Today I’m wrapping up my look back at the best performances of 2024 with what I believe is the strongest category of the bunch – Lead Actor. It’s a group filled with exciting contenders making it tough to narrow them down to only five. But that’s how these silly lists work so let’s get to it. Here are my five favorite Lead Actor performances along with some worthy honorable mentions.

Honorable Mentions: Cillian Murphy (“Small Things Like These”), Victor Clavijo (“The Wait”), Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”), Jonas Dassler (“Bonhoeffer”), David Dastmalchian (“Late Night with the Devil”), Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”), Jesse Eisenberg (“A Real Pain”), John David Washington (“The Piano Lesson”), Nicholas Hoult (“Juror #2”), Austin Butler (“The Bikeriders”), James McAvoy (“Speak No Evil”), Kevin Costner (“Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1”), Michael Keaton (“Goodrich”)

#5 – Hugh Grant (“Heretic”)

I’m loving this current phase in Hugh Grant’s already superb movie career. His latest performance in the horror thriller “Heretic” only emphasizes why. “Heretic” is unquestionably the talkiest horror movie of the year but that plays right to Grant’s strength. He’s disarmingly funny, devilishly charming, and utterly terrifying once the movie calls for it. This is easily one of the most entertaining performances of the year.

#4 – Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”)

In “The Brutalist”, Adrien Brody continues his trend of consistently delivering top-tier performances regardless of the genre he’s working in. Here he plays an accomplished architect and Holocaust survivor who emigrates to the United States. Brody pours himself into the role with the same intensity as he did in “The Pianist”. While this film isn’t as good, Brody’s performance is worthy of the same attention.

#3 – Jean Dujardin (“On the Wandering Paths”)

Many people on this side of the pond were introduced to Jean Dujardin through his Oscar-winning performance in 2011’s “The Artist”. But the actor has made many notable films before and after that highly acclaimed feature. Take this year’s “On the Wandering Paths”. Dujardin has always had charisma to spare, but it’s the humanity that shines brightest in his best work. We certainly get that in this rich and soulful performance.

#2 – Jude Law (“The Order”)

I’ve long appreciated Jude Law. His latest series of projects have only made my appreciation grow. None have been better than “The Order” where Law gives one of the best performances of his 35-year career. Sporting a thick mustache and a world-weary veneer, Law is completely convincing as a dedicated but flawed FBI agent on the trail of a rural white supremacist group. “The Order” is one of 2024’s best surprises, and Jude Law is a crucial part of the film’s success.

#1 – Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”)

To be honest, I had no real expectations when it came to Timothée Chalamet playing Bob Dylan. But much as he did in this year’s “Dune: Part Two”, the young actor bowled me over. In addition to his impressive committed acting, Chalamet sings and plays his own songs which only enhances his overall work. It’s easily one of the most challenging roles of the year, and Chalamet’s seamless fusion of music and drama puts this on the top of my list.

And that wraps up another celebration the best performances of the year. Thanks for following along. I’d love to hear what would have made your list in the comments section below.