Directory

Movie Stars A to Z

A reference list of famous screen actors, classic and modern, with the film that made each one a star and a signature honor. Names with a full career guide on Amazing Movie Star are marked.

Coral and charcoal stars set into the sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard

Stars on Hollywood Boulevard: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0

Breakthrough is the film widely seen as making each actor a star; some stars had earlier roles.
StarFromBreakthroughSignature honorGuide
Amitabh BachchanIndiaZanjeer (1973)Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Audrey HepburnBelgium / UKRoman Holiday (1953)Best Actress OscarYes
Bette DavisUSAOf Human Bondage (1934)2 Best Actress OscarsYes
Buster KeatonUSASilent comedy shorts (1917 onward)Honorary OscarYes
Cary GrantUK / USAThe Awful Truth (1937)Honorary OscarYes
Charlie ChaplinUKThe Tramp shorts (1914)2 honorary OscarsYes
Daniel Day-LewisUK / IrelandMy Beautiful Laundrette (1985)3 Best Actor OscarsYes
Denzel WashingtonUSAGlory (1989)2 Oscars and a TonyYes
Gong LiChinaRed Sorghum (1987)Volpi Cup, Venice
Harrison FordUSAAmerican Graffiti (1973)AFI Life AchievementYes
Humphrey BogartUSAThe Petrified Forest (1936)Best Actor Oscar
Ingrid BergmanSwedenIntermezzo (1939)3 OscarsYes
Jackie ChanHong KongDrunken Master (1978)Honorary OscarYes
Juliette BinocheFranceThe Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)Best Supporting Actress Oscar
Katharine HepburnUSAMorning Glory (1933)4 Best Actress OscarsYes
Marcello MastroianniItalyLa Dolce Vita (1960)2 Best Actor prizes at Cannes
Meryl StreepUSAKramer vs. Kramer (1979)21 Oscar nominationsYes
Michelle YeohMalaysiaYes, Madam (1985)Best Actress OscarYes
Penelope CruzSpainJamon Jamon (1992)Best Supporting Actress Oscar
Shah Rukh KhanIndiaDilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)National Film AwardYes
Shirley TempleUSABright Eyes (1934)Juvenile OscarYes
Sidney PoitierBahamas / USABlackboard Jungle (1955)Best Actor OscarYes
Sophia LorenItalyThe Gold of Naples (1954)Best Actress OscarYes
Tom HanksUSABig (1988)2 Best Actor OscarsYes
Toshiro MifuneJapanRashomon (1950)2 Volpi CupsYes
Viola DavisUSADoubt (2008)EGOTYes
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Facts on this page were checked against these sources (updated Oct 12, 2026). Spot an error? Email hello@fireempireshop.com.

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