It’s true that the ultimate prize any actor can receive is an Academy Award. And yet, this year’s Oscars prove more than most that even the best performances can go overlooked. Seven of the top ten actors listed here were not nominated for an Academy Award, and only nine of the 20 actors who were nominated (for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role) earned a place on this coveted list.
After all, FilmJabber’s list is coveted. Because we say it is, that’s why. Without further ado, here are the 20 best performances of 2011:
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No. 20. Berenice Bejo, The ArtistYou don’t hear her say a word the entire film, but she glows in every scene of which she’s a part. |
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No. 19. Colin Farrell, Horrible BossesThe worst part about Horrible Bosses? The funniest part of the movie – Colin Farrell – is barely in it. |
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No. 18. Kirsten Dunst, MelancholiaThis sci-fi drama about the end of the world and depression was… depressing… but Kirsten Dunst delivers the best performance of her career. |
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No. 17. Christopher Plummer, BeginnersLike a good wine, Christopher Plummer gets better with age. Who knew he’d be playing a gay widower who is dying of cancer at the ripe old age of 168? |
Tags: adepero oduye, albert brooks, berenice bejo, brad pitt, charlize theron, christopher plummer, colin farrell, dominic cooper, elizabeth olsen, george clooney, jean dujardin, joseph gordon-levitt, kirsten dunst, mel gibson, melissa mccarthy, meryl streep, michael fassbender, michael shannon, michelle williams, rooney mara
