One of my favorite things to do in January is to look back at the performances from the year that was. The Golden Globes have come and gone. The Oscars are right around the corner. This is my chance to share the actresses and actors who I thought were the best in their respected categories. So without delay I’m letting the ladies go first. These are my favorite performances by actresses in supporting roles. It’s been a rich year filled with strong performances and these women have stood out to me.
#5 – Tilda Swinton (“Snowpiercer”)
I think the word ‘diverse’ is a great word to describe Tilda Swinton. In 2014 she showcased her incredible range. One of her standout and incredibly unique performances came in “Snowpiercer”. She plays Mason, the second in command of a constantly moving train carrying the last survivors on the frozen earth. Swinton hams it up like never before, but in some weird twisted way her character fits in this world. Swinton is devious, maniacal, and at times absolutely hilarious.
#4 – Emily Blunt (“Edge of Tomorrow”)
This is certainly not the kind of performance that will garner awards attention, but Emily Blunt’s performance in “Edge of Tomorrow” is gritty, tough, and filled with personality. Those who know my appreciation for Blunt may see this as a biased pick. But Blunt really shows a different side of her. She matches Tom Cruise in every scene and she injects such vivacity into a character that could have been run-of-the-mill and cliché. It’s a great performance.
#3 – Eileen Atkins (“Magic in the Moonlight”)
It’s a small role, but I love Eileen Atkins in Woody Allen’s “Magic in the Moonlight”. Allen has a knack for writing good female characters and then choosing good actresses to bring them to life. That is definitely the case with Atkins. She plays Colin Firth’s Aunt Vanessa, a subtle fireball who isn’t afraid to speak her mind to her pretentious nephew. Atkins makes it seem effortless as she delivers muted but sharp wit and a delectable charm.
#2 – Agata Kulesza (“Ida”)
One of the strongest components in Pawel Pawlikowski’s fabulous “Ida” is Agata Kulesza and her character Wanda. In many ways she is the door of self-discovery for young Ida. Kulesza gives us that side of her character, but she also superbly conveys another side plagued by misery and depression. Kulesza never struggles with the various perspectives she is asked to show, and regardless of whether the scenes are big moments or small subtle ones, she is up for the task.
#1 – Patricia Arquette (“Boyhood”)
There is a lot of buzz surrounding Patricia Arquette’s performance in Richard Linklater’s brilliant drama “Boyhood”. She deserves all of the attention she is getting. Arquette has always been a talented actress but here she gets an opportunity to do a number of different things. Filmed over a twelve year period Arquette shows us several different stages of this mother’s life and at no point does she ever feel deceptive or false. Arquette injects so much emotion into an already deeply moving film. She won the Golden Globe for the performance and I’m hoping an Oscar win will follow.
Keith & the Movies 
I’ve actually seen Swinton and Arquette from this selection, man, so I can’t fully comment. However, they’re two great inclusions. I’d had to go with Arquette as well, though. A very strong performance.
Yes sir! And it is such different role to take on. Sticking with and developing a character over 12 years. She is so natural and authentic.
Couldnt agree more. Quite subtle in many ways too. I actually Hawke was the highlight of Boyhood but in the supporting actor category, he has very strong competition.
Loved Hawke and was rooting hard for him to win the Golden Globe last night.
He was fantastic. Remind me took the award again??
JK Simmons for Whiplash. I think he was a lock. Tons of momentum behind him.
Hmmm, yeah, man. I haven’t seen it yet but I’ve always been a BIG admirer of Simmons. I can imagine he’s superb as always. It’s taken some time for him to be recognised but I’m actually very happy that that’s happening now.
Agreed. I can’t really complain either. Whiplash still hasn’t opened up in my area.
It opens on Friday over here and I’m checking it out just for Simmons.
He..he.. see, I knew you’d include miss Blunt but I do love her too, Keith! Nice to see miss Swinton on here too.
When you mentioned Swinton in your post I smiled big! I just love that performance. As for Blunt… Well… 😉
Impressed you chose Eileen Atkins! Swinton was great this year wasn’t she? From Grand Budapest to Snowpiercer to Vampires…
Hey Cindy! Didn’t Tilda have a great year. Some wildly diverse roles. As for Mrs. Atkins, she is sooo good in “Magic”. I wanted to see more of her.
I think I need to see Snowpiercer and Magic in the Moonlight, because those movies keep popping up on other people’s lists too. I would wholeheartedly agree with Patricia Arquette and Emily Blunt on your list. Both were wonderful in their films!
I think I liked Magic in the Moonlight more than most. I thought it was delightfully funny. Snowpiercer is really a fresh bit of science fiction. I highly recommend it.
Thanks for the comments!
Seen only two of these, but they were both solid performances! Great work Keith!
Thanks Zoe! Would one of them happen to be Arquette?
Nope, I have yet to check out Boyhood. Saw Blunt and Swinton in their flicks, the rest I have not seen yet!
I knew you had seen Blunt but I should have guessed Swinton!
Definitely check out Boyhood. Richard Linklater is finally getting the long overdue praise he deserves.
Teehee, I absolutely loved Snowpiercer.
I keep hearing good things about it. Hopefully I get to it sometime soon!
Nice to see Ms Blunt in there, really enjoyed that performance of hers. Really need to see Snowpiercer, they decided not to release it in cinemas here!
It sounds like Snowpiercer got shafted with its release (or non-release in a lot of areas). There is no reason for that movie not to have gotten a wide release. Absolutely insane.
So far, I’ve only seen Blunt’s work. No arguing that she was very good in Edge of Tomorrow.
Blunt is a very good actress. Unfortunately she’s generally seen as a supporting actress. I’m hoping she’ll get some meatier roles in the future. I think she can surprise a lot of people.
Blunt and Swinton are awesome picks!
I love Blunt in ANYTHING! Swinton had a great year. Snowpiercer and Only Lovers Left Alive.
Yes! I forgot about her in that. She ruled this year.