Best Actor: Ranking Every Oscar Nominee
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
We’re almost done with all of the categories that don’t reward entire films (features or shorts), outside of Best Director (which I am saving for second last). Firstly, we have to get through the two big acting categories. One is extremely predictable this year, and the other is one of the biggest crapshoots we’ve had in a while (although I still have a hunch as to who will win). Let’s start off with the easier group: Best Actor. By now, it’s likely not a secret at all as to who will win this category, but let’s give some flowers where they are due anyway. Here are your nominees.
Biggest Snub: C’mon C’mon-Joaquin Phoenix
It’s sad that C’mon C’mon didn’t get a single nomination (not even for its writing), but it always breaks my heart when the Academy overlooks the more tender Joaquin Phoenix performances (they love acknowledging him when he’s at his most heightened, though). He’s a really versatile actor, and I know part of this lack of recognition comes from Phoenix not really campaigning himself during awards seasons, but it would be nice to see a more down-to-earth role of his getting its dues. Also include Nicolas Cage for Pig here: I never thought I’d see Cage deliver such a poetically nuanced performance.
5. Being the Ricardos-Javier Bardem
Ask anyone and they will tell you that Javier Bardem is one of my favourite actors of all time. Having said that, is this really his year? Do I think he’s good in Being the Ricardos? Absolutely. He’s always good. This is just a good performance in an overhyped film that fills up the spot of another worthy potential nominee. I’m not too upset because I love Bardem and the more accolades he gets the better. I just get tired of the championing of mediocre films. Tune in tomorrow when I rehash this same point.
4. The Power of the Dog-Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch is great in The Power of the Dog, but I just find the other three nominees in this category to be stronger, mainly because these other films depend on their leads more than Dog relies on Cumberbatch (he’s got a stacked team of costars behind him, as can be seen by all four main characters being nominated for Oscars this year). Still, Cumberbatch transforms here, and his yin-yang balance between visceral anger and subdued love is a fascinating watch.
3. King Richard-Will Smith
It can be easy to get flustered with the goings-on of Will Smith’s personal life, especially when it’s on full blast almost all of the time. However, getting a gentle reminder of what he’s like as a thespian is always nice. His token gentleness is on full display in King Richard, but he also provides a gruff, stubborn angle that feels a little against type for Smith. Furthermore, there are only a couple of extremely dramatic moments, as to not oversaturate what Smith’s role as Richard Williams means here. Smith gets bombastic just enough without going too much. It’s great to see a strong Smith performance in an above-subpar film for once, so he can finally be utilized properly.
2. tick, tick… BOOM!-Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield feels a bit like a trickster here. His performance as Jonathan Larson in tick, tick… BOOM! feels pretty good on the surface: he can sing, he can dance, he can bounce between a stage adaptation and a more cinematic portrayal. What I love is that it’s the kind of acting that really shines the more you analyze it. Not only has Garfield become what feels like a completely different person (without rubbing it in your face), but he has performed a theatrical juggling act of so many forms whilst making it seem effortless. Easily one of Garfield’s finest performances to date.
1. The Tragedy of Macbeth-Denzel Washington
I don’t even know how much I can say about this. Picture Denzel Washington in Macbeth. You get exactly what you paid for: a booming, dynamic, show-stopping performance. If anything, this is one of my favourite Washington performances to date (now that says a lot). Even during King Macbeth’s most delirious episodes, Washington never feels forced or too extreme. Simply put: I was blown away by Washington here to the point of feeling like this was my favourite performance of 2021. Months later, I still feel that way. Make way for King Denzel.
My Review of The Tragedy of Macbeth
Who I want to win: Honestly, any of these guys. I love Bardem enough to look past the film he was nominated for. Cumberbatch and Garfield have never won and have only been nominated once before, and I do value them both as fantastic actors. Washington had my favourite performance this year. Then there’s Smith, who I feel like has been trying to find his footing to finally win an Academy Award after all of these years, so even this would be nice. I guess refer to Denzel Washington as my one pick if I was forced to select just a single name, but I would honestly be happy with anyone winning here.
Who I think will win: A much shorter answer. Will Smith. His time has come.
Tune in tomorrow for our next Academy Award category! We’re reviewing every single nominee on every weekday.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.