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Halfway Mark Festivities begin now! It's never too early to start thinking about year-end lists. If you keep a list all year long, you make better choices at year's end. Unlike The Academy we don't believe that the film year begins in October. So let's name the best male performances and achievements from the first half of the year.
Disclaimer: Notable films I missed that might have factored in to these categories but that I'll have to catch up with on DVD include 10 Cloverfield Lane and The Nice Guys.
NOTABLE MALE PERFORMANCES
(January through June, 2016 - U.S. Theatrical Releases)
Best Leading Actor
- Alfredo Castro as "Armando" in From Afar
One of world cinema's most dependably unnerving actors but his performances are never copies. (He's also great in the predatory priests drama The Club also released this year)
- Colin Farrell as "David" in The Lobster
This underpraised actor continues to push himself when similarly famous stars would have long ago started coasting. Just wonderful as this lovelorn but surprisingly amoral sadsack
- Jake Gyllenhaal as "Davis" in Demolition
Can someone please start giving him films that can keep up with him? He's been on such a tear. Get him while he's at his peak!
- Daniel Radcliffe as "Manny" in Swiss Army Man
Though it's not much of a high-bar to proclaim this Harry Potter's best performance, that doesn't negate the compliment. Radcliffe does wonders with the weird constrictions of the role, never over or underplaying this corpse that talks, marvels, and learns and yearns for love
- Ferdia Walsh-Peelo as "Cosmo" in Sing Street
He's a major find, superbly charting Cosmo's growing confidence and musical passion.
Four more categories after the jump...
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