Best Actor 2016: Ranking

5. Andrew Garfield in Hacksaw Ridge

Garfield is perhaps a bit cloying in the movie's early scenes and he's a bit limited by the fairly one-dimensional nature of the role, but there's no denying that he still gives a compelling and harrowing portrayal of his character's faith, nailing every single reactionary moment in the battlefield scenes.

Best scene: "Help me get one more"

4. Casey Affleck in Manchester by the Sea

Despite being in an extremely problematic movie, Affleck delivers a magnificent portrayal of his character's grief. It's a subtle, intelligent portrayal of an extremely difficult role that could have come off as dull in the hands of someone else. Plus, he shares a terrific chemistry with Lucas Hedges.

Best scene: Lee accidentally bumps into Randi.

3. Ryan Gosling in La La Land

Ryan Gosling delivers an underrated and wonderful performance that is every bit as effective as Emma Stone's. It's a charming, entertaining turn, he sings and dance with energy and passion and he shares a terrific chemistry with his on-screen partner, but he also brings significant depth and nuance to the role. It's a quietly powerful portrayal from a great actor.

Best scene: Argument at dinner.

2. Denzel Washington in Fences

Washington is not usually a favorite of mine, but this performance of his is nothing short of astonishing. It's dynamite work that is absolutely captivating from beginning to end: as usual, Washington is not afraid to go big but, unlike other times, he also brings aching complexity to the character. It's a brilliant, layered performance.

Best scene: Troy's outburst after his lover's death.

1. Viggo Mortensen in Captain Fantastic

Viggo Mortensen delivers an absolutely unforgettable performance in Captain Fantastic, adding realism and believability to a potentially absurd story. He brings the needed passion, determination and convinction to the character and then he's heartbreaking as he is forced to second-guess his ideals. A truly wonderful performance.

Best scene: Ben interrupts Leslie's funeral.

Honorable Omissions: Andrew Garfield delivers an absolutely astonishing performance in Silence, realizing perfectly his character's complex arc as well as effectively bringing to life his moral dilemma. It's a truly fantastic achievement - I don't even think the movie is flawless, but his portrayal certainly is. The two leads of The Nice Guys are absolutely terrific: Russell Crowe gives a great deadpan performance while bringing a certain depth to the material as well; but I was even more impressed by Ryan Gosling, who delivers one of the funniest performances I've seen in recent years with such a terrific timing both verbally and physically, while he too gives pathos and real emotions to the part; of course, neither performance would work as well if it weren't for the other: they share a fantastic chemistry which truly makes the movie work. Shahab Hosseini gives a marvelous performance in The Salesman, conveying excellently his character's painful state and leading up wonderfully to the movie's unforgettable closure. Adrian Titieni is brilliant in Graduation: it's an extremely difficult role that he pulls off wonderfully, never trying to making us sympathize with him but giving nonetheless an understanding to his questionable actions and bringing real honesty to his love for his daughter. Joel Edgerton gives a beautifully subdued performance in Loving, sharing a tender chemistry with Ruth Negga and conveying every single emotion in such a powerfully restrained manner. Adam Driver gives a realistic and genuine performance in the lovely Paterson, while Chris Pine delivers a terrific and underrated turn in Hell or High Water, being almost as impressive as Bridges and Foster in the same movie. Gaspard Ulliel is the quiet centerpiece of It's Only the End of the World - with very little dialogue, he's heartbreaking in his portrayal of his character's aching, lonely soul. Michael Fassbender is very good in The Light Between Oceans - he delivers a subtly effective portrayal of his character's emotional turmoil and he shares a wonderful chemistry with Vikander. Sunny Pawar gives a wonderfully naturalistic performance in Lion and Eddie Redmayne delivers his most effortlessly charming and entertaining performance in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Dev Patel (Lion) and Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water) were nominated in the supporting category, but really they belong to this category. 

The next year: Best Supporting Actress 1976.

My Best Actor Ballot:

1. Andrew Garfield, Silence - 5/5
2. Ryan Gosling, The Nice Guys - 5/5
3. Shahab Hosseini, The Salesman - 5/5
4. Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water 
5. Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic
6. Denzel Washington, Fences 
7. Adrian Titieni, Graduation - 5/5
8. Ryan Gosling, La La Land
9. Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea
10. Joel Edgerton, Loving - 5/5