Here are some guidelines for how to format actors' names:
* Use regular font: "Meryl Streep gave a brilliant performance in 'Sophie's Choice'."
* Capitalize names: "Tom Hanks and Emma Watson are two of the most respected actors in Hollywood."
* Use quotation marks for film titles: "The film 'Avatar' features Sam Worthington in the lead role."
When to italicize:
* If referring to a specific play or movie: "The play 'Hamlet' was written by William Shakespeare."
* If referring to an artistic work or title: "The painting 'Mona Lisa' is a famous work by Leonardo da Vinci."
Remember: Always follow the specific style guide for your essay (e.g., MLA, Chicago, APA).