Top 10 Best Acting Performances of 2021
#10: Daniel Kaluuya
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“Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021)
In this tragic biographical drama, we see how the FBI wrongfully painted Black Panther Fred Hampton as a threat to America. Daniel Kaluuya’s performance gets to the root of who Hampton truly was: a gentle soul with a commanding presence. Anyone who followed Hampton’s activism knew that he was a charismatic leader who had something important to say. Behind closed doors, though, Hampton could also be sensitive and shy. Kaluuya captures both sides of Hampton, effortlessly transitioning from his rousing rallies to quiet, romantic moments with the women he loves. Kaluuya’s genuine portrayal makes the film’s final destination all the more heartbreaking. While it’s debatable if Kaluuya was truly a “supporting actor,” nobody can deny that his performance deserved every accolade, including an Academy Award.
#9: Bradley Cooper
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“Nightmare Alley” (2021)
Bradley Cooper delivered two stellar performances in 2021. Our only complaint about his outrageous, scene-stealing work in “Licorice Pizza” is that we wanted even more of him. Thankfully, Cooper took center stage in “Nightmare Alley” as a man running from a mysterious past and moving towards an uncertain future. Cooper can be a charmer in real life and on film, but he’s also played his fair share of scoundrels. As Stan Carlisle, Cooper brilliantly plays both sides of the coin. A natural showman, Carlisle gradually becomes greedier as his aspirations grow greater. Being such a two-faced character, we get to see Carlisle on top of the world and at rock bottom. It amounts to some of Cooper’s finest acting ever in the chilling final moments.
#8: Jean Smart
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Some roles are so perfectly cast that you’d swear the character was written with a certain performer in mind. According to the producers of “Hacks,” Deborah Vance wasn’t specifically written for Jean Smart. The second that Smart opens her mouth as Deborah, though, it’s impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. Smart is the only actress who could bring just the right levels of sass, wit, and empathy to Deborah. Although it never feels like Smart is playing herself, you can see numerous parallels between the actress and character. Like Deborah, Smart has always possessed talent, but she hasn’t always been celebrated as one of the all-time greats. With her Emmy-winning performance here, we think we can safely call Smart a certified legend.
#7: Kathryn Hahn
“WandaVision” (2021)
In “WandaVision,” Elizabeth Olsen showcased her versatility as an actress, channeling everyone from Mary Tyler Moore to Julie Bowen. However, Kathryn Hahn stole the show in more ways than one as nosy neighbor Agnes. Unless you somehow stayed off social media and Disney+ for the past year, you probably already know Agnes’ true nature. Even if you predicted the “Agatha All Along” twist, Hahn still kept us guessing throughout. Seamlessly evolving from the witty comedic relief to the menacing big bad, Hahn never misses a beat. As deceitful as Agatha is, Hahn is so much fun in her Emmy-nominated role that we can’t help but cackle along. Between Hahn and Tom Hiddleston’s work in “Loki,” the MCU belonged to the tricksters in 2021.
#6: Denzel Washington
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“The Tragedy of Macbeth” (2021)
Denzel Washington is no stranger to William Shakespeare, having previously appeared in Kenneth Branagh’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” Almost thirty years later, Washington shifts gears from Shakespearean comedy to one of the writer’s most essential tragedies. Washington might not be Scottish, but from the moment he storms onto the screen, you never doubt him as Lord Macbeth. Bringing his signature commanding presence to every scene he’s in, Washington convincingly portrays Macbeth’s downfall from revered hero, to corrupted king, to raving madman who’d much sooner give up his head than lose his crown. Of course, what good is a crown without a head to rest it on? Unsurprisingly, this is also quite possibly the most badass portrayal of Macbeth ever committed to film.
#5: Benedict Cumberbatch
“The Power of the Dog” (2021)
As rugged rancher Phil Burbank, Benedict Cumberbatch is tough as nails and as solitary as an oyster. While Cumberbatch is captivating from his first scene, Phil at first seems like a one-dimensionally cruel character. As subtle shades are gradually revealed, though, he emerges as one of the most complicated characters that Cumberbatch has ever played. Cumberbatch’s performance is one of the many reasons why you’ll want to rewatch the film to catch little nuances you might’ve missed before. Even as we grow to sympathize with Phil, there’s an unyielding uneasy tension that prevents us from fully embracing him. By the film’s conclusion, we’re not sure if Phil is an antagonist or a tragic figure who needs somebody to confide in. Cumberbatch is unquestionably remarkable, however.
#4: Kate Winslet
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“Mare of Easttown” (2021)
“Mare of Easttown” won a trio of acting Emmys for Julianne Nicholson, Evan Peters, and Winslet. Playing the titular character, Winslet is naturally given the most material. Winslet went beyond the call of duty, though, mastering the Delco accent to authentically portray a Delaware County detective. Winslet described it as one of the three hardest accents she’s ever done, even driving her to “throw things.” Beyond getting the dialect down, Winslet delivers a layered performance as a woman struggling to maintain order at home, work, and on the streets. Mare Sheehan receives few rewards for her backbreaking, soul-crushing efforts, but Winslet’s portrayal has attracted nothing but praise. It ranks among her best performances to date, which speaks volumes given Winslet’s rich body of work.
#3: The Whole Cast
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“Mass” (2021)
When you have an ensemble this extraordinary, you can’t single out an MVP. “Mass” reunites two sets of parents with a horrible tragedy in common. While all four principal players are experiencing grief, each expresses their feelings differently. Ann Dowd brings beautiful nuances to Linda, a loving mother forced to live with the knowledge that she raised a monster. Reed Birney’s Richard has the unfazed demeanor of an attorney, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t hurting on the inside. Mathra Plimpton’s emotionally guarded Gail perhaps evolves the most throughout the film. As Jay, Jason Isaacs demonstrates how quickly someone can go from being steady as a rock to the most emotional person in the room. This cast balances one another flawlessly, breathing humanity into Fran Kranz’s honest dialogue.
#2: Will Smith
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“King Richard” (2021)
Will Smith is one of the most recognizable actors in the world, but he completely transforms into Richard Williams, the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena. When we describe Smith’s portrayal as “transformative,” we aren’t just talking about the three hours he spent in the makeup chair every day. In addition to mastering his speech patterns and mannerisms, Smith embodies Williams’ complex nature. One minute, you might scorn Williams for his controlling coaching methods and at times questionable parenting skills. The next, you’ll be rooting for Williams to prove his doubters wrong. In that sense, Smith’s performance is like a heated tennis match, making the audience go back and forth. In the end, Smith wins everybody over with his signature charm.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Rachel Zegler, “West Side Story” (2021)
A Star-Making Feature Debut
Marlee Matlin, “CODA” (2021)
We Can’t Sing This Performance Higher Praises
HoYeon Jung, “Squid Game” (2021)
The Breakout Performance in a Show Full of Breakout Work
Leonardo DiCaprio, “Don’t Look Up” (2021)
For Nailing One of the Most Riveting Movie Monologues Since “Network”
Andrew Garfield, “Tick, Tick… Boom!” (2021)
The Late Jonathan Larson Would Be Proud
#1: Kristen Stewart
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“Spencer” (2021)
For anyone who just thinks of Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan, “Spencer” is a testament to her potential as a performer. Full of subtle nuances, the titular role plays to Stewart’s acting strengths. At the same time, we’ve never seen Stewart like this before. She becomes the Princess of Wales, exploring a side of Diana that she tried to shield from the cameras. The film is practically a psychological thriller and Stewart makes the audience feel Diana’s claustrophobia as the walls of her fancy prison close in. In addition to Diana’s vulnerability, Stewart captures her maternal nature, her resilience against the Royal Family, and her ability to connect with commoners. While the film itself is described as a “fable,” Stewart’s portrayal is hauntingly accurate.
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