Awards Circuit’s Top 10 Breakthrough Performers of 2017
von Clayton Davis
My personal favorite list to create is the top breakthrough performers of the year. Now in its ninth year (sixth at Awards Circuit), the list is meant to be more of a forecast to eventual, if not sudden, stardom. We have a history of being well ahead of the curve with this list (Alicia Vikander ranked third on our list for 2012, three years before she'd be appearing on other breakthrough lists for her performance in The Danish Girl and Ex Machina in 2015).
Each year I recap what we are defining as a breakthrough, since there are multiple ways to look at that term. So, if curious, see below.
Last year we brought an additional layer to our list by installing a Spotlight Performer commendation (inspired by the early forecasting of Vikander's star power). The intent of this citation is to foresee who might appear on the Breakthrough list the following year or two - a way of saying "keep your eye on this actor in 2018," if you will. Last year's debut Spotlight Performer was Riley Keough ("American Honey"). Will Keough make the Breakthrough list this year? Let's find out!
But first...
2018 Spotlight Performers
Haley Lu Richardson ("Split," "Columbus")
Haley Lu Richardson had a good year in 2017. She started the year as a kidnapped teen in M. Night Shymalan’s “Split,” with last year’s Breakthrough performer Anya Taylor-Joy. She also received a Gotham nomination for Best Actress in Kogonada’s “Columbus.”
Even before that, she’s had strong performances in “The Edge of Seventeen” and a number of TV appearances. While it seems that Richardson came a long way in 2017, we feel she is an actress on the rise. It looks like 2018 will really be the year she breaks through, with three films on the way.
She is currently filming “Operation Finale,” where she stars with Oscar Isaac. And Richardson has two films in post-production. First is a period drama, “The Chaperone,” written by Julian Fellowes of “Downton Abbey.” That film also stars Miranda McGovern and Elizabeth McGovern. She also stars with Regina Hall in the upcoming, “Support the Girls.”
Haley Lu Richardson has caught our attention already, and we hope 2018 is her best year yet. (by Karen Peterson)
Ana de Armas ("Blade Runner 2049," "Overdrive")
Cuban-born Ana de Armas has recently been seen in smaller roles in "War Dogs" and "Hands of Stone," opposite big-named stars like Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, and Robert De Niro, respectively. It was her turn as Joi, the virtual sentient love interest of Ryan Gosling in Denis Villeneuve's "Blade Runner 2049," though, where she first caught my eye. And how could she not? The gorgeous star has one of the most interesting roles to hit the big screen this year. But her performance shows a level of capability that is just scratching the surface, in my opinion, as there is likely much more to come from this up and coming ingenue.
In 2018, de Armas will star in "Three Seconds," alongside Rosamund Pike, Clive Owen, Joel Kinnaman, and Common. While "Blade Runner 2049" has put de Armas in the Spotlight, we hope to see a larger role in Andrea Di Stefano's film catapult her to our Breakthrough list this time next year. (by Mark Johnson)
10. Vicky Krieps ("Phantom Thread")
It must be intimidating to go up against Daniel Day-Lewis in your breakthrough role. On screen, however, Vicky Krieps makes it looks easy. As Alma, the paramour of a famed dressmaker, Krieps enters the world of Day-Lewis’ Reynolds Woodcock as a muse. She soon surpasses that. Instead, she becomes equal parts, lover and adversary. With one hand she raises up the House of Woodcock while she undercuts it with the other. There’s a scary bit of conviction to every motion Alma makes. Even as the camera drifts to three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps seizes one’s attention.
One of the greatest joys of “Phantom Thread” is watching how the pendulum of power shifts to Alma. Throughout the film, Reynolds barks orders and appears eccentric and cantankerous. A lesser film would have made her the passive muse. However, Alma may be even more deranged than Reynolds. As a wealthy socialite in a House of Woodcock gown gets too drunk, Alma leads a charge to rescue the dress. She barges into the woman’s home and forcefully removes the dress from the woman passed out on the bed. Krieps approaches the scene with such quiet, yet scary, conviction. Alma takes personal offense to the slight of the dress and feels the need to set things right. “It is no business of ours how Mrs. Rose behaves, but she can no longer act like this and be dressed by the House of Woodcock,” she barks.
On top of it all, Alma gets a bit of perverse fun embarking on this mission with Reynolds. Alma and Reynold’s relationship is built on this toxic quest for power and control in the relationship. This only works if the actress playing Alma can go toe to toe with Reynolds. Much like Alma, Krieps sneaks up on you. Casting a relative unknown means we don’t expect a cage match. Yet, Vicky Krieps emerges as “Phantom Thread’s” ace in the hole. The moment she questions Reynolds’ taste in fabric, the audiences realizes she’s not going to go along blindly.
There’s more Krieps coming for us on the horizon. First is a German film entitled "3 Tage in Quiberon" where Krieps plays “Hotel Maid.” While that might not be the vehicle many anticipate following a leading role in a Paul Thomas Anderson film, never fret. Krieps also stars as Eugenie Vis, the Dutch governess girlfriend of Marvin Gaye, in the biopic “Sexual Healing,” focused on the later years of Marvin Gaye. Boasting six nominations, including Best Picture, hopefully, more take notice of the powerful acting chops Vicky Krieps displays. If her talent is any indication, we should expect a long career from this exciting actress. (by Chris James)
9. Zoey Deutch ("The Disaster Artist," "The Year of the Spectacular Men," "Before I Fall," "Flower," "Rebel in the Rye")
It took far too long for Zoey Deutch to get a chance to lead a film of her own, but 2017 offered that opportunity. There was the YA type outing "Before I Fall," elevated by her work, but notably, there was also "Flower," which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in advance of a March 2018 release. In a way, her big breakthrough is still to come. Sure, in 2016 she was part of the ace ensemble for "Everybody Wants Some" and proved to be the best thing about "Dirty Grandpa" (not to mention "Why Him?"), but 2017 into 2018 is where she'll make her mark. "Flower" is a tour de force performance, building on those aforementioned turns, as well as 2017 supporting roles in "The Disaster Artist" and "Rebel in the Rye," to really show you what she's got. Deutch deserves Best Actress consideration for "Flower," so suffice to say, she's really breaking through. When you see the film, you'll understand why. (by Joey Magidson)
8. Hong Chau ("Downsizing")
This article was going to be a much different piece had Andy Serkis said Hong Chau's name on Tuesday. Alas, being the best part of an unloved film has once again proven to be poison at the Oscars (unless you're Denzel Washington). Chau's performance in "Downsizing" was the lightning bolt needed in the slog of a film, the rare flop from director Alexander Payne. While her performance may have divided critics (calls of stereotypes, etc.), most nevertheless viewed her as what she was a Ngoc Lan Tran: a person. Complex, funny, earnest, Ngoc Lan is the heart of a basically heartless movie. We learn to care about her instead of the schlubby white man, in no part thanks to the script, but all in part thanks to Chau's humanity. Her "finally happy to be small" scene is far and away the highlight of the film.
The Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and SAG nominee will hopefully have a bright future in the current climate of Hollywood, where diversity is the top priority of every studio. Sadly, though, Chau has no upcoming films or TV shows listed on IMDb (hopefully she returns to Monterey with Meryl Streep in the next season of Big Little Lies). Hollywood has historically had...deliberate difficultly making Asian performers into stars, relegating them to supporting turns or forgetting about them all together. Perhaps Chau came around at the right time and, hopefully, her Oscar snub is not an indication of Hollywood already dropping her to the curb. (by Sam Coffey)
7. Caleb Landry Jones ("Get Out," "American Made," "The Florida Project," "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri")
Whenever Caleb Landry Jones appears onscreen, expect copious amounts of trouble. As the harbinger of disaster with his wily gait and eyes that pierce with accusatory menace, don't expect an easy movie-going ride when Jones is present. Before including his middle name into his official credit, Jones played cameo parts in major films until raising his profile almost ten years later. His onscreen debut was Best Picture-winning film, “No Country For Old Men.” How's that for a resume starter?
Despite a lead role in Brandon Cronenberg's dystopian psychological thriller, “Antiviral” (2012), Jones still hadn't broken through enough to solidify himself as a household or even cinephile name. Rather than settle for any more unmemorable roles that no one would watch, Landry buckled down and knew that in order to be viewed as the best, he needed to star in the absolute best. Moreover, he needed to star in as many projects as possible with massive potential so audiences would be forced to recognize him. In 2017, he accomplished his goal, starring in five U.S. releases: “War on Everyone,” “Get Out,” “The Florida Project,” “American Made” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” Firmly positioning himself as the next Steve Buscemi in terms of “character actor” whose presence confirms quality, Landry Jones has formally broken through and remains unstoppable. He can next be seen in Sebastián Silva's “Tyrell” and Justin Kelly's “Welcome the Stranger.” (by Joseph Braverman)
6. Kumail Nanjiani ("The Big Sick")
For about half a decade now, Kumail Nanjiani has popped up in small comedic roles on the big screen. Of course, for the last few years, he's been part of one of television's funniest ensembles with Silicon Valley. Still, 2017 is the year he broke through, since he not only managed to be the star of a hit romantic comedy, he also penned that same film with his wife Emily V. Gordon. "The Big Sick" showcased his talents like never before, revealing him to be a genius writer, a compelling leading man, and an actor with so much to offer. Nanjiani has rightly been awarded for this feat multiple times during the precursor season and going forward, he should have a ton of opportunities. Relish his small part in "Fist Fight" if you so desire, since he won't showing up in tiny roles like that anymore. "The Big Sick" has propelled him to the forefront of Hollywood, and rightly so too. (by Joey Magidson)
5. Tiffany Haddish ("Girls Trip," "Boosters," "Mad Families")
In June of 2017, Tiffany Haddish was the least famous member of the Flosse Posse on the billboard of “Girls Trip.” The Malcolm D. Lee R-rated comedy starred Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Queen Latifah, all women with staggering careers in film. By July of 2017, after the film overperformed on opening weekend, Haddish emerged with the best reviews and even a heaping dose of Oscar buzz. After stints on “The Carmichael Show” and a small role in “Keanu,” Haddish finally achieved mainstream success. Though Haddish, while announcing the Oscars, was not among the nominees, this doesn’t dampen the impact of her performance. She was nominated for a Critics Choice Award and won the New York Film Critics Circle Prize, on top of being mentioned for a number of other regional critics awards. Not bad for a role where she performs fellatio on a grapefruit.
Her role as Dina is more than just the outrageous antics. The physicality and character work Haddish pours into Dina constructs a one of a kind creation. Early on, as the women arrive in New Orleans, Dina cascades from extreme happiness to blind rage in swift, authentic motion. She dances with the locals while she gulps a novelty drink, ready to party. However, upon hearing of her friend’s husband’s infidelity, she snaps into defense mode. While she tries to keep it cool for the sake of the friend group, her rage breaks out. She wants to help. Upon finding him in a hotel lobby, she jerks across for a champagne bottle breaks it and lumbers towards the cheater. Her motions so perfectly calibrated for maximum comedy, Haddish channels some of the great physical comediennes like Lucille Ball. It’s a sumptuous first course where there’s plenty more to come.
“Girls Trip” was just the earth-shattering birth of this actresses’ true potential. Her entire persona since the film’s opening has catapulted her into the pop culture stratosphere. The greatest piece of performance art was her late night talk show story of taking Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith on a Groupon swamp tour. This led her to become the celebrity sponsor for Groupon (look out for her in their Super Bowl ad). Her seventeen minute New York Critics Circle speech led fellow winner Paul Thomas Anderson, through spokesperson Lesley Manville, to declare that she is the next person he wants to work with. In November, Haddish also became the first black, female stand up comedienne to host “Saturday Night Live.” Every piece of Tiffany Haddish the world receives keeps them wanting more.
Even outside the world of TV, Haddish is making a name for herself. Haddish launched her production company, She Ready (based on the name of her stand up special), and looks to be in development on a new series. Not only that, Haddish is now a best selling author. Her book, “The Last Black Unicorn,” features a collection of personal essays from different points in her life. Growing up in foster care in South Central Los Angeles, Haddish’s story wows many. Part of her appeal is not just what she has overcome to achieve success, but how her positivity is her power. Yes, she’s crude, unapologetic and rough around the edges. However, she resonates a good-hearted authenticity that is hard to come by.
If 2017 was the emergence of Tiffany Haddish, then 2018 is the payoff. Already in January, we’ve seen Haddish narrate an episode of “Drunk History” (and contribute to a rating spike). Also on the television front, Haddish co-stars with “30 Rock” alum Tracy Morgan in “The Last OG,” set to air in April on TBS. She hasn’t turned her back on film though. Her next comedy “Night School,” which pairs her with Kevin Hart, comes out September 2018. On top of that, Paramount is developing a project around her entitled “Limited Partners,” which is in pre-production. She also stars in Ike Barinholtz writing and directing debut “The Oath,” also in pre-production. The ink is hardly dry on a new first-look two-year deal with HBO. Looks like we won’t see the last of Tiffany Haddish for a while. (by Christopher James)
4. Barry Keoghan ("Dunkirk," "The Killing of a Sacred Deer")
Although he’s been acting onscreen for about seven years, 2017 proved to be a big year for the Irish actor. First, he was part of the talented ensemble in Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” as George, joining the rescue mission aboard a small personal boat. That film has won quite a few awards and is very much in contention for Academy Awards. In the fall, his performance in “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” showed a new level of depth from Keoghan. His Martin was a perfect balance of menacing and unhinged. He was terrifying, but there was something that commanded sympathy at the same time. It was exceptional work from a rising star.
Keoghan will be seen next in “American Animals,” which premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. That film is getting a lot of buzz in Park City and stars Keoghan alongside Evan Peters and Blake Jenner. He will also star in the Irish drama “Black 47,” which premieres at the Berlin International Film Festival in February.
From his early days in films like “’71” to his newer roles, Keoghan has demonstrated a talent that is only going to grow. He can maneuver between innocent and scary and back again. And we can’t wait to see more from him. (by Karen Peterson)
3. Riley Keough ("Logan Lucky," "It Comes at Night," "We Don't Belong Here," "The Discovery")
2017 was a good year for Riley Keough. Besides her commanding and hypnotic performance on the small screen with "The Girlfriend Experience," last year saw Keough steal scenes in "Logan Lucky," make "It Comes At Night" an acting showcase as well as a genre experiment, and essayed one of the most interesting characters in "The Discovery." Those of us who have loved her all too infrequent work for years were delighted when 2016 had her do tremendous work in "American Honey." 2017 built on that. With a ton of interesting work scheduled for this year with top-notch indie filmmakers ("Hold the Dark" with Jeremy Saulnier, "The House That Jack Built" with Lars Von Trier, and "Under the Silver Lake" with David Robert Mitchell), it's fair to expect 2018 to be her biggest year yet. Keough is well on her way to being an A-lister, and perhaps even an Oscar nominee too. (by Joey Magidson)
2. Daniel Kaluuya ("Get Out")
In 2017, there may not have been a more iconic image than the face of Daniel Kaluuya. The shot of Kaluuya, paralyzed with tears streaming down his face, was horrifying yet relatable to audiences. His ability to utilize negative space is almost unparalleled among actors today, with so much emotion and language conveyed through a simple look. “Get Out” may be one of the greatest films of the year, and without Kaluuya’s immense talent, it’s likely not in that discussion. Attention from Golden Globe, SAG, and Critic’s Choice all helped Kaluuya earn his first Oscar nomination of his career. It could be the first nomination of many on the horizon.
What might be even more exciting is that Kaluuya is far from done. In just a couple months, Kaluuya will join the MCU as W’Kabi in Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther.” What his exact role is (traditionally an ally of our hero) remains to be seen, but his character poster teases a large role. Not too long after, Kaluuya will lend his voice to the Netflix series “Watership Down,” based on the classic novel by Richard Adams. Finally, he’ll close out the year in Steve McQueen’s “Widows” with Viola Davis, Colin Farrell, Liam Neeson and Robert Duvall. With the incredible cast, don’t be surprised if Kaluuya shows up in SAG Ensemble next year, and depending on the size of the role, could be bound for another nomination. After all, Kaluuya is a star, and he's on the path to be one of the great actors of his generation. (by Alan French)
1. Timothée Chalamet ("Call Me By Your Name," "Lady Bird," "Hostiles")
It's only happened a few times, but this year's Breakthrough Performer champion has pretty much been the consensus title-bearer for 2017. Starring in three of the year's best films is only part of what made those who rank such things sing out Chalamet's praise harmoniously. There is an undeniable ocean of talent and wherewithal that lies beneath the youthful, doe-eyed charm and charisma.
From his brief-but-memorable turn in Scott Cooper's "Hostiles," to his early-aughts portrayal of a moody, self-indulgent semi-goth in Greta Gerwig's "Lady Bird," Chalamet proved to be a scene-stealer even in smaller roles. It was his performance in Luca Guadagnino's "Call Me By Your Name," however, that earned him his first Academy Award nomination, and skyrocketed him to stardom.
Set against the backdrop of a gorgeous Italian summer, Chalamet plays 17-year-old Elio Perlman, a precocious teen who falls for an older man (played by Armie Hammer). Chalamet's ability to manifest vulnerability and heartbreak is both fascinating and delicate, most notably when we witness his embittered reaction to seeing his crush on the dance floor with another love interest.
It probably goes without saying that Chalamet is now in high demand, as he will star in three more films scheduled to be released in 2018. He stars with Alex Roe and William Fichter in another coming-of-age tale, "Hot Summer Nights." He will star as the meth-addict son of Steve Carell in "Beautiful Boy." Finally, he will appear in Woody Allen's "A Rainy Day in New York," along with Rebecca Hall, Elle Fanning, Jude Law, Selena Gomez, Liev Schreiber, and Diego Luna.
While the young thespian faces some stiff competition at Oscar (Gary Oldman is a heavy favorite to win for his turn in "Darkest Hour"), something tells me we are seeing something very on par to the rise of Leonardo DiCaprio circa "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." (by Mark Johnson)
Who do you think were the breakthrough performers of 2016? Share with us in the comments.
Read the full article
Clayton Davis
Keine Verbindung
Verbindung wird wiederhergestellt
Etwas ist schiefgelaufen
Wir sind gleich wieder da