Ensemble in a Musical or Comedy
The French Dispatch
Unlike some great ensembles who feel like real families or friends, what’s great about The French Dispatch is how terrific each performance is despite limited interaction and screen time. Some actors feel like they only had a day or two on set, yet they still created vibrant characters whose skills, motivations and flaws are apparent from the start.
Actor in a Musical or Comedy
Simon Rex, Red Rocket
Mikey Saber is one of the most abhorrent characters to grace the screen in 2021. Yet his endless charisma and perseverance make him impossible to resist. Most of the people Mikey interacts with know he’ll take advantage until he has no more use for them, yet they can’t help themselves. And the ones who don’t pay dearly for their naivety. But there’s something so compelling about Rex’s performance that makes you root for him all the same. It’s something he shares with the Safdie Brothers’ protagonists (and previous winners of this award) in Good Time and Uncut Gems.
Actress in a Musical or Comedy
Jessica Chastain, The Eyes of Tammy Faye
Chastain gives biopics a good name again in this gently satirical look at the Bakkers’ evangelical empire. What makes the performance stand out among so many others is not the vocal affectations or having to spend hours in the makeup chair each day. No, it’s because she creates a real flawed but loving person. You can feel how wounded she is when the little misogynistic phrases – which I heard all the time growing up in the evangelical church – get lobbed her way.
Supporting Actor in a Musical or Comedy
Mike Faist, West Side Story
Like many actors in Steven Spielberg’s marvelous adaptation of West Side Story, I had never seen Faist before and was blown away. As Riff, he’s all brash impulse with little regard for others. But he’s so powerful, enticing his brothers in the Jets to defeat the Sharks in the turf war. He’s wrong, he’s racist, he’s raging. But he’s so convincing, you can see why Tony has such a hard time leaving him and the gang behind. The moment that sealed it for me: When Riff throws on his tough guy act to buy a gun illegally, then seconds later plays with the deadly weapon like a toy. A masterful moment of writing, directing, editing and performance.
Supporting Actress in a Musical or Comedy
Olga Merediz, In the Heights
Even though West Side Story blew all other musicals out of the water, it’s easy to forget just what a delight In the Heights was. Merediz, who originated the role of Abuela on Broadway, brought just as much life to this version. Her performance of “Paciencia y Fe” is a true show-stopper, one of the scenes of the year. Her warmth has such an impact when she’s onscreen and her legacy is felt whenever she’s not.
