And just like that another movie year has come and gone. A few days ago I shared my Top 10 movies of 2024 (check it out HERE). It’s always a fun list to put together, but I also enjoy giving some attention to 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 per usual, let’s kick it off with Supporting Actress.

Honorable Mentions: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“Nickel Boys”), Carrie Coon (“His Three Daughters”), Elizabeth Olsen (“His Three Daughters”), Connie Nielsen (“Gladiator II”), Ariana Grande (“Wicked”), Carey Mulligan (“Spaceman”), Isabella Rossellini (“Conclave”), Rachel Sennott (“Saturday Night”), Renate Reinsve (“A Different Man”), Toni Collette (“Juror #2)

#5 – Zoe Saldaña (“Emilia Perez”)

It’s unfortunate that “Emilia Pérez” wasn’t a better movie and it’s bizarre that the film’s true lead has been tossed into the Supporting Actress category. But regardless, Zoe Saldaña is fantastic in Jacques Audiard’s messy musical/crime thriller hybrid. The often underappreciated Saldaña routinely elevates the material she’s given through a layered and nuanced performance that proves to be the flawed movie’s biggest strength.

#4 – Saoirse Ronan (“Blitz”)

The wonderful Saoirse Ronan has gotten a lot of attention in 2024, mostly for her outstanding lead performance in “The Outrun”. But I think a case could be made that she’s even better in Steve McQueen’s underrated “The Blitz” where she plays a single mother in search of her young son in the early days of World War II. She nails every facet of her role, conveying a heartfelt tenderness one minute and unflinching determination the next.

#3 – Monica Barbaro (“A Complete Unknown”)

With just a little more screen time Monica Barbaro could have easily been my #1 choice. She is terrific playing Joan Baez in James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown”. Not only does Barbaro wow us with her acting, but she also sings and plays her own songs which only makes her performance stand out more. Barbaro is clearly an actress on the rise and her work in “A Complete Unknown” makes that truth abundantly clear.

#2 – Rebecca Ferguson (“Dune: Part Two”)

Not nearly enough awards consideration is being given to Rebecca Ferguson who was nothing short of brilliant in Denis Villeneuve’s masterful “Dune: Part Two”. Ferguson had a difficult part to play in the film and she delivers everything her role demands. She’s cryptic, mysterious, calculating, and strong. She often lurks in the shadows but makes her presence known when she needs to. It’s an utterly fascinating character and Ferguson is a big reason why.

#1 – Danielle Deadwyler (“The Piano Lesson”)

By now it shouldn’t be a surprise that Danielle Deadwyler is magnificent whenever she’s attached to a movie. After her well-documented Oscar snub for her powerful performance in “Till”, she comes right back with another dandy in “The Piano Lesson”. Once again she commands the screen and captures our attention with every impassioned word she speaks in this fantastic August Wilson adaptation. It’s terrific work.

And that wraps up Supporting Actress. What are you thoughts on my picks? Let me know in the comments section below. And stay tuned, Supporting Actor is up next.

And that takes care of the Supporting Actresses. What are you thoughts on my picks? What would make your list? Let me know in the comments section below. Next up I take on Supporting Actors.