Ensemble in a Drama
Sing Sing
While Colman Domingo and Clarence Macklin have rightly gotten the praise for standing out in this ensemble, the whole cast – most of whom are formerly incarcerated amateurs – are astonishing and authentic. If it weren’t for them, the film would be the worst possible version of this story: faux-inspirational.
Actor in a Drama
David Dastmalchian, Late Night with the Devil
Look, I could wax rhapsodic about Adrien Brody in The Brutalist, but he already has a good chance to pick up his second Oscar on Sunday. So instead I’ll shine a light on a guy who’s been putting in the work for more than 15 years. Ever since his debut in a memorable scene in The Dark Knight, he’s achieved a pretty solid balance. He’ll deliver solid character work in more independent fare and then make an impression in big blockbusters like Dune and The Suicide Squad. But this film, which he co-produced, gave him a rare lead role, and he makes the most of it. As the bereaved talk show host desperate for ratings, his grip on reality and control of his show slowly slip away in real time, making for one of the most incredible experiences in horror this year.
Actress in a Drama
Juliette Gariépy, Red Rooms
Speaking of incredible horror experiences, there’s really nothing like Red Rooms, which manages to create a completely disturbing world without ever showing any violence onscreen. It takes a long time to reveal why Kelly-Anne is so invested in this serial killer’s trial, and it wouldn’t have been worth the wait if we hadn’t been drawn into her obsession, one which eventually consumes her whole life.
Supporting Actor in a Drama
Guy Pearce, The Brutalist
Pearce has done just about everything in a career that spans three decades, but nothing quite like this, and he’s never been better. As the charming, malevolent force that lures and traps Laszlo Toth (Adrien Brody), Pearce’s character represents capitalism at its most ruthless. Everything is about power, not decency, beauty, or legacy.
Supporting Actress in a Drama
Katy O’Brian, Love Lies Bleeding
It’s not just her bodily transformation. O’Brian had a few credits in genre fare, but I had never noticed before, and she makes a hell of an impression. (And once again proves the need for a Breakthrough Performer category.) As an increasingly aggressive bodybuilder addicted to exercise and violence, her love affair with local gym owner Lou (Kristen Stewart) may be doomed. But she refuses to be a victim, no matter how hard the men around her try to make her one.
Ensemble in a Comedy
Saturday Night
Say what you will about a movie that occasionally treats Lorne Michaels like Martin Luther, but the cast is absolute dynamite. Gabrielle Labelle may be a bit too young to play the sketch comedy producer, but the cast assembled for the Not Ready for Prime Time Players all shine, with behind-the-scenes creatives played by Cooper Hoffman and Rachel Sennott stealing the show.
Actor in a Comedy
Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, Hundreds of Beavers
Earning comparisons to Buster Keaton isn’t easy, but Tews and the creative team of this indie sensation live up to the hype. Fearlessly committed to physical comedy, this is a performance for the ages, even without dialogue.
Actress in a Comedy
Mikey Madison, Anora
Calling this a comedy might be a stretch, but Anora announces Madison as a true star. Fearless, funny, sexy, and determined even when reality should dictate hopelessness, it’s the best individual performance of the year.
Supporting Actor in a Comedy
Adam Pearson, A Different Man
Pearson had made appearances before, memorably in Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin and Schimberg’s previous effort Chained for Life. But he shows off his range here, as the ultra-confident actor/playboy who inspires the envy of Edward (Sebastian Stan, just as good). It’s not effortless, but it sure feels like it.
Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Carol Kane, Between the Temples
Kane has been crushing it in both comedic and dramatic roles for more than 50 years, but she marvelously blends both here. Carla’s a lonely senior citizen who forms a close bond with widower Ben (Jason Schwartzman), and they comfort each other. They grow so close in fact, that Carla asks Ben to mentor her as she prepares for the bat mitzvah she never had. It’s a sweet movie, but Kane (and Schwartzman) give it real depth.