It’s as clear as the title of this article. There are too many overlooked and underrated performances that I marvel at and hail as the year’s best. But then time and time again, these performances don’t get recognized by the major awards groups, i.e. Academy Awards. An opportunity to uplift actors who are actually contributing to the art of filmmaking.
So instead of rolling my eyes come Oscar nominations on Jan 23, I want to take the time to shine a light on scene stealing, Oscar-worthy performances that electrified the art of acting in 2023 — and deserve to get their flowers. I’ve left out some excellent performances like Barry Keoghan in Saltburn, Cailee Spaeny in Priscilla, Da’Vine Joy Randolph in The Holdovers, Sydney Sweeney in Reality and Andrew Scott in All of us Strangers to name a few, as they’re getting notice and nominations from big awards groups. Especially because their awards campaigns have big bucks coming from their respective studios (MGM, HBO, Searchlight, Focus).
The following acclaimed performances may be getting overlooked by big awards bodies, but thankfully their work will live on forever.
Audra McDonald in ORIGIN
Audra McDonald appears in a one-scene cameo in Ava DuVernay’s monumental new film Origin. With just a few minutes of screen time — and to add, it’s one of the only scenes in the film that doesn’t cut to other scenes. It’s all Audra in what seems like one long take. It’s a monologue that she delivers during this scene, while she’s getting interviewed by star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (playing Isabel Wilkerson), that hits like a hammer blow. It’s an emotionally devastating and exquisitely calibrated performance that nearly hijacks the entire film. The scene knocked the wind out of me BOTH times I saw the film. A supporting actress Oscar nomination shouldn’t even be a question for what she does.
Origin will exclusively play in theaters starting January 19.
Catalina Saavedra in ROTTING IN THE SUN
Once the second act kicks into high gear and the boys are out of the way in Rotting in the Sun, acclaimed Chilean-actress and frequent Silva collaborator Catalina Saavedra hijacks the entire film. She’s like lightning in a bottle once she’s given the spotlight.
Rotting in the Sun is now streaming exclusively on Mubi.
Patti LuPone in BEAU IS AFRAID
Her presence is felt throughout the entire film, even when she only appears for a few minutes in the final act of Beau is Afraid. It’s the type of “tour de force” that critics often speak about in hyperbole but this is the real deal.
Beau is Afraid is now streaming exclusively on Showtime.
Teo Yoo in Past Lives
If Greta Lee is getting acclaim (deservedly so) then Teo Yoo should be receiving it as well. Past Lives would not work without Yoo’s quietly, restrained performance. The arc that he creates throughout the 2+ hour runtime is subtle and not showy. It’s intricately crafted performances like these that often get ignored come awards season.
Past Lives is now available to rent on all platforms.
Rachel McAdams in ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET.
Next to Disobedience (another criminally overlooked performance) Rachel McAdams’ work in Are You There God? is one of her greatest, most emotionally rich performances she has ever given.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is now streaming on Starz.
Cinema 4 Culture 