted in “Gran Torino,” “Unforgiven,” and “Space Cowboys,” all of which he directed.
Mel Gibson
In 1995, Mel Gibson acted in, and directed, “Bravehart.” The film won five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director. Gibson also starred in the 1993 drama, “The Man Without a Face,” which he directed.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt starred in his 2013 feature “Don Jon,” which he also directed. He kept good company starring opposite Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore.
Tom Hanks
Even Tom Hanks has appeared in movies he’s directed. In “That Thing You Do!” Hanks plays Mr. White; he additionally directs and stars in 2011’s “Larry Crowne” alongside Julia Roberts.
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Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie has stepped behind the camera to direct three feature films to date, but “By the Sea” is the only one in which she has also starred in so far.
John Krasinski
No longer known as mild-mannered Jim from “The Office,” John Krasinski made his directorial debut with the 2009 comedy “Brief Interviews with Hideous Men” before going on to direct himself (and his wife Emily Blunt!) in the box office hit “A Quiet Place.”
Spike Lee
Spike Lee acts in his 1992 drama “Malcolm X,” starring alongside Denzel Washington and Angela Bassett. Lee also has a part in his “Do the Right Thing” as Mookie.
Edward Norton
Edward Norton reprises his actor-director double duty in his newest crime noir “Motherless Brooklyn,” which he also wrote—but you can also get a taste of how he directs himself in the rom-com “Keeping the Faith.”
Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller has acted in a number of films he’s directed; he played Michael Grates in his 1994 film “Reality Bites,” acting alongside Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke. In “The Cable Guy,” Stiller played a small role, and he also starred in and directed “Zoolander,” “Tropic Thunder,” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.”
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand directed and starred in her 1983 film “Yentl.” Streisand also acted in “The Prince of Tides,” and “The Mirror Has Two Faces,” both of which she directed.
Quentin Tarantino
Quentin Tarantino has often appeared in his own movies including “Inglorious Basterds,” “Django Unchained,” and “Pulp Fiction.”
Denzel Washington
As arguably one of the greatest actors of all time, it’s only natural that Denzel Washington made his way into the director’s chair to direct himself to awards gold on films including “The Great Debaters” and “Fences.”
Inspired? Check out Backstage’s short film audition listings!
