Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 23, 2025 · Entertainment

Defying Hollywood's Youth Obsession: AARP Celebrates the Best Over-60 Performances

Move over Sydney Sweeney! The AARP Movies For Grownups panel released their list of 25 great performances from stars in their 60s and many incredible performances were recognized (Sydney is seen at the Met Gala in May)

Hollywood's Golden Generation: The AARP Movies For Grownups List Exposes the Truth About Age and Acting Talent

The entertainment industry has long been obsessed with youth, but a recent list from the AARP Movies For Grownups panel is about to shatter that myth once and for all. Led by some of Hollywood's most talented and enduring stars, this year's crop of outstanding performances showcases that age is truly just a number when it comes to acting chops.

At the top of the list? The incomparable Daniel Day-Lewis, who delivered a tour-de-force performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's 2017 masterpiece, The Phantom Thread. This marked not only his third Oscar win (he'd already taken home the award for Lincoln in 2013, There Will Be Blood in 2008, and My Left Foot in 1990) but also his final on-screen appearance before retiring from acting. The 68-year-old legend played Reynolds Woodcock, a brilliant haute couture dressmaker whose life becomes intertwined with that of a young waitress (played by Vicky Krieps). Although he lost out to Gary Oldman for his role in Darkest Hour, Day-Lewis's performance was nothing short of breathtaking.

Topping the list was the unassailable Daniel Day-Lewis for his performance in 2017's The Phantom Thread

Coming in at number two is the incredible Jodie Foster, who took on the role of Bonnie Stoll in the 2023 biographical sports drama Nyad. At the time of filming, she was 60 and already a seasoned veteran of the screen. Her portrayal of Diana Nyad's best friend and former partner earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. While Foster ultimately lost out to Da'Vine Joy Randolph for her performance in The Holdovers, this nod is a testament to her continued talent and dedication.

Rounding out the top three is Tommy Lee Jones, who starred alongside Daniel Day-Lewis in the 2007 Coen brothers classic, No Country For Old Men. Although his performance as Ed Tom Bell didn't earn him an Oscar nomination (Javier Bardem took home the award for Best Supporting Actor), it's clear that Jones brought depth and nuance to this iconic role.

But what about the other honorees on the list? Let's take a closer look:

In the Paul Thomas Anderson written and directed romantic period drama, Daniel portrayed protagonist Reynolds Woodcock who is a haute couture dressmaker that takes a young waitress (Vicky Krieps) as his muse

  • Burt Reynolds, who played the unforgettable Jack Horner in Boogie Nights (1997), brings his trademark charisma to this role.
  • Helen Mirren, an acting legend in her own right, shines as Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen (2006). Her performance earned her an Oscar nomination and cemented her status as one of the greatest actresses of all time.
  • John Wayne, a Hollywood icon, gives a stirring performance as Rooster Cogburn in True Grit (1969). This film marked a high point in his long and storied career.
  • Demi Moore takes on a more dramatic role in The Substance (2024), showcasing her range and versatility.
  • Ricardo Montalbán, a beloved character actor, brings gravity to his portrayal of Khan in Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan (1982).
  • Tom Hanks, an acting powerhouse, shines as Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood (2019). His performance earned him critical acclaim and proved once again why he's one of the greatest actors working today.
  • Jackie Chan rounds out the list with his intense and nuanced portrayal of Quan in The Foreigner (2017).

These talented individuals, all over 60 at the time of their performances, demonstrate that age is not a barrier to greatness when it comes to acting. As AARP's Movies For Grownups notes, "It's the faces etched with experience that bring the deepest stories to life on screen." The organization hopes this list will inspire appreciation for the enduring power and talent of Hollywood's golden generation.

About AARP

Coming in second was Jodie Foster (pictured right) for her work in 2023 flick Nyad; she is seen with Jodie Foster in the film

AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) is a non-profit interest group based in Washington, D.C. With over 38 million members as of 2018, they focus on issues affecting those 50 and older. This list serves as a testament to their commitment to celebrating and promoting age-inclusive storytelling.

Sources

  • AARP Movies For Grownups Panel
  • The Scholarly Note

Rounding out the top three was Tommy Lee Jones for his work alongside Daniel in 2007's No Country For Old Men

Demi Moore also cracked the top 10 for her work in 2024's The Substance