And here we are once again, at that time of the year when us ritualistic film critics look back over the movie year that was and compile lists (it’s what we do). I recently shared my Top 10 movies of 2022 (check it out HERE), and now I want to hone in on some of the year’s very best performances. Over the next few days I’ll be sharing my favorites for each of the four major acting categories. So as I normally do, let’s kick it off with Supporting Actress.

Honorable Mentions: Jennifer Connelly (“Top Gun: Maverick”), Vanessa Kirby (“The Son”), Doona Bae (“Broker”), Elizabeth Olsen (“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”), Zoë Kravitz (“The Batman”), Niamh Algar (“The Wonder”), Evan Rachel Wood (“Weird”: the Al Yankovic Story”), Olivia DeJonge (“Elvis”), Mariana Treviño (“A Man Called Otto”)

#5 – Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”)

While I may have had some problems with “Wakanda Forever” as a whole, there was nothing problematic with Angela Bassett’s strong and powerful turn in the latest MCU installment. The always great screen veteran commanded every scene she was in, and brought a much-needed gravitas to the film.

#4 – Claire Foy (“Women Talking”)

In a movie filled to the brim with great performances, one of the best come from Claire Foy. She provides the angriest voice from a group of women who are fed up with the violent sexual abuse and overall oppression by the men of their small Mennonite community. Foy gets what are arguably the biggest scenes and she doesn’t disappoint, pouring out her soul and saying what so many of us were waiting for someone to say.

#3 – Lashana Lynch (“The Woman King”)

“The Woman King” had its issues. But when it stayed focused on its characters it was pretty special. Tops among them was Izogie, played with such unbridled strength and passion by Lashana Lynch. There’s so much heart in her performance, but she’s also a fierce warrior which really comes out in the action scenes. Lynch has it all and delivers in spades.

#2 – Greta Gerwig (“White Noise”)

I love Greta Gerwig, whether she’s starring in a film or behind the camera. She certainly didn’t disappoint in “White Noise”. It’s a quirky role for sure, and a challenging one. But Gerwig has always had a way of bringing humor, charm, and often a dramatic weight to her characters. She does that here, tapping into the film’s wacky rhythm with ease. I love this performance.

#1 – Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin”)

Obviously I love every performance on this list. But Kerry Condon’s turn in “The Banshees of Inisherin” was a pretty easy choice for my #1 spot. She swept me away in a movie chock full of incredible performances. She nails every facet of her character, delivering some big laughs, but also warmth and a real sense of longing. It’s such a well-played role, and Condon should be a lock for an Oscar nomination (but I also thought the same last year about Caitríona Balfe).

And those are my Supporting actress picks. Let me know what you think, and be sure to check back tomorrow as we look at the Supporting Actor category.