One of America's most reliable supporting actors, the 57-year-old enjoys quite a solid reputation owing to films like Silkwood, LA Confidential, Sneakers and Limbo.

His first Oscar nomination has come this year in the Best Actor category, for playing pioneering broadcast journalist Edward R Murrow in George Clooney's Good Night, And Good Luck.

David's work is being raved about unanimously, as the black and white political drama gains appreciation.

Here's a look at what the most influential critics are saying about this Oscar-nominated performance.

Photograph: Getty Images
Design: Reuben NV