Colin Firth: The Thinking Ladies' Leading Man

The King's Speech
As the tongue-twisted King George VI, Firth fleshes out the story of the King who ascended to the throne when his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated to marry his mistress. With the help of his speech therapist, Lionel Logue, the accidental King learns to manage his speech impediment. In another brilliant and complex performance based on fear, frustration, trust and hope, Firth (seen here with Helena Bonham Carter, who plays Elizabeth, the King's wife) won not only the hearts of women but the acclaim of critics as well. The film is currently nominated for 12 Academy Awards, including Firth's second nomination for Best Actor.

• 2011 TIME 100: Colin Firth