Actors can be typecast in similar roles for their whole career. Instead of expanding and trying on different types of characters, they might remain stuck with the same attitude and personality in the same genre of films.

Some critics thought that Bradley Cooper might be one of those actors, destined for romantic comedies and crude humor. However, a maturing took place which caused reviewers such as the Observer that “he’s starting to realize the rewards of taking acting to a deeper level.”

Cooper proved doubters wrong with highly-claimed films such as Silver Linings Playbook,American Hustle and the Oscar-nominated American Sniper. In fact, he might take home an Oscar for Best Actor this Sunday. Who will take home that Oscar is uncertain, but according to The Wrap, Cooper could potentially upset the race by taking the Oscar because he is “a powerful wild car. “

Surprisingly, this actor who is nominated for his third Best Actor Oscar has been in a relatively small number of movies. Here are some of his best works and a chance to see him mature as a performer over the years.

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Hit and Run – as Alex Dmitri

In this comedy full of action, a man in the Witness Protection Program must stay away from the law and former gang members while helping his girlfriend get to Los Angeles to begin a new life. Cooper plays the seemingly chill but really intense gang member from the past. In it, he is able to express a range of emotions as well as comedic moments.

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The A-Team – as Face

What happens when four Iraqi veterans are falsely accused of a crime and put into prison? Well, if those veterans include Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper, the men will break out of jail and try to prove their innocence. Action fills this film as well as great acting, humorous moments and handsome shots of Cooper.

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The Midnight Meat Train – as Leon

Cooper plays a photographer trying to capture the inner life of New York City. However, his photographs lead him to find out a horrifying secret concerning serial butchering. Creepy and haunting, this film lack the sweet or cocky humor that Cooper often brings but has his intense acting.

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Limitless – as Eddie Morra

Several movies have explored the concept of using 100 percent of our brains. In this one, a writer played by Cooper takes a pill that grants him this ability. However, his life soon becomes endangered as this increased ability adds unforeseen complications. To add to the excitement, Robert De Niro plays the villainous business mogul.

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The Hangover – as Phil

A bachelor party goes haywire in Las Vegas, leaving the men trying to figure out what happened the next morning. Sure, this film is not a masterpiece. However, it shows Cooper’s ability to be humorous, something that is not highlighted as much in recent films.

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The Place Beyond the Pines – as Avery Cross

This crime drama features not only action but also messages of love, family, and justice. Ryan Gosling plays a motorcycle rider who turns to robbing banks in order to provide for his girlfriend and son. Conversely, Avery Cross is a young police officer with a son the same age attempting to catch the robber. Through the movie, the sons grow and begin a rivalry of their own.

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Guardians of the Galaxy – as Rocket’s voice

There were few summer movie hits in 2014. The only film that really stood out as exemplatory and popular was Guardians of the Galaxy. In this fun space romp, Cooper voiced the ornery, sarcastic raccoon Rocket. His voice added a fun dimension to this character.

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American Hustle – as Richie DiMaso

Looking for a renowned and intriguing film? This one is a good choice. First of all, it is filled with wonderful actors: Cooper, Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams and more. Secondly, the story is filled with conmen, seduction, scandal and the law mixing together. Finally, American Hustle was nominated for 10 Oscars in 2014.

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Silver Linings Playbook – as Pat

Here is another movie where Jennifer Lawrence and Cooper play off of each other. Their chemistry is part of what makes this film work. Also wonderful is the script full of honest dialogue regarding mental illness and loss.

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American Sniper – as Chris Kyle

Finally, this film is probably the best in Cooper’s career. Firstly, he gained weight and muscle to look the part for this film. Secondly, the true story of a sniper that fought for America touched people across the country. Finally, nearly every element of this movie won. In fact, this movie might win Best Picture at the 2015 Oscars. We will have to see on Sunday.