Over the last few days I’ve been reflecting on the best acting performances of 2019. It’s day three and with the supporting categories in the book it’s time to look at the Lead Actress group. It was a brutal job picking only five but you know the rules. So here we go.

#5 – Sierra McCormick (“The Vast of Night”)

It’s such a shame that more people haven’t been able to see “The Vast of Night”. One of many reasons is they miss out on seeing Sierra McCormick who gives a fun, effervescent, and eye-opening performance. She handles the film’s dense Sorkin-like dialogue with ease and fully develops a character you can’t help but love. I so hope more people can soon see this film.

#4 – Awkwafina (“The Farewell”)

I admit it, I was no fan of Awkwafina’s brand of comedy and she was one of my only gripes about “Crazy Rich Asians”. But I love it when a performer opens my eyes and makes me a true believer. That’s what Awkwafina did in “The Farewell”. This is a beautiful dramatic turn but with a very controlled sense of humor. Most of all it’s undeniably authentic from start to finish.

#3 – Renée Zellweger (“Judy”)

In this small slice of Judy Garland’s life Renée Zellweger loses herself in the entertainment icon’s troubled skin. From the physical details to the emotional range to singing her own numbers, Zellweger gives a fiercely committed performance that often rises above the material she is given. It’s fascinating work from an actress who has put herself back in the spotlight.

#2 – Alfre Woodard (“Clemency”)

This is the 2019 performance that I hope more people will be able to catch up with in 2020. Alfre Woodard carries this brutally honest movie about a prison warden in charge of state executions and the psychological toll it takes on her. Woodard’s performance reveals a strong woman who earned her position in a male dominated field. At the same time she’s tormented by the moral dilemma her job poses. It’s a quiet performance, emotionally authentic and without a hint of theatrics.

#1 – Lupita N’yongo (“Us”)

For some it may be easy to forget “Us” was a 2019 movie. It released way back in March. But how can you possibly forget Lupita N’yongo’s stunning two-pronged performance? It’s hard to say much about her work without spoiling key parts of the story, but N’yongo brings two distinct personalities to her role and shows two completely different sides of herself as an actress. Incredible range, intensity, and emotion. How she’s not getting award nominations is beyond me.

One more to go. Tomorrow we look at the Lead Actor category. What did you think of these picks. Let me know in the comments section below. 

When it comes to independent cinema, A24 has made quite a name for itself. The sheer quality of the movies that come from the company is impressive in itself. But then you throw in the diversity of their portfolio: comedies, horror, period pieces, coming of age films. They have established themselves as the premiere indie movie distributor.

That leads to the oddly titled “First Cow” from writer-director Kelly Reichardt. Her latest looks to be a Pacific Northwest frontier drama where a cook, a Chinese immigrant, and a prized milk cow join together for a secret (and hopefully lucrative) business venture. Sounds as quirky as the title, right? The first trailer looks intriguing and Reichardt’s signature minimalism and quietude is all over it.

“First Cow” is slated for a March 6th release (limited I’m sure). Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.

Yesterday I began my reflection on the best acting performances of 2018. The women started strong and now it’s the men’s turn to match. The Supporting Actor category had several truly stand-out performances and narrowing them down to five wasn’t easy. But those are the rules so here are my choices for Supporting Actor.

#5 – Tom Hanks (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”)

When I first heard Tom Hanks would be playing Mister Rogers my first reaction was “Well of course. Who else?” And as expected he delivers a knock-out performance. At first it resembles an impersonation but within mere seconds Hanks has us believing he is Fred Rogers. It’s a performance so in tune with Mister Rogers, his gentle mannerisms, and the innate kindness he was known for.

#4 – Jamie Foxx (“Just Mercy”)

Jamie Foxx is an actor who may be best known for his comedy, but “Just Mercy” reminds us that he is no slouch when it comes to dramatic turns. He plays a wrongfully convicted black man sentenced to death in 1986 Alabama. Foxx brings several unexpected layers to his character from sorrow and despondency to hopeful and inspirational. I haven’t always been high on Foxx, but here he is exactly what his role needs.

#3 – Sterling K. Brown (“Waves”)

“Waves” is a crushing family drama driven by thoughtful characters and moving performances. None are as complex and layered as Sterling K. Brown’s stirring portrait of a stern but loving father. His character could have easily been the film’s antagonist but he’s hardly that shallow. Brown gives us someone whose motivations are rooted in the pains of his past and his determination to keep his son from experiencing them.

#2 – Joe Pesci (“The Irishman”)

Stepping into a role after almost ten years of retirement and delivering this quality of work is really impressive. Joe Pesci is pretty comfortable in the gangster genre, but this isn’t some rehash of a character he has played before. Here he’s dialed back, focused, and has an almost grandfatherly presence despite working in a world characterized by its violence. It’s such a great performance.

#1 – Brad Pitt (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”)

One of favorite 2019 performances from ANY category came from the ageless 56-year-old Brad Pitt. You couldn’t find a better fit to play Cliff Booth, an easy-going stuntman living the life in 1969 Los Angeles. Pitt is dripping with charisma, has an endlessly cool charm, and can also be really funny. I absolutely love this performance and it should earn Pitt the much deserved first acting Oscar of his career.

That’s it for the supporting categories. Tomorrow we begin our look at the leads. What do you think of my picks? Please let me know in the comments section below.

As we look back on the year that was I always enjoy giving time to the performances that shaped the year’s films. Over the next few days I’ll be highlighting my favorite work from the four major acting categories. This year we were blessed with a variety of fine performances, many from unexpected places. So let’s get to it by starting with the Supporting Actress category.

#5 – Zhao Shuzhen (“The Farewell”)

From the very first time I saw the beautiful “The Farewell” I knew that Zhao Shuzhen was going to be on this list. She is the heartwarming center of Lulu Wang’s semi-autobiographical comedy-drama. Her performance is so sweet, emotionally authentic, and full of gentle, infectious humor. I love what she brings to the story.

#4 – Laura Dern (Marriage Story)

Talk about an actress who had a great year on the big screen! She was fantastic in “Little Women” but even better in Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story”. She plays a devious but savvy divorce attorney who you can’t stand yet you can’t help but admire. She’s shrewd, confident, and devilishly entertaining as portrayed by Dern. She’s been sweeping the awards season and Oscar should be next.

#3 – Rebecca Ferguson (“Doctor Sleep”)

Mike Flanagan’s “Doctor Sleep” was one of my biggest surprises of the year. There are several reasons it works so well and Rebecca Ferguson is one of them. Sadly, no one is talking about her performance which I found to be mesmerizing, charismatic, and utterly chilling. She was one of year’s best antagonists and was a real scene-stealer.

#2 – Thomasin McKenzie (“Jojo Rabbit”)

“Jojo Rabbit” is a movie full of rich performances but my favorite may be from Thomasin McKenzie. I can’t think of another young actress who can convey so much through the softest voice and most earnest expression. Much like Scarlett Johansson, McKenzie is an essential ingredient and the film wouldn’t be the same without her tender and heartfelt performance.

#1 – Florence Pugh (“Little Women”)

If you don’t know Florence Pugh by now you must not be paying attention. She is hands-down one of the most exciting and diverse young actresses out there. Her work in “Little Women” is further proof of that. She brings so much fresh life and many new layers to a classic literary character. Full of confidence and feminine grit, this is a truly memorable performance.

So there you have my picks for the best supporting actress. What do you think? Let me know in the comments section below and watch for my supporting actor choices tomorrow.

How weird is it that I find myself just as intrigued by Sony’s hard-to-define SpiderVerse as I am Marvel’s huge sprawling MCU? And it isn’t really a SpiderVerse mainly because of Sony’s strict contractual obligations to Marvel. So it’s essentially SpiderVerse without a Spider-Man…I think.

Anyway, the newest addition looks to be “Morbius” which follows the immensely profitable “Venom”. The film looks to be telling the origin story of Dr. Michael Morbius, a conflicted villain soon turned antihero who ends up with vampiric superpowers. Jared Leto looks to be a great fit but it’s the surprising cameo at the end of the trailer that really excites me! It adds an entirely new twist to what Sony’s superhero universe may look like.

“Morbius” is set to hit theaters July 31st. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.

And here we are again. Another year gone and another fresh batch of Oscar nominations to talk about, stew on, and grumble over for the next several weeks. The Academy is notorious for giving us a handful of surprises, even more frustrations, and some picks that simply defy reason. The Golden Globes did a superb job with the nominations (and eventual winners). Will the Oscars follow suit? As I’m prone to do, here are a few random thoughts on this morning’s Academy Award nominations. 

• Overall 2020’s Oscar nominations were really exciting. Unlike in recent years I can honestly say nearly every major nominee deserves its spot.
• That doesn’t mean there weren’t disappointments. “The Farewell” was completely shut out. Nothing for Lulu Wang. Nothing for Awkwafina. Not even a Best International Film nod. The movie didn’t crack my Top 10, but I do wish it had gotten something.
• Who had the biggest morning of all? Netflix! Get this, the streaming services had a grand total of 24 nominations! 24! Sorry Mr. Spielberg.
• For me the most egregious omission all awards season has been “A Hidden Life”. I didn’t expect the Academy to right these wrongs, but it would have been a nice surprise. Unfortunately it got nothing.
• “Joker” led the way with a total of 11 Oscar nominations. It was great to see. I don’t see it winning even half of those, but the recognition itself was exciting to see and well-deserved.

• “Ford v Ferrari” gets a Best Picture nomination? Not sure anyone really saw that one sneaking in. Good film, but Best Picture? I can think of several better choices.
• The Best Actress category is a weird one. Cynthia Erivo was a surprise and I liked Charlize Theron’s performance (didn’t love it). Personally I would put Lupita N’yongo, Alfre Woodard, or Awkwafina ahead of both.
• So what about “Us”? Remember us? I certainly remember “Us”. Apparently the Academy forgot all about “Us”.
• No nominations for Dick Poop.
• The Best Director category is absolutely stacked. Five superb choices from a wide variety of movies and all of them REALLY good. Fine job Academy.
• Many are already venting about the lack of women among in this year’s group of directors. I wouldn’t at all be upset to see Greta Gerwig nominated. But good arguments could be made for every single director the Academy chose. It ends up being another case of the Academy taking heat that the studios should be getting.
• Speaking of venting, I know a lot of people are saying Jennifer Lopez was the biggest snub of the morning. She gave a good performance in a very mediocre movie and I would personally have her ahead of Margot Robbie. But for me Thomasin McKenzie,  Zhao Shuzhen, and Rebecca Ferguson are much bigger misses.
• Florence Pugh does get nominated for Best Supporting Actress as she should. Without question Pugh is one the most talented young actresses working today and this should be the first of many Oscar nods.
• What a fantastic showing for “Parasite”. This stellar film breaks through the Foreign Language barriers with a whopping six nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Bravo.
• As alluded to early, the Foreign Language category is now called International Feature Film and it has several good picks. Les Miserables, Honeyland, and (of course) “Parasite” are good movies. Haven’t seen “Corpus Christi” but again, no “The Farewell” kinda stinks.

• Greta Gerwig getting nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay was good to see. With only two films under her belt she has already shown herself to be a terrific filmmaker and storyteller.
• And “Little Women” getting a Best Picture nomination – fantastic! Saoirse Ronan for Best Actress – delightful!
• Loved seeing “Honeyland” nominated for Best Documentary. But no “Apollo 11”? Seriously? Wow! That may be the biggest snub of the entire morning.
• Six nominations for “Jojo Rabbit”! It was great to see. For some reason I thought it might be one to fall between the cracks. I truly love the movie and it’s great seeing it get so much recognition.
• What a morning for Scarlett Johansson. TWO nominations: Best Actress for “Marriage Story” and Supporting Actress for “Jojo Rabbit”. Some people may complain but she was great in both.
• Many people feel Adam Sandler was snubbed for “Uncut Gems”. I don’t agree. This was a good Sandler performance but basically a more serious version of his usual man-baby role. And when put up against several better performances, his absence makes sense.
• Actually “Uncut Gems” was shut out entirely. Again, I respect the many who love the movie, but I think the Academy got this right.
• I’m not well versed on this year’s batch of Animated features, but isn’t “Frozen 2” being left out a surprise?
• No Best Actor nod for Taron Egerton. Following his Golden Globe win I felt he was assured at least a nomination. Hate to sound like a broken record, but once again the Academy got this right.
• If I counted right “Rocketman” only managed one lone nomination.
• “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” racked up 10 Oscar nominations this morning. And following big Best Picture wins at the Golden Globes and last night’s Critic’s Choice Awards, I think it is safe to say this is the Best Picture frontrunner to beat.
• Speaking of “Once Upon a Time” and frontrunners, can anyone beat Brad Pitt in the Best Supporting Actor category? I hope not. He was fantastic in what was a great year for the 56-year-old ageless star.

• Rian Johnson being nominated for Best Original Screenplay was one of those announcements that just naturally makes you smile. “Knives Out” is such a fun and entertaining ride. Great to see the Academy recognizing it.
• Speaking of Netflix, “The Irishman” earned a total of 10 nominations despite Robert De Niro still being left out of the Best Actor race. The Martin Scorsese gangster epic didn’t do well at the Golden Globes. Will Oscar be any different?
• “Ad Astra” gets one lone nomination completing its dry run this awards season. I think it has been one of the biggest misses of the season. But again, no “A Hidden Life” so….
• The cinematography category is also stacked. Loved Lawrence Sher’s work on “Joker” but the always superb Roger Deakins is going to be really hard to beat. Anyone who has seen “1917” knows why.
• Great to see a Best Score nomination for 87-year-old John Williams (“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”). The man’s consistent brilliance is astonishing and here he is still doing award-worthy work.
• Speaking of Best Score, the frontrunner has to be Hildur Gudnadottir. Her amazing work in “Joker” is so pivotal to the film’s tone and atmosphere. I’m rooting for her all the way.
• “1917” will be a force to reckon with. It also raked in 10 nominations and is coming off Best Picture – Drama and Best Director wins at the Golden Globes. Sam Mendes also won Best Director (in a tie) at the Critics Choice Awards.
• I don’t know ANY of the tunes nominated for Original Song, and yes I am ashamed.
• Some nice tips of the hat to “The Two Popes”. It won’t win any of its nominations but it’s a good film driven by two terrific central performances.

And there are a few Random Thoughts on this morning’s Academy Awards nominations. What did you think of this year’s crop. Let me know in the comments section below. And in case you missed it, here is the full list of the big announcements.

Best Picture

• “Ford v. Ferrari”
• “The Irishman”
• “Jojo Rabbit”
• “Joker”
• “Little Women”
• “Marriage Story”
• “1917”
• “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
• “Parasite”

Actress in a Leading Role

• Cynthia Erivo, “Harriet”
• Saoirse Ronan, “Little Women”
• Charlize Theron, “Bombshell”
• Scarlett Johansson, “Marriage Story”
• Renee Zellweger, “Judy”

Actor in a Leading Role

• Antonio Banderas, “Pain and Glory”
• Leonardo DiCaprio, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
• Adam Driver, “Marriage Story”
• Joaquin Phoenix, “Joker”
• Jonathan Pryce, “The Two Popes”

Best Director

• Martin Scorsese, “The Irishman”
• Todd Phillips, “Joker”
• Sam Mendes, “1917”
• Quentin Tarantino, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
• Bong Joon-ho, “Parasite”

Actor in a Supporting Role

• Tom Hanks, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”
• Al Pacino, “The Irishman”
• Joe Pesci, “The Irishman”
• Anthony Hopkins, “The Two Popes”
• Brad Pitt, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

Actress in a Supporting Role

• Kathy Bates, “Richard Jewell”
• Laura Dern, “Marriage Story”
• Scarlett Johansson, “Jojo Rabbit”
• Florence Pugh, “Little Women”
• Margot Robbie, “Bombshell”

Adapted Screenplay

• Taika Waititi, “Jojo Rabbit”
• Steve Zaillian, “The Irishman”
• Anthony McCarten, “The Two Popes”
• Greta Gerwig, “Little Women”
• Todd Phillips and Scott Silver, “Joker”

Original Screenplay

• “Knives Out”
• “Marriage Story”
• “1917”
• “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
• “Parasite”

Cinematography

• “The Irishman”
• “Joker”
• “The Lighthouse”
• “1917”
• “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

Costume Design

• “The Irishman”
• “Jojo Rabbit”
• “Joker”
• “Little Women”
• “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

Film Editing

• “Ford V. Ferrari”
• “The Irishman”
• “Jojo Rabbit”
• “Joker”
• “Parasite”

Original Score

• “Joker”
• “Little Women”
• “Marriage Story”
• “1917”
• “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”

Animated Short Film

• “Dcera (Daughter)”
• “Hair Love”
• “Kitbull”
• “Memorable”
• “Sister”

Live Action Short Film

• “Brotherhood”
• “Nefta Football Club”
• “The Neighbor’s Window”
• “Saria”
• “A Sister”

Sound Mixing

• “Ad Astra”
• “Ford v Ferrari”
• “Joker”
• “1917”
• “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

Sound Editing

• “Ford v Ferrari”
• “Joker”
• “1917”
• “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
• “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”

Original Song

• “I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away” – “Toy Story 4”
• “I’m Gonna Love Me Again” – “Rocketman”
• “I’m Standing With You” – “Breakthrough”
• “Into The Unknown” – “Frozen 2”
• “Stand Up” – “Harriet”

International Feature Film

• “Corpus Christi”
• “Honeyland”
• “Les Miserables”
• “Pain and Glory”
• “Parasite”

Documentary Short

• “In the Absence”
• “Learning to Skateboard in a War Zone If You’re a Girl”
• “Life Overtakes Me”
• “St. Louis Superman”
• “Walk Run Cha-Cha”

Documentary Feature

• “American Factory”
• “The Cave”
• “The Edge of Democracy”
• “For Sama”
• “Honeyland”

Production Design

• “The Irishman”
• “Jojo Rabbit”
• “1917”
• “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
• Parasite”

Visual Effects

• “Avengers: Endgame”
• “The Irishman”
• “The Lion King”
• “1917”
• “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”

Animated Feature Film

• “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World””
• “I Lost My Body”
• “Klaus”
• “Missing Link”
• “Toy Story 4”

Makeup and Hairstyling

• “Bombshell”
• “Joker”
• “Judy”
• “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”
• “1917”