With roles in films such as "300," "Inglourious Basterds" and the "X-Men" series, Michael Fassbender, 38, is no stranger to action.

"I've learned to enjoy action movies," he tells The Japan Times. "They're more difficult than they look, with the special effects and assorted physical, emotional and patience demands made on the actors involved. Still, I can appreciate the result. And I am more patient now."

While the German-Irish graduate of Drama Centre London admits to a fondness for action flicks, it has been his work in dramatic films that the Oscars have taken note of. He was nominated for his supporting role as a harsh slave-owner in 2013's "12 Years a Slave" and nabbed a best actor nomination for "Steve Jobs," in which he plays the man behind computer company Apple — a much buzzed-about role in Hollywood that had several high-profile names floating around it early on.