I recently had the chance to speak with Academy Award winner Natalie Portman for AnimationScoop.com about producing and lending her voice to the new animated feature “Arco”. Portman won the Best Actress Oscar for “Black Swan” 15 years ago, delivering a fiery, captivating performance in Darren Aronofsky’s rollercoaster of a dramatic thriller. In my personal ranking of the best Oscar-winning performances of the past 15 years, I have Portman in 12th, just behind Meryl Streep, who was outstanding as Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady”. So who’s in my Top 10? Here’s the list:
1) Da’Vine Joy Randolph — “The Holdovers”
When I left the screening of Alexander Payne’s 2023 dramedy, I knew it was a lock for being one of my Top 3 movies of the year, and it ended-up at No. 1. I also knew that I just witnessed a *perfect* performance from Randolph. Every scene — every moment she’s on screen — simply tremendous.
2) Daniel Day-Lewis — “Lincoln”
An all-timer of a role from one of the most accomplished actors in film history.
3) Jennifer Lawrence — “Silver Linings Playbook”
When Lawrence’s first scene ended I thought, “Whoa. She’s *really* good in this.” A knockout.
4) J.K. Simmons — “Whiplash”
Simmons’ band instructor is one of the most ferocious characters in modern cinema. The impact is undeniable.
5) Mahershala Ali — “Green Book”
Powerhouse work, earning Ali’s second Academy Award in the Supporting Actor category in a three-year period.
6) Allison Janney — “I, Tonya”
Janney makes the most of every moment she’s on screen. Dynamite.
7) Julianne Moore — “Still Alice”
There are layers and layers to this performance. The defining role of Moore’s excellent career.
8) Cillian Murphy — “Oppenheimer”
Murphy put an incredible amount of dedication into the title role, making Christopher Nolan’s three-hour epic a truly immersive experience.
9) Jared Leto — “Dallas Buyers Club”
I remember attending a screening in October 2013, and the representative from Focus Features said, “We are confident Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto are going to WIN Oscars for these performances.” What an amazing prediction more than four months ahead of the Oscars ceremony. Both are very good, but Leto’s work is slightly more effective for me.
10) Emma Stone — “La La Land”
The leading lady of one of my 10 all-time favorite films has to make it onto this list. Stone excels with the acting, singing, dancing and emotion as Mia, paired with a fantastic Ryan Gosling, in Damien Chazelle’s love letter to entertainment and dreams.