Establishing Himself as a Star

Many argue that Ryan solidified his standing in Hollywood through his remarkable performance in “Half Nelson,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He harnessed this momentum to stay at the forefront of critics’ and fans’ discussions, propelling him to become one of the most prolific actors of his generation and beyond.

Notable among his other films are “Blue Valentine” in 2010, “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” “Drive,” and “The Ides of March” in 2011, and “The Place Beyond the Pines” in 2012. With each new role he embraced, Ryan showcased his remarkable versatility — mastering musical performances, emerging as a captivating leading man and sex symbol, and captivating audiences in suspenseful action dramas.

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