With the Academy Awards less than a week away, we decided to take a look at famous actors who have tried their hand at directing.
Among this year's Oscar nominated slew, George Clooney, Gary Oldman, and Kenneth Branagh have all directed feature films. Even Jean Dujardin and Octavia Spencer have attempted a behind-the-camera role with TV show episodes and short films.
While none of these stars are nominated for directing this year (though Clooney was in the running with "The Ides of March"), here's a look at actors who can work it behind the camera as well as they do in front ... And those who can't.
BEST: Clint Eastwood
The grandaddy of all actors-turned-directors, this famous movie cowboy has dominated the camera since 1971.
The most famous films out of the bunch would be 1992's "Unforgiven" and 2004's "Million Dollar Baby." Both raked in over $100 million domestically and garnered Best Director Oscars for the movie veteran.
Notable acting roles:
-“A Fistful Of Dollars”
-“The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”
-“Unforgiven”
-“Million Dollar Baby”
Notable Films Directed:
-"Unforgiven"- $101,157,447 (Best Director Oscar)
-"The Bridges of Madison County"- $71,516,617
-"Space Cowboys"- $90,464,773
-"Mystic River"- $90,135,191 (Best Director Oscar Nomination)
-"Million Dollar Baby"- $100,492,203 (Best Director Oscar)
-“Letters From Iwo Jima”- (Best Director Oscar Nomination)
-"Gran Torino"- $148,095,302
BEST: Jon Favreau
Although Jon Favreau has acted in more than 40 TV and film roles throughout his career ("Couples Retreat," The Break Up," "I Love You, Man") it is his directing that has garnered him the most success.
Out of the six films Favreau has directed, four of them have done big at the box-office.
And look out for Favreau in his films, he shows up now and again, a lá Hitchcock.
Notable Acting Roles:
-“Iron Man”
-“I Love You, Man”
-“Swingers”
Notable Films Directed:
-"Elf"- $173,398,518
-"Iron Man"- $318,412,101
-"Iron Man 2"- $312,433,331
BEST: Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck has gone from Oscar-winning writer in 1998 for "Good Will Hunting" to A-list actor in films such as "Armageddon," "Hollywoodland," and "Boiler Room."
While some flicks have been forgettable (cough, "Gigli") Affleck has remained a top Hollywood actor, and now director.
He shows signs of staying power in the director's chair: Affleck's first two directorial features did well both critically and at the box office.
Notable Acting Roles:
-“Good Will Hunting”
-"Armageddon"
-“Pearl Harbor”
-“Hollywoodland”
Notable Films Directed:
-"Gone Baby Gone"- $20,300,218 (National Board of Review- Best Debut Director)
-"The Town"- $92,186,262
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Please follow The Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
See Also:
- Wondering What 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' Is All About? Watch The Just-Released Trailer
- 18 Crazy Moments In The Life And Career Of Nicolas Cage
- 10 Movies To Watch Tonight If You're Spending Valentine's Day Alone
| ||
