Happy Birthday, James Franco!

Today, we're celebrating the 34th birthday of Academy Award-nominated actor James Franco. He got his acting start in made-for-TV movies in the late 1990s, but it wasn't until 1999's Never Been Kissed that he managed to score a role in a feature film. In 2002, Franco took on a career-making role in Sam Raimi's Spider-man, propelling him into mass public consciousness. From there, he's appeared in films like 2005's The Great Raid and 2008's Pineapple Express, and he has reprised his Spider-man role twice since the first film was released. In 2010, Franco nabbed his sole Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Aron Ralston in 127 Hours. Most recently, audiences have seen him in 2011's Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and they'll next be able to see him in the 2012 films Cherry, Maladies, Tar and Lovelace. And so, to celebrate his birthday, I've created a list of my five favorite of Franco's performances. I hope you enjoy the list! Once again, happy birthday, James!

5. Taste
Date Night (2010)


*****

4. Joey
City by the Sea (2002)


*****

3. Scott Smith
Milk (2008)


*****

2. Saul Silver
Pineapple Express (2008)


*****

1. Aron Ralston
127 Hours (2010)

Happy Birthday, Steve Carell!

Today we're celebrating the 49th birthday of big-time funnyman, Steve Carell. Although in the past few years, he's garnered much of his success and acclaim through his starring role on television's "The Office," it's not that difficult to remember his theatrical endeavors. Carell got his first big break in feature films with 2003's Bruce Almighty, and from there, he managed to skyrocket to become of one Hollywood's leading comedic actors. He nabbed his first headlining role in 2005's The 40 Year Old Virgin, and although I think he does a decent job as the leading man, he's still at his best when he finds himself in a supporting, scene-stealing position. So as I always do with celebrity birthdays, I've counted down my five favorite of Carell's roles and have attached clips for your viewing pleasure. Once again, happy birthday, Steve!

5. Phil Foster
Date Night (2010)


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4. Frank Ginsberg
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)


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3. Andy Stitzer
The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)


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2. Barry
Dinner for Schmucks (2010)


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1. Brick Tamland
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)


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Awards
2003: Nominee - Best Cameo or Brief Appearance
2004: Nominee - Best Supporting Actor, Comedy
2010: Nominee - Best Actor, Comedy; Best Supporting Actor, Comedy; Best Voice Acting; Best Couple (with Tina Fey)