#2: Unforgiven

The final Western role of Clint Eastwood’s career was a knockout punch.

Playing the character of aging outlaw William Munny offered Eastwood a unique opportunity to unravel the myth of the rugged, morally unencumbered hero he had often portrayed in his earlier films. It was a bold choice that spoke to both Clint Eastwood’s versatility as an actor and his fearlessness as a filmmaker.

Wearing dual hats as director and main star, Clint expertly led audiences on an exploration of violence, vengeance, and the consequences of one’s actions. A reward for his risk, Unforgiven earned multiple Academy Awards, including those for Best Director and Best Picture.

With this film, Clint Eastwood expanded his legacy to a place few, if any, Western stars had reached before.