There have been a plethora of great performances in film, television, and video games this year! In fact, there were so many in film that I had to step back and think about what I’m trying to shine a light on. Most writers who make lists of the best actors and actresses are doing it in conjunction with the Oscars. I have done this for years myself. Trying to think about who was the best in what category. Instead, I decided to think about performers from all mediums and their body of work for the year. That way I could point your eyes in the direction of the up and coming stars that showed they deserve to be seen more.
Some of these actors, like Paul Mescal in Gladiator II and Daisy Edgar-Jones in Twisters, I used other lists to shine a light on their performances. And others just didn’t make the cut. Also, you have to keep in mind that I have not seen a few of the biggest Oscar contenders of the year like The Brutalist and Nickel Boys. Still, I have seen or played hundreds of games, movies, and shows. This list represents who I think were the cream of the crop in 2024!
12. Troy Baker, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
In Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Troy Baker channels Harrison Ford’s iconic portrayal of Indy. His voice closely mirrors Ford’s performance from the 1980s, capturing the same rugged charm and dry wit. Moreover, Baker nails Indy’s mannerisms, from the signature whip cracks to his confident stride. The balance of adventure and humor in his performance feels authentic, evoking nostalgia for fans of the original films. As the game progresses, Baker’s Indiana Jones exudes the same charisma, making players feel immersed in the classic franchise. Ultimately, his portrayal brings both fresh energy and a sense of familiarity to the legendary character.
11. Eddie Redmayne, Day of the Jackal
Eddie Redmayne delivers a chameleon-like performance as the elusive assassin in Day of the Jackal. His ability to seamlessly change personas keeps viewers on edge, never quite sure who he will be next. Despite his cold-blooded and calculated nature, Redmayne makes the character compelling. As the Jackal, he exudes a quiet, unsettling confidence that draws viewers in. Surprisingly, even though his actions are ruthless, it’s hard not to root for him. This paradox adds depth to the character, keeping audiences intrigued by his every move.
10. Glen Powell, Hit-Man & Twisters
In 2024, Glenn Powell impresses with two distinct performances in Hit Man and Twisters. In Twisters, he brings incredible charisma to his role, effortlessly capturing attention with every scene. His charm adds depth to the film, making his character both likable and relatable. And his chemistry with Daisy Edgar-Jones makes watching them both infectious. On the other hand, in Hit Man, Powell disappears into multiple roles as a pretend hitman, showcasing his versatility. He shifts between identities with ease, making each character feel unique and believable. Even though we know that he is acting. Which lends itself to some really good laughs. This ability to transform highlights Powell’s range, allowing him to adapt to any role seamlessly. And it is why he made this years list.
9. Mickey Madison, Anora
In Anora, Mikey Madison delivers a high-energy performance that captures the complexity of her character. She portrays sex work in a way few films do, revealing both the challenges and the thrill of the job. Madison’s performance shows how difficult decisions can lead to unexpected consequences, making her character relatable and human. However, she also highlights the fun, carefree side of the profession, showing its more unpredictable aspects. This multidimensional portrayal kept me consistently engaged, making it impossible not to care about her. I barely knew Madison’s face a few months ago, but the authenticity and empathy she brings to this role (a role often reduced to stereotypes) has given her huge Oscar buzz.
8. Nicholas Hoult, Juror #2, The Order, & Nosferatu
Nicholas Hoult steals the show in Juror #2, The Order, and Nosferatu with incredible versatility. In Juror #2, he brilliantly navigates the moral uncertainty of his character, making difficult decisions that leave viewers questioning right and wrong. His performance perfectly captures the tension between duty and personal conviction, drawing attention to the complexities of his choices. Meanwhile, in The Order, Hoult brings a dark and disturbing energy to his role, adding depth to the film’s chilling atmosphere. Finally, in Nosferatu, his portrayal is multifaceted, showcasing a range of emotions that reveal the character’s inner struggles. Hoult’s performances in all three films demonstrate his extraordinary talent and it is a shame that he is not really getting much Oscar buzz. He more than deserves it.
7. Demi Moore – The Substance
In The Substance, Demi Moore delivers a captivating performance, with much of her emotion conveyed through her eyes. Despite the film’s focus on her physical appearance, it’s her gaze that tells the true story of inner conflict. As the character physically transforms into what she fears, Moore manages to capture the deep discomfort and self-loathing that accompany these changes. The film’s best scene occurs when she struggles to leave the house, unable to escape her dissatisfaction with how she looks. This sequence beautifully encapsulates Moore’s ability to portray complex emotions through subtle physicality and piercing vulnerability. It’s been so many years since I have had the cause to mention Demi Moore’s name and I am happy to mention her name amongst the best performers of the year again.
6. Cate Blanchett, Disclaimer
Cate Blanchett delivers a highly versatile performance in Disclaimer, skillfully navigating the uncertainty of her character’s accusation. Throughout the story, she keeps viewers questioning whether her actions are justified or sinister. Blanchett masterfully balances the tension between guilt and innocence, forcing the audience to grapple with their own judgments. As the narrative unfolds, she elicits sympathy for her character, despite the ambiguity surrounding her involvement. Her ability to evoke both doubt and compassion highlights her incredible range as an actress. Blanchett has long been one of our greatest actresses and her performance in Disclaimer keeps the audience on edge, fully immersed in her character’s emotional turmoil.
5. Zoe Saldana, Emilia Perez
In Emilia Perez, Zoe Saldana showcases an impressive range of emotions, moving seamlessly between vulnerability and strength. Her performance captivates with its depth, revealing the character’s inner struggles and resilience. Saldana also shines musically, effortlessly nailing every song. In El Mal, she completely steals the show, delivering an unforgettable performance with her dance moves and choreography. Her physicality and rhythm elevate the entire scene, making it a standout moment. While Saldana has long been one of our most beloved actresses, this year she proves she is also one of our best, solidifying her place in the industry.
4. Ariana Grande, Wicked
3. Cynthia Erivo, Wicked
Yes, I did put more than one actress from Wicked in this list and that is because they both are just so good! Cynthia Erivo has shown everyone she is one of the most talented performers on Broadway and beyond, but I don’t think that prepared anyone for how good she is here. How she manages to sing her songs live, even while being pulled around on a wire, is a hell of a thing to watch. Erivo effortlessly kills every musical number, adding an emotional depth to each performance that resonates even deeper on screen. In Defying Gravity, she makes the song the true showstopper it’s meant to be, commanding the stage with every note. And as mentioned before, the chemistry between her and Grande is electric. I’m so excited that we get to see them together again next year. As Elphaba, Erivo makes the role her own, making it impossible to imagine anyone else in the part again.
2. Colin Farrell, The Penguin & Sugar
Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oswald Cobb, better known as Penguin, in The Penguin is pure showmanship. He transforms so completely into the role that viewers will forget it’s Farrell playing him. His performance skillfully balances a character who evokes sympathy with the harsh truth that he is also a monster. Farrell fully fleshes out the role, creating a complex character that’s both vulnerable and ruthless. It’s easily the most dedicated performance of any actor this year. Add in his noir detective role in Sugar, Farrell proves he was a force to be reckoned with in 2024.
1. Anna Sawai, Shogun & Pachinko
The most unforgettable character in anything all year for me was the role of Mariko in Shogun and it was Anna Sawai’s beautiful portrayal that made this true. Over the course of the season, Sawai makes Mariko a character that seeps deep into the consciousness of the audience and buries herself there. You admire her bravery, her patience, and her ability to walk the thin line required of her as an interpreter. Yet, her humanity always slips through. This is because Sawai’s performance is often in her body language. She says one thing, but her eyes, lips, or shoulders tell you something else. She lets down her guard enough to be vulnerable with her English counterpart, but she can only show this in a fleeting manner. Her sacrifice can be maddening. Yet, it is also a discipline that is too be deeply admired. By the end, her sacrifice for country, faith, traditions, and even a family is more heroic than any other character all year.
And she also just got a Critic’s Choice nomination for her role in the second season of Pachinko. There is just no way around it. Sawai is one of the most talented young actresses working today. We all should be keeping our eyes out for what she does next because there is no doubt it will be something special.
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