10. Denis Lavant
At least one actor had to be included from beyond the US/UK cinematic world domination, and Denis Lavant is as good as any out there. He's one of the busiest actors in French cinema, but has also provided some of the most complex performances in cinematic history - not least in his work with film-maker Leos Carax. Any cult film fans that haven't seen Holy Motors must do so immediately. It is just as crazy and chaotic as any of your favourites, and it works primarily because Lavant delivers one of the most exceptional physical performances by an actor outside of silent cinema. He is mesmerising. Given that he takes on about 10 different characters in the film, and that each one is utterly compelling and totally believable, it's remarkable that he didn't win more awards. Perhaps he's not fashionable enough, or maybe it's simply because it's difficult to judge a performance as weird and experimental as this. Either way, Lavant has produced one of the greatest cult cinema performances of all time. He absolutely deserves his place in history for that.