I don't generally agree with common views on "talented actors"...
IMHO -- The best actors are NOT the ones that win awards and especially not the ones who people rave about their acting. For example, Bryan Cranston is a phenomenal actor; however, I feel there are other actors that are even better -- and much less known or appreciated.
Essentially I see two types of "top actors"
1) Actors that pull-you-in; that make you believe; that are true chameleons because they can play any range of roles (rather than character-actors, which often win awards).
2) Actors that are charismatic, funny, entertaining; they might not be the best theater/technical "actors"; however, they are some of the most entertaining people to watch. Many highly talented comedians fit this description; however, it goes far beyond comedy -- it requires a personality that makes you laugh, even without jokes.
In my opinion...
The most recent/current talent fitting the #1 qualification is Julia Garner:
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The most recent/current talent fitting the #2 qualification is Ryan Reynolds:
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I could answer in a far more pretentious manner, claiming something like Katharine Hepburn, or Henry Fonda, etc; however, they're not making movies any longer and to be honest, there is a new style of acting that they weren't offered.
I could also go with some of the most versatile/technical actors of today, which everyone knows about (Russell Crowe probably being the most deserved, then Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson, etc).
However, I don't think I've ever seen anyone in recent times with more depth and breadth than Julia Garner. I've seen her play characters from opposite sides of the world with full conviction. And I don't think I've seen anyone that can take bland, NON-funny dialog and make it hilarious, to the degree of Ryan Reynolds.
I am also constantly impressed by actors who are extremely talented despite not working in their native language. One example is Joel Kinnaman [Login to see the link] whose native language is Swedish, whose native tone/delivery is nothing like he's forced to deliver on-screen. Yet Joel Kinnaman delivers English lines with vivid subtext far better than native-English actors (watch the TV series "The Killing" as an example; one of the best acted TV series I've watched).
On that same note, the British actors who make their way into Hollywood films are often very talented. Thandiwe Newton [Login to see the link] is a perfect example. She is so dynamic (watch the TV series Rogue vs West World for example).
Speaking of... If you haven't watched "The Killing" or "Rogue", do try to watch them. Some of the most underrated serial TV series in the last 10 years. Another underrated/hated show is HBO's "Watchmen" that starts a tad boring/offputting; however, the final three episodes make the entire series worthwhile; one of the most creative forms of TV writing.
Okay, one final rant:
I also feel that actors like Brad Pitt are perhaps the most underrated. He's a tremendous actor; however, because he's done a lot of cheesy big-budget movies or because he's one of the highest paid stars or best looking actors -- his actual acting talent is overlooked. I would say that's unfair ... but something tells me that he's doing just fine without the accolades, lol.