Oscar voters have their ballots in hand. But hear us out: We’ve got some dark horses to consider.
When the acting field is announced at the Oscars on Tuesday morning, you’ll likely see stories of feel-good comebacks (Brendan Fraser and Ke Hui Kwan), usual suspects (Cate Blanchett and Viola Davis) and maybe finally Oscar-winners (Michelle) Yeoh and Colin Pharrell). However, what we really liked this year – and would love to see get the accolades appropriate – are the knockout offerings full of wicked vibe, romantic international flair, and yes, some old-school Need for Speed.
Hey, Oscars, please consider these epic acting performances
Here are 10 performances by deserving people that we hope will be remembered in this year’s Oscar race:
- Two antagonistic images ruled, from “Pearl” to “Batman”.
- Top Gun: Maverick went up thanks to a cannon with plenty left in the tank.
- The RRR guys made it great to fight And dance.
NT Rama Rao Jr. (‘RRR’)
Academy, would you go halves on a Best Actor nod? Because this action-packed musical adventure and the Indian stars are what make “RRR” such a powerhouse of audiences: British army soldier of Ram Charan and loyal warrior of Rao become friends, turn to foes and then come back together as a fighting force, with bromance throughout and a spectacular dance along the way. If we had to choose, though, the charismatic Rao has the edge for commanding an army of wild animals and juggling a motorcycle with ease. – Brian Truett
Tom Cruise (Top Gun: Maverick)
Cruz has been nominated twice for the Best Actor Oscar, for 1989’s “Born on the Fourth of July” and 1996’s “Jerry Maguire,” as well as a supporting actor nomination for 1999’s Magnolia. Nothing does. Since then, he’s been in the desert of being nominated for an Academy Award as he rises to the status of a Hollywood icon, largely on the back of his daring exploits in action films. So why not reward the joy he brought to millions with a Top Gun trophy? His performance as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell garnered no awards attention, despite thrilling a world weary of the pandemic and the reopening of cinemas around the world. Time for an Oscar? – Marco della Cava
Paul Dano (Batman)
It’s baffling how Dano earned a Screen Actors Guild nomination for “The Fabelmans” but not for his best effort in 2022, playing the Riddler in Matt Reeves’ renewal of the Dark Knight mythos. Under his Saran Wrap mask and outrageous green glasses, Dano has cast an unsettling presence with his serial killing role in the Count of Conundrums. What’s most impressive is that he’s even more terrifying when he’s in costume, as a traumatized character with designs on being Gotham City’s true savior. – Truett
Mia Goth (Pearl)
Oscar voters are notoriously terrified of their noses, which means they often overlook brilliance in actors like Goth, who created a new camp icon in “Pearl.” A sort of deranged Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz,” Pearl will stop at nothing to leave her dismal farmhouse for the bright lights of stardom. Goth wonderfully captures her insane obsession and vulnerability, culminating in one of her most haunting (and unrememberable) The final shots in years. – Patrick Ryan
Rank:The best horror movies of 2022 (including “Barbarian,” “X,” and “Terrifier 2”)
Nina Hoss (“Tar”)
Blanchett gives a performance for the ages as Lydia Tár, the conductor of an orchestra on a downward spiral. But Hoss has, in some ways, a more complex role as Lydia’s conniving wife Sharon, a talented musician in her own right who stands by as Lydia abuses her power. Hoss’s performance lies in her watchful eyes and drooping lips, as she bites her tongue about Lydia’s personal and professional actions until the explosive climax of the drama. – Rayyan
interview:Why Cate Blanchett says Tar is the “hardest movie” to talk about
Zoe Kravitz (“Kimmy”)
In Steven Soderbergh’s pandemic-era paranoia, Kravitz’s Seattle tech employee working on an Alexa-like in-home voice service hears a recording she’s not supposed to and soon runs for her life. Undercover and leaving us more than a little breathless, the actress is the gentle, blue-haired heartthrob amidst Hitchcockian thrills, giving audiences an intriguing heroine as well as an immersive exploration of mental health issues. – Truett
Lashana Lynch (“The Woman King,” “Matilda the Musical”)
The “Captain Marvel” breakout continues to prove that she is one of Hollywood’s most versatile stars. In the musical “Matilda,” she exudes warmth and understanding as the sweet Miss Honey, and delivers powerful vocals on the heart-rending “My House.” And in the historical epic “The Woman King,” it’s impossible to take your eyes off Lynch, who brings effortless charisma to resilient Dahomey warrior Izogie. Davis’ stunning performance is the basis of the film, but Lynch’s impressive role is equally Oscar deserving. – Rayyan
The Woman King:The real-life epic brings the battle to life with Viola Davis and her co-stars
Paul Mescal (Afterson)
If there’s any justice in the world, Mescal would be best actor for his sad and heartbreaking work in Aftersun, in which he portrays a young father named Callum who goes on vacation with his 11-year-old daughter (the adorable Frankie Curio). Part of what makes the Charlotte Wells movie so devastating are the subtle ways in which Mescal conveys Callum’s quiet anguish, putting a hilarious face on his daughter even as he grapples with personal demons. – Rayyan
After the sun:Paul Mescal Talks Heartbreaking New Film, Life After ‘Ordinary People’
Keke Palmer (“No”)
Jordan Peele’s deft sci-fi thriller appears to turn in star Daniel Kaluuya’s stoic performance. No. Keke Palmer arguably steals the show as Kaluuya’s gossip and spunky sister Emerald Haywood. The actress, who first won our hearts as the young spellbinding champion in 2006’s “Akeelah and the Bee,” keeps No on the boil from first frame to last as her infectious enthusiasm and unvarnished fear serve as our surrogate. – Della Cava
Jeremy Pope (“Inspection”)
A Golden Globe nomination never seemed enough to honor the heartfelt and honest story Bob tells in this boot camp drama. As a young gay man who is ousted from his fellow new recruits by his homophobic mother and toxic Marine hostility, Bob is a revelation that brings raw emotion, needed grit, and a strong sense of hope to a timely story of identity and sisterhood. It is a harbinger of many award seasons to come for outstanding talent. – Truett
Your job is to love them.Gabrielle Union talks about the film “Inspection” about raising LGBTQ youth
