Movies: The Best Acting Roles Of 2021
I could do a Best Actor Oscar predictions article. There will be time for that in the coming months. As a fan of cinema, I’ve seen plenty of films in 2021. My personal favorites for Best Actor might not line up with the Academy. I’m able to differentiate personal favorites from Award performances. I’ve narrowed my list to 5 actors who, in my honest and humble opinion, stole the show in 2021.
(These are both a mix of lead and supporting actor roles)
1. Mike Faist, West Side Story
I’ll make this short and sweet. Faist’s portrayal of Riff in West Side Story blew everyone out of the water this year in the acting world. I was enamored with his singing, dancing, emotion; Faist was the complete package. I don’t know why he’s not been given more love for this role. He’s a Broadway star that has been in productions of Dear, Evan Hansen (more from that film later), and has a way of showcasing his passion on screen. This won’t be the last time we see him featured in a major picture on screen.
2. Andrew Garfield, Tick…Tick, Boom!
If it weren’t for Faist, Garfield would have hands down been the top performance of the year. All of the same qualities from Faist, Garfield showcased. One can argue that this was the best role of Garfield’s career. I still prefer his performance in The Social Network, however, the type of range he showed in TTB, was on another level. It was the facial expressions and joy that came on Garfield’s face during the film, it just captivated you. You knew he was having fun doing this.
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3. Toby Huss, Copshop
Copshop was a relatively underappreciated action film. Starring Gerard Butler and Frank Grillo, this film wasn’t lacking in action stars. It was Toby Huss who stole the show as the maniacal and deranged, Anthony Lamb. From the moment Huss enters the fray, Copshop takes a drastic turn. The film, which has its share of violence and disturbing dialogue before Huss, turns into an all-out free-for-all. Huss brings in very comedic and diabolical performance. His character really makes the back half of this film memorable.
4. Ben Platt, Dear, Evan Hansen
Dear, Evan Hansen was the most disappointing film of the year for me. On that note, Platt was one of the best actors in a film all year. He’s a sensational singer and performer. His experience playing Hansen on Broadway really brought this picture home. His emotional and powerful acting was so genuine and rich. As someone who suffers from mental health struggles, you could see how Platt was able to showcase his character going through those turmoils of anxiety and depression is this film. I’m obviously not a film critic, however, I don’t see why he wasn’t given more love for this role.
5. Simon Rex, Red Rocket
Rex is a name that has received backdoor Oscar consideration. His portrayal of a down-on-his-luck porn star almost seemed real. It’s like Rex has experienced the events of his character firsthand. What made Rex’s character so great, was that despite his moments of being humbled and learning about himself, he never shied away from the character he was playing on screen. The selfish and arrogant role he was going for never lost its touch. I was absolutely floored by how good Rex was.
Image Source: A24
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
