2024’s Best Actors and Actresses: Who Delivered the Most Epic Performances?
As 2024 nears its final quarter, the film industry has treated us to an array of unforgettable performances across various genres. From biographical dramas to intense thrillers, these actors and actresses have elevated their films to new heights. Here’s a look at the standout performers of the year who have delivered the most epic performances:
1. Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer
Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is already being hailed as one of the most nuanced performances of the year. His deep, restrained embodiment of the physicist at the heart of the Manhattan Project is mesmerizing, conveying the internal conflict of a man grappling with the consequences of his actions. Murphy’s performance has put him at the forefront of this year’s Best Actor race.
2. Florence Pugh – A Good Person
Florence Pugh continues to establish herself as one of her generation’s most versatile actresses. In A Good Person, she plays Allison, a young woman whose life falls apart after a tragic accident. Pugh’s raw vulnerability and emotional intensity are breathtaking. Her ability to seamlessly convey grief, guilt, and the search for redemption places her among this year’s top performers.
3. Paul Mescal – All of Us Strangers
Following his acclaimed work in Aftersun, Paul Mescal returned in 2024 with another stellar performance in All of Us Strangers. Mescal plays a man who encounters his deceased parents, brought back to life, in this haunting and emotionally charged drama. His understated and deeply personal portrayal resonates with audiences, showcasing his incredible emotional depth.
4. Margot Robbie – Barbie
Margot Robbie’s role as Barbie might seem like a lighter, comedic part, but Robbie brought unexpected layers to her performance. Directed by Greta Gerwig, the movie explores themes of identity and societal expectations, with Robbie delivering an engaging mix of humor, heart, and introspective vulnerability. Her ability to balance satire and sincerity made her performance one of the year’s most memorable.
5. Joaquin Phoenix – Napoleon
Joaquin Phoenix, known for his transformative performances, did not disappoint in Ridley Scott’s epic historical drama Napoleon. Playing the legendary French military leader, Phoenix captures Napoleon’s genius, ambition, and eventual downfall with a masterful mix of arrogance and vulnerability. His dedication to the role, along with his ability to delve into the psyche of such a complicated figure, is what makes his performance epic.
6. Emma Stone – Poor Things
Emma Stone’s collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos in Poor Things is another triumph for the actress. Stone plays a resurrected woman navigating the world with a childlike sense of wonder and uninhibited freedom. Her quirky, fearless approach to the role, combined with Lanthimos’ surreal direction, makes this one of the most unique and standout performances of 2024.
7. Austin Butler – The Bikeriders
After his stunning portrayal of Elvis Presley in 2022, Austin Butler returned in The Bikeriders, a gritty drama about a 1960s motorcycle club. His portrayal of a rebellious biker teetering between loyalty and self-destruction shows off his range and intensity. Butler’s physicality and smoldering charisma make his performance in this role a standout this year.
8. Zendaya – Challengers
In Challengers, Zendaya plays a former tennis prodigy turned coach who is embroiled in a tense love triangle. This film marks one of Zendaya’s most mature roles, allowing her to showcase her range beyond her previous roles in Euphoria and Dune. Her performance is a mix of grace, passion, and emotional complexity, proving she is one of the most dynamic actresses of her generation.
9. Timothée Chalamet – Dune: Part Two
Timothée Chalamet’s return as Paul Atreides in Dune: Part Two has further cemented his status as a major leading man. His portrayal of the young ruler grappling with his destiny is rich with gravitas, wisdom, and a growing sense of inner turmoil. Chalamet brings a haunting vulnerability to his character, delivering a performance that matches the epic scale of the movie.
10. Greta Lee – Past Lives
In Past Lives, Greta Lee delivers a quietly devastating performance as Nora, a woman who reconnects with a childhood friend from South Korea after decades apart. Her subtle, introspective approach to the role perfectly captures the longing and emotional tension of the film. Lee’s performance is a masterclass in restraint, making it one of the most profound of the year.
2024 has been a year of rich, complex performances, where actors and actresses have pushed the boundaries of their craft. From quiet, introspective roles to larger-than-life characters, these performers have left an indelible mark on cinema this year. As the awards season approaches, expect many of these names to dominate the conversation.
Also read this:
Unveiling YouTube’s Secrets: The Teen Who Cracked the Code in North Carolina
About The Author
