Peter Sarsgaard first garnered attention in the late ’90s with supporting roles in films such as “Dead Man Walking” (1995) and “The Man in the Iron Mask” (1998), before breaking through with his performance in “Boys Don’t Cry” (1999). The Juilliard alum often embodies complex, morally ambiguous characters, building a reputation for his commitment to the craft.
Whether playing the antagonist in “Shattered Glass” (2003) or portraying a sarcastic best friend in “Garden State” (2004), his filmography spans across various genres and both big-budget blockbusters and smaller films, with his work in independent cinema garnering him respect and admiration from various film festivals and critics’ groups. He’s received critical acclaim throughout his career, with several nominations and awards recognizing his skillful and diverse performances, including the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 80th Venice International Film Festival.
With the release of his 2024 film “September 5,” Sarsgaard is once again in the awards conversation, this time for his blistering portrayal of a relentless TV executive in the middle of a deadly hostage crisis during the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Will he finally receive his first career Oscar nomination? The film explores the ethical questions that arose as the ABC network debated whether to broadcast live footage of a hostage execution. The story details the broadcasting capabilities of the ’70s and the many lives at stake in the hostage crisis, all as time continues to tick by.
In honor of what looks to be another highlight year for the actor, let’s raise a glass and celebrate his achievements by examining the 10 best Peter Sarsgaard movies, ranked.
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10. THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK (1998)
Image Credit: MGM Distribution Co. Writer and director: Randall Wallace.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gérard Depardieu, Gabriel Byrne, and Peter Sarsgaard.
In “The Man in the Iron Mask,” Sarsgaard plays the role of Raoul, the ill-fated son of John Malkovich’s dueling Musketeer, Athosa, in only his second major film role. While he is not the central focus of the film, Sarsgaard brings a quiet intensity to his scenes as Raoul, subtly contributing to the film’s themes of loyalty and betrayal, and adding extra dimension to the film’s narrative that revolves around the mysterious twins vying for the French throne.
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9. JACKIE (2016)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures Director: Pablo Larraín.
Writer: Noah Oppenheim.
Starring: Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, and John Hurt.
“Jackie” is the first film in Pablo Larraín’s trilogy of 20th century iconic women, succeeded by “Spencer” (2021) and “Maria” (2024), starring Natalie Portman in her Oscar-nominated role as Jacqueline Kennedy. The film follows Kennedy in the days when she was First Lady in the White House and her life in 1963 immediately following the assassination of her husband US President John F. Kennedy. Sarsgaard plays Senator Robert F. Kennedy, offering a measured and empathetic portrayal, capturing RFK’s quiet strength and the emotional complexity of his relationship with Jackie.
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8. KINSEY (2004)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures Writer and director: Bill Condon.
Starring: Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Chris O’Donnell, Peter Sarsgaard, Timothy Hutton, John Lithgow, Tim Curry, Oliver Platt, and Dylan Baker.
In “Kinsey” (2004), Sarsgaard plays the role of Clyde, a gay man who becomes a key subject in Alfred Kinsey’s groundbreaking sexual behavior studies. His nuanced performance portrays Clyde as both vulnerable and self-aware, adding depth to the film’s exploration of human sexuality. “Kinsey” was Sarsgaard’s first role that featured full frontal nudity. Paul Clinton of CNN reported at the time that Sarsgaard’s Clyde “stands out” and “confirms that he’s without doubt one of the best character actors of his generation.”
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7. THE CENTER OF THE WORLD (2001)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Artisan Entertainment Director: Wayne Wang.
Writer: Wayne Wang, Miranda July, Paul Auster, and Siri Hustvedt.
Starring: Peter Sarsgaard, Molly Parker, Carla Gugino, and Balthazar Getty.
Peter Sarsgaard’s first lead role came in the 2001 film The Center of the World, where he portrays a lonely young entrepreneur who, instead of attending his company’s high-profile IPO, offers a stripper (Molly Parker) $10,000 to accompany him to Las Vegas. While the film received mixed reviews, The New York Times praised the performances of both Sarsgaard and Parker, noting that they brought a ” provide a rough grain of authenticity, capturing the blunted affect and aimless neediness of people in their 20s struggling to navigate a world of material abundance and impoverished emotional possibility.” In his review, A.O. Scott remarked that Sarsgaard made his character “seem like a genuinely nice guy, too innocent to recognize the sleaziness of his deal with Florence.”
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6. AN EDUCATION (2009)
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Classics Director: Lone Scherfig.
Writer: Nick Hornby.
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Rosamund Pike, Dominic Cooper, Olivia Williams, and Emma Thompson.
In “An Education” (2009), Sarsgaard portrays David, a smooth-talking, sophisticated older man who seduces a young, impressionable girl, played by Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan. Sarsgaard balances charm and ambiguity, making David both captivating and morally questionable as he lures her into a world of adult deception and betrayal. His performance adds a haunting depth to the film, showcasing the tension between innocence and experience as David’s true intentions gradually come to light, with Variety raving that “Sarsgaard … marvelously expresses the savoir faire that has such an impact on Jenny [Carey Mulligan].”
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5. GARDEN STATE (2004)
Image Credit: Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images Writer and director: Zach Braff.
Starring: Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Ian Holm, Jean Smart, and Method Man.
In “Garden State” (2004), Sarsgaard plays Mark, the quirky, free-spirited and sarcastic friend of Andrew (Zach Braff), who returns to his hometown after the death of his mother. Sarsgaard’s performance stands out with his subtle blend of humor and vulnerability, particularly in scenes where his character’s chaotic, reckless nature contrasts with Andrew’s emotional journey. His portrayal adds an intriguing layer to the film, offering both comedic relief and a touch of melancholy to the exploration of growing up and returning to one’s roots.
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4. SEPTEMBER 5 (2024)
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures Director: Tim Fehlbaum.
Writer: Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, and Alex David.
Starring: Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin, and Leonie Benesch.
“September 5” recounts the 1972 Munich Olympic hostage crisis from the perspective of the ABC Sports crew and their coverage of the horrific events as Palestinian terrorists took Israeli Olympic athletes’ hostage. The film explores the ethical questions that arose as ABC broadcast the events live, including whether to broadcast footage of a hostage execution. Sarsgaard plays head of ABC Sports Roone Arledge, a defiant TV executive who fights to keep his team’s access to the story throughout the crisis. The story details the broadcasting capabilities of the ’70s and the many lives at stake in the hostage crisis, all as time continues to tick by. Sarsgaard imbues Arledge with a conflicted and empathetic defiance in his relentless pursuit to cover the story that would change live news broadcasts forever.
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3. BOYS DON’T CRY (1999)
Image Credit: Photo By Getty Images Director: Kimberly Pierce.
Writer: Kimberly Pierce and Andy Bienen.
Starring: Hilary Swank, Chloë Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard, Brendan Sexton III, Alison Folland, Alicia Goranson, Matt McGrath, Rob Campbell, and Jeannetta Arnette.
In “Boys Don’t Cry” (1999), Sarsgaard delivers a standout performance as a volatile and deeply troubled man who becomes a key antagonist in the tragic story of Brandon Teena, portrayed by Hilary Swank in her first Oscar-winning performance. Sarsgaard’s portrayal is both chilling and intense, capturing the character’s cruelty, insecurity and simmering rage. His performance adds to the film’s powerful examination of identity, violence and prejudice, leaving a lasting impact on the portrayal of hate and intolerance.
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2. MEMORY (2023)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Ketchup Entertainment Writer and director: Michel Franco.
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Peter Sarsgaard, Merritt Wever, Brooke Timber, Elsie Fisher, Josh Charles, and Jessica Harper.
“Memory” (2023) stars Oscar winner Jessica Chastain (“George & Tammy”) as Sylvia, a single mother and social worker grappling with her past, Sarsgaard as Saul, a man suffering from early onset dementia, in a story that intertwines their troubled lives following a high school reunion. The film boasts an impressive 85% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the website’s consensus praising the film as a “searingly powerful union of filmmaker and cast, ‘Memory’ finds writer/director Michel Franco exploring complex, mature themes brought brilliantly to life by [its] stars. The film was selected to compete for the Golden Lion at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where it premiered on 8 September 2023, with Sarsgaard winning the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for his performance.
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1. SHATTERED GLASS (2003)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Lions Gate Films Writer and director: Billy Ray.
Starring: Hayden Christensen, Peter Sarsgaard, Chloë Sevigny, Rosario Dawson, Melanie Lynskey, Hank Azaria, and Steve Zahn.
2003 marked a significant turning point in Sarsgaard’s career when he starred in the feature film “Shattered Glass,” in which he plays journalist and lead editor Charles Lane. “Shattered Glass” is based on the real events of journalist Glass’ career at The New Republic during the mid-1990s and his fall when his widespread journalistic fraud is exposed. His performance drew raves from critics, including the San Diego Union-Tribune, which declared that ” Sarsgaard is appealingly level, a stolid straight-shooter as Lane,” and the Chicago Tribune noting that Sarsgaard plays Lane with “great subtlety and grace.” Sarsgaard earned him the National Society of Film Critics Award as well as his first Golden Globe Award nomination and an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his performance.
