All right all right all right. Matthew McConaughey, that one-time king of the cheesy rom-com, has done it: He’s now considered the man to beat in the race for Best Actor at the Oscars, for his harrowing transformation and performance in the AIDS drama “Dallas Buyers Club.” Already, he’s won at the Gotham, Screen Actors Guild, Critic’s Choice and Golden Globe awards. The bongo-playing Texan’s evolution from drawling stoner to drawling-but-seriously-talented actor has not gone unnoticed; let’s have a look back at some of his most memorable roles to see the transformation taking place.
Dazed and Confused (1993)
In McConaughey’s first real film role, he created an unforgettable character in the bit part of Wooderson, the creepy older guy who likes high school girls because “I get older, they stay the same age.”
A Time to Kill (1996)
As the young and ambitious lawyer in this John Grisham adaptation, McConaughey stood out as a new face to watch opposite another up-and-comer, Sandra Bullock.
Ed TV (1999)
McConaughey channeled his party-guy persona to play the titular star of this Ron Howard comedy about a reality show.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
This amusing bit of fluff cemented McConaughey as the perfect romantic comedy centerpiece: a gorgeous guy who didn’t need to work hard to exude charm and humor.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
After a string of similar rom-coms, McConaughey stretched a bit for Ben Stiller’s edgy comedy, playing a Hollywood agent who’s willing to do whatever it takes for his client.
The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)
A small crime thriller, this otherwise regular procedural picture showcased a McConaughey who seemed to be trying a little harder.
Killer Joe (2011)
Twisted and disturbingly gory, this indie saw McConaughey playing the title role, tapping into his ability to play characters with a serious dark side.
Bernie (2011)
Richard Linklater’s underrated true story of a small-town murder featured McConaughey in a small but lauded role as a perceptive district attorney.
Magic Mike (2012)
McConaughey sent up his ab-tastic image as the preening owner of a male strip club in Steven Soderbergh’s thoughtful — yet hilariously campy — film.
Mud (2012)
Playing a fugitive hiding on an island in the Mississippi River who enlists the assistance of two adolescent boys, McConaughey stretched his acting chops.
Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
McConaughey found his real star-making role in the true story of Ron Woodroof, a Texan man diagnosed with AIDS; the usually buff actor lost a startling amount of weight to play the part believably — and it paid off in an Oscar nomination.
True Detective (2013)
The Oscar front-runner continues his stroll to the dark side with this HBO detective noir, running now, which sees him playing a pensive, nihilistic investigator opposite Woody Harrelson’s good-old-boy partner.
Interstellar (2014)
This fall, in a role that could make him an awards contender next year, the actor will play an astronaut in Christopher Nolan’s space exploration drama. Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway co-star.