Jamie Foxx: 5 Awesome Performances And 5 That Sucked

1. Ray Charles €“ Ray

It had to be, didn't it? The role that stuck an Oscar on Foxx's mantlepiece, the actor was seemingly tailor made to play Ray Charles in his eponymous biopic. Originally a musician in his own right, Foxx was able to slip into the great man's shoes and bring a new dimension to the part that a non-musical performer simply couldn't manage. He encapsulates exactly what was great about Charles's on-stage persona €“ he was bright, energetic and took you along with him. To his credit, Foxx completely understands this, and while he doesn't sing the songs himself €“ he's lip-syncing over Charles's recordings €“ he undoubtedly pulls off an uncanny bit of mimicry. Of course, capturing Charles's stagecraft is only half the battle in a biopic €“ the musician didn't live his entire life on the stage, and had what can be politely described as a colourful personal life, rife with childhood tragedy, drug use and strained relationships. Foxx sells these scenes brilliantly, effortlessly showcasing that genius often comes from the most troubled minds without falling into the maudlin excesses which would define later efforts in the biopic genre. Sure, Charles tries every drug under the sun and is self-destructive to a fault, but you totally understand why he's built the way he is. Obviously, all the credit (and Oscars) for this must be laid at Foxx's door, and his chameleon-like performance. Press 'next' for Foxx's five less successful roles!