2024 has been an incredible year for outstanding performances across all genres, proving that talent can shine even in the most unconventional narratives. With stellar acting in films like , , and , the year showcased the range and depth of performers who brought complex, haunting, and heartfelt characters to life. Horror, in particular, stood out as a platform for career-defining roles, showing that the genre deserves serious recognition.

While Golden Globes, BAFTA, Critics' Choice, and SAG Awards continue to (surprisingly) nominate problematic performances like the ones in , it's disappointing to see other brilliant performances overlooked. Many deserving actors and films have been snubbed, underscoring the need for a broader appreciation of boundary-pushing artistry and storytelling. by major guilds and awards bodies because they rank among the best of the last 10 years.

stepped away from his iconic role as Thor to fully transform into the eccentric and bizarre Dementus in . While this was undeniably ’s film, . His portrayal of the demented warlord was both bizarre and captivating, proving his range as an actor and showcasing his ability to completely lose himself in any character.

Furiosa explores the titular character's origin story, detailing her journey from being taken from the Green Place of Many Mothers to joining the Biker Horde under Dementus’ rule. Despite the film's flop at the box office, both Hemsworth and Taylor-Joy delivered standout performances, and it’s disappointing to see these efforts overlooked during this awards season.

and deliver standout performances in , perfectly capturing the unsettling and transformative journey of their characters, Owen and Maddy. , showing his descent into uncertainty and identity crisis with raw emotion. , matching this intensity as Maddy, bringing an obsessive, enigmatic energy that drives the film’s surreal narrative.

The film follows Owen, a teenager drawn into the mysterious world of The Pink Opaque, a late-night TV show introduced by Maddy. As their obsession deepens, Owen's grip on reality begins to fracture, unraveling a chilling, surreal journey. Together, , embodying the complex themes of alienation and self-discovery. Despite being ignored by the main awards shows, Smith and Lundy-Paine were both nominated for the Gotham Awards as Outstanding Lead Performance and Outstanding Supporting Performance, respectively.

delivers a haunting and transformative performance in Longlegs, portraying the bizarre and enigmatic titular serial killer with unsettling precision. Drawing on personal inspirations, Cage embodies the character with an androgynous presence and a chilling voice, creating . His ability to balance menace with complexity elevates Longlegs, making the character unforgettable.

The film follows FBI Agent Lee Harker () as she investigates a series of gruesome murders tied to the shadowy figure known as Longlegs. As the case unfolds, Harker uncovers cryptic messages and evidence of occult practices, leading to a shocking personal connection. Longlegs is one of the scariest movies ever made, and it is a shame that Cage's performance is not getting any nominations.

Oscar nominee delivers one of her best performances as Lee, a war photojournalist navigating the chaos of ’s dystopian thriller . Dunst , capturing the psychological toll of documenting humanity’s darkest moments. Her portrayal , making Lee’s journey both emotional and hauntingly relatable and solidifying Dunst’s place among the year’s most compelling performances.

Set in a near-future America ravaged by a civil war, Civil War follows Lee and her team of journalists on a journey to document the truth in the middle of a fractured nation. As factions clash, the group faces harrowing choices that test their integrity and humanity. Garland crafts a visually stunning exploration of division and survival, with Dunst taking the lead.

’s stunning debut as Grandma Meng Ju in is nothing short of extraordinary and . Seamkhum, a 78-year-old housewife with no prior acting experience, as the loving yet sharp matriarch. Her nuanced performance captures the complexity of an aging grandmother, almost resembling in .

The story follows M, a young man who begins caring for her in hopes of winning her favor and securing her inheritance. The film beautifully explores family dynamics, generational bonds, and the priceless value of shared memories. How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is Thailand's entry for Best International Feature, and it still has a shot of being nominated for the Oscars.

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delivers a captivating performance as Patrick Zweig in , embodying a character marked by passion, rivalry, and unresolved emotions. with his former best friend Art () and ex-girlfriend Tashi (). His chemistry with the cast transforms the love triangle into a compelling emotional and psychological battlefield.

One of 's best movies, Challengers follows Tashi, Art, and Patrick, against the backdrop of their tennis tournaments. The story unravels through a blend of past and present, revealing the trio’s intertwined passions, betrayals, and ambitions. It is Zendaya who is getting more recognition as Tashi, securing a Golden Globe nomination, but neither O'Connor nor Faist are getting nominations as her co-leads.

delivers a magnetic performance as Cardinal Bellini in , standing out even among a stellar ensemble cast. While is drawing buzz for a potential third Oscar nomination (that should be a fourth nomination), and captivates in her small but impactful turn as Sister Agnes, . His nuanced portrayal of a cardinal navigating the cutthroat world of Vatican politics is both compelling and unforgettable.

Directed by , Conclave follows the sudden death of the Pope, with Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) tasked with overseeing the election of a new head of the Catholic Church. Cardinals engage in clandestine debates and power plays as secrets about the late Pope emerge, threatening to destabilize the Church’s foundations. Conclave’s critical acclaim is underscored by its 12 BAFTA nominations, the most for any film this year, making it for most of the season.

delivers a deeply affecting performance as Rachel in , embodying the pain and quiet resilience of someone closest to their father yet struggling with the loss. Lyonne’s portrayal shows the complexity of grief through her hesitation to confront her father’s declining state. While and shine as her polar-opposite step-sisters, , making her a standout contender for awards recognition.

His Three Daughters has a simple plot, focusing on capturing the raw, everyday emotions of grief and family dynamics. The film unfolds in Rachel’s modest apartment over three turbulent days as three sisters confront long-simmering tensions while caring for their dying father. The narrative weaves humor, bitterness, and love into an exploration of loss, with Lyonne giving her best performance to date.

shines in as Skye Riley, delivering an electrifying performance that elevated the film far beyond its predecessor. Scott perfectly captures Skye’s emotional unraveling, balancing terror and vulnerability as a global pop star haunted by a sinister entity. Her portrayal is deeply compelling, cementing her status as a scream queen to watch. With the Academy possibly recognizing in , Scott’s performance deserves equal consideration for a Best Lead Actress nomination, .

In Smile 2, Skye Riley, a pop sensation attempting a career comeback, becomes the entity’s latest victim. As Skye faces escalating horrors and confronts buried trauma, her spiraling paranoia mirrors the pressures of fame and personal guilt. The film’s impeccable direction, tense pacing, and clever script blend humor and terror while the visually stunning cinematography amplifies the fear. Smile 2 stands as one of 2024’s best horror movies, and .

Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgård deliver hauntingly mesmerizing performances in Nosferatu, elevating Robert Eggers' iconic vampire tale. Depp’s Ellen Hutter is a complex and tormented figure, balancing innocence, desperation, and melancholy as her bond with the sinister Count deepens. Skarsgård is unrecognizable as Count Orlok, embodying a predator driven by obsession. Their chemistry is electric, capturing the dark, erotic undertones of their twisted relationship, making each scene between them pulse with tension.

Set in 1838, Nosferatu follows Ellen Hutter, a troubled young woman whose life becomes intertwined with the malevolent Count Orlok. With stunning visuals, an oppressive atmosphere, and beautiful cinematography, Eggers’ Nosferatu weaves a gothic tale of love, fear, and unrelenting doom. Depp and Skarsgård anchor the film with emotional depth and chilling intensity, solidifying Nosferatu as a standout horror achievement. Although the film got 5 BAFTA nominations, Depp and Skarsgård's performances have been snubbed, as has Eggers' screenplay.

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Next: The 10 Best Performances of the Last 5 Years, Ranked