The 2022 Academy Awards ceremony is set to air on March 27, 2022. This past year has been an epic showcase of talent across all genres. Studios such as Netflix are competing quite well against other major studios. Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tick, Tick...Boom! premiered on Netflix, and the film is gaining momentum and could possibly take home some Oscars this year. Many of the performances this year have been portrayals of real people. House Of Gucci is a high contender this year and features several great performances including Jared Letto as an unrecognisable portrayal of Paolo Gucci.
There are still films that have yet to be released that could turn the tables in time for the Oscars. Many feel that this could be Will Smith's year to win an Oscar, after giving us several memorable performances in his long career. Smith's portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard was a tender and endearing performance accompanied by newcomer Saniyya Sidney, who plays Venus Williams. No matter what happens, several of these talented actors are getting the credit they deserve for these fantastic performances. Let's dive into the ten best performances of 2021.
10 Jessica Chastain, The Eyes Of Tammy Faye
Michael Showwalter directed The Eyes of Tammy Faye, a biographical drama that tells the story of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker (Jessica Chastain) and the ups and downs of her long career. Chastain completely embodies Bakker both emotionally and physically. Chastain has proved over and over again her capabilities, and it is quite possible that the Academy will recognise her transformation into Tammy Faye.
9
Simon Rex, Red Rocket
Everybody loves a good comeback. Rex is getting high praise for his portrayal of a washed-up porn star in Sean Baker's Red Rocket. Rex, who has experience working in adult films, was born to play this role and he delivers an honest and gritty performance. After a long career of working in goofy comedies, Simon Rex may be finally getting the recognition he deserves for his role. The film was produced by A24.
8
Nicole Kidman, Being The Ricardos
When the trailer for Aaron Sorkin's Being The Ricardos released, Kidman received a lot of backlash for portraying the iconic Lucille Ball. Fortunately, Kidman proved all the haters wrong and she gives a fantastic performance of the comedic legend. Nicole Kidman is one of the greatest actors working, and she once again proved her capabilities in Aaron Sorkin's latest film.
7 Lady Gaga, House Of Gucci
Lady Gaga reportedly stayed in character throughout th filming of House Of Gucci. She completely embodies the persona of Patrizia Reggiani and is definitely a front runner for the Oscar race. It is never an easy feat for American actors to portray characters from different nationalities. Gaga is a force to be reckoned with and delivers an epic performance. Gaga gives us a clear example of the effectiveness of method acting. It is no easy task, but in the end, her hard work and dedication certainly paid off.
6 Clifton Collins Jr., Jockey
The Hollywood Reporter described Collins' performance as “a revelation as a working-class athlete who can still cut a youthful silhouette even while staring down mortality. In his every glance, Collins conveys the man’s professional pride and his growing vulnerability.” Clifton Collins Jr. is an extremely talented character actor who may be a frontrunner in the Oscar race. It is refreshing to see this talented actor finally getting the recognition that he deserves.
5 Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power Of The Dog
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Benedict Cumberbatch plays a ruthless and cruel rancher in the Netflix The Power of the Dog. Cumberbatch is an unbelievable talent and this could finally be his chance to win an Oscar. Cumberbatch was nominated for an Oscar for his role in The Imitation Game, and has given us several memorable performances throughout his career. The critics are praising his latest performance, proving that Cumberbatch is one of the greatest actors working.
4 Alana Haim, Licorice Pizza
Alana Haim lights up the screen in her acting debut in Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film Licorice Pizza. Haim proves that her artistic talents go well beyond her music career. Haim plays 25 year old Alana Kane who begins a romantic relationship with 15 year old Gary Valentine, played by Cooper Hoffman. Anderson's film is endearing and showcases the immense talents from these two young newcomers.
3 Will Smith, King Richard
Will Smith has had a long career that has stretched across music, television, and films. The actor has been previously nominated for two Academy awards, and this could finally be his chance to bring home the Oscar. Smith gives a heartwarming performance in King Richard as the caring father of the two tennis legends. Looking at Smith's performance next to the actual footage of Richard Williams proves that Smith completely embodied the character.
2 Andrew Garfield, Tick, Tick…Boom!
Andrew Garfield plays Jonathan Larson in the film directing debut of Lin-Manuel Miranda. Garfield is non-stop energy from start to finish and gives a full throttle performance. At the same time, Garfield showcases his singing capabilities, proving that he is certainly a musical talent. Tick, Tick...Boom! tells the story of Larson's struggles of trying to make it as a composer in New York City. The film is currently on Netflix and should be seen by all.
1 Kristen Stewart, Spencer
Stewart has been getting rave reviews for her performance of Princess Diana in Spencer. Stewart completely embodies the persona and voice of Princess Diana and is a front runner in the Oscar race. Her sheer emotion and physicality makes you believe you are watching the real Diana on the screen. Kristen Stewart has been acting since she was a child, and through some ups and downs, she has finally proved her capabilities to be one of the great actors of her generation.