‘Lincoln’ and other political biopics

Presidents and leaders are surefire Oscar bait. Here are some notable biographical films about beloved — and reviled — leaders.

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“Lincoln”

Daniel Day-Lewis is the latest actor to tackle the role of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, in Steven Spielberg's epic film biography. Wrote Ann Hornaday: “Lincoln has been liberated -- the better to joke, grieve, spin yarns, brood and work his considerable wits and wiles in the service of political sausage-making at its spiciest and most untidy.”

David James / AP

“The Iron Lady”

Though this 2011 biopic about former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s career was met with mixed reviews, Meryl Streep won an Academy Award for her portrayal.

The Weinstein Company

“Gandhi”

"Gandhi," Richard Attenborough's 1982 epic film, earned Ben Kingsley an Academy Award for his role as the Indian nationalist leader. The film won praise from many critics, but not the Post: “ ‘Gandhi’ is good, but not great, because director Richard Attenborough treats it like a sacred cow. The result is unenlightened, purified biography, some three hours and an intermission long,” wrote our critic.

“Thirteen Days”

This 2000 film about the Cuban Missile Crisis, featured Steven Culp as Robert F. Kennedy, left, Bruce Greenwood as John F. Kennedy and Kevin Costner, right, playing Kennedy aide Kenny O'Donnell. Wrote Post critic Desson Howe: “What emerges in ‘Thirteen Days’ isn't the menace of the Russians; it's the political pressure that informs every decision. Of course, the future of America is at stake. But so is the integrity of Kennedy's decision-making power.”

BEN GLASS/New Line Cinema / AP

“W”

Josh Brolin did a “squinty-eyed, set-jawed impersonation” of George W. Bush in Oliver Stone’s docudrama, which was notable for coming out while its subject was still in office.

Sidney Ray Baldwin / SIDNEY RAY BALDWIN

“Milk”

Sean Penn’s portrayal of gay rights activist Harvey Milk in Gus Van Sant’s 2008 film was considered flawless by many critics, and it earned Penn an Academy Award.

Phil Bray / AP

“Frost/Nixon”

Ron Howard adapted Peter Morgan’s play, which was based on the 1977 television interviews between British journalist David Frost (Michael Sheen) and former president Richard Nixon (Frank Langella). It received five Academy Award nominations. Wrote critic Philip Kennicott: “You expect something dry, historical and probably contrived. But you get a delicious contest of wits, brilliant acting and a surprisingly gripping narrative -- no less dramatic even though the results are a foregone conclusion.”

Universal Pictures

“Nixon”

Another Oliver Stone film, another Nixon: This time, it’s Anthony Hopkins playing the title role. “Nixon, after all, is the century's moodiest, most interesting Shakespearean villain,” wrote critic Desson Howe, in 1995.

SIDNEY BALDWIN / ASSOCIATED PRESS

“Evita”

Despite winning the Golden Globe award for best musical-comedy actress, Madonna did not get a best actress nod for the lead role in “Evita,” about the life of Argentinian first last Eva Peron. Write critic Richard Harrington, “Directed by Alan Parker, ‘Evita’ is ...visually resplendent.... With lavish sets and densely populated tableaux, it evokes not only a particular time and place -- Argentina in the '40s and early '50s -- but the reigning oligarchy and military's great disdain for the masses.”

/ AP

“The Queen”

Dame Helen Mirren captured Queen Elizabeth II at her worst — in the public-relations crisis that came in the wake of Princess Diana’s death — and it was one of her best performances earning the actress an Academy Award. After her win, Mirren was invited to dine with the queen at Buckingham Palace, but sent her regrets to do a film commitment.

Laurie Sparham / MIRAMAX FILMS

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‘Lincoln’ and other political biopics

Presidents and leaders are surefire Oscar bait. Here are some notable biographical films about beloved — and reviled — leaders.

FEATURED PHOTO GALLERIES