Begin with Raging Bull (1980), which brought De Niro a Best Actor Oscar. Watch the tension between physical confidence and insecurity: the performance makes aggression uncomfortable rather than simply impressive. The Academy’s record also credits him as the supporting winner for The Godfather Part II (1974).
He beats Washington because we value the abrasive psychological detail of that dramatic peak slightly more than commanding presence. Day-Lewis wins above on transformation across contrasting roles.
Photo: David Shankbone · CC BY 3.0. Optimized; license retained.
