Every January, or sometimes even earlier, the conversation around awards leading up to the Oscars begins to form. While the specific nominees for the Academy Awards remain unknown until their announcement, critics and fans usually have a solid idea of which performances are unlikely to receive nominations.
This dynamic arises from a continual flow of speculation. The “won’t” list is easier to compile, as it encompasses nearly everyone who acted in films over the past year. With only 20 performances selected for the Oscars each year, and considering additional prominent awards that do not completely align with the Academy’s choices, roughly 40 performances stand as serious contenders. However, countless outstanding performances inevitably exist yearly across various genres and scales.
Unfortunately, not all notable performances emerge from remarkable films or align with the Academy’s vision of excellence. Even as the organization becomes somewhat more adventurous, countless performances lack recognition for various reasons, such as release schedules, box office performance, or genre biases. This doesn’t have to remain the case, though! Whether you’re an awards voter or just a moviegoer, it’s possible to seek out hidden gems outside the mainstream contenders. This overview will highlight year’s overlooked performances, serving as suggestions for Academy members or insights into exceptional acting from varied perspectives.
Oona Chaplin, Avatar: Fire and Ash
One silver lining regarding the Academy’s long-standing resistance to recognizing motion-capture performances is the assurance that works of AI will likely never take the podium. Nevertheless, it’s unfortunate that the subtlety of performance capture has historically been classified under visual effects instead of acting. James Cameron, the creator of Avatar, emphasizes this distinction while promoting Fire and Ash, the third installment. Critics have noted Zoe Saldaña’s impactful performance, even while much of her physicality doesn’t appear on screen. Therefore, it’s time to shine the spotlight on Oona Chaplin, who delivers a physically compelling motion-capture performance as Varang, the complex baddie who leads the aggressive Mangkwan clan. Chaplin conveys a captivating personality, helping craft one of the year’s most intriguing villains, showing she enjoys every moment of her role.
Danielle Deadwyler, The Woman in the Yard, and Tatiana Maslany, Keeper
The horror genre continually makes strides at the Oscars this year, with both Frankenstein and Sinners garnering numerous nominations. However, smaller films like Keeper and The Woman in the Yard lack the widespread recognition usually needed to penetrate industry biases. Both feature women grappling with psychological turmoil in confined settings. Maslany plays a woman cautiously navigating her second romantic year, portraying her internal struggle without extensive backstory. In contrast, Deadwyler embodies a grieving mother faced with a ghostly figure, delivering a raw performance that addresses complex emotions without descending into bad taste.
Dylan O’Brien, Twinless
Although Michael B. Jordan is poised for recognition for masterfully portraying dual twins in Sinners, Dylan O’Brien’s nuanced performance in Twinless deserves attention. His character, Roman, is steeped in grief following his twin’s death, capturing the audience’s empathy through a complex range of emotions. O’Brien’s transformation displays raw vulnerability, helping to deepen the emotional impact of the narrative.
In a career spanning nearly four decades, Keanu Reeves has showcased his versatility. In Good Fortune, he returns to a comedic role, portraying an endearing yet naive guardian angel. His innocence and desire to assist others make for a delightful performance that is both hilarious and sincere, demonstrating his unique ability to navigate stark tonal contrasts seamlessly.
