No matter where you turn, Woody Harrelson always seems to be right there – in some movie or TV show (like HBO’s “True Detective”). Harrelson is the only person to receive two nominations for The Roger Ebert Actor of the Year Award at my LCJ Movie Awards for his body of work (in 2014 and 2018). With the release of “Solo: A Star Wars Story”, in which he plays Beckett, here are some of my favorite Harrelson performances over the past half a dozen years:
STEVE SCHMIDT, “GAME CHANGE” (2012)
As Sarah Palin’s campaign manager in the Emmy winning made-for-TV movie, Harrelson shined, alongside Julianne Moore’s Palin and John McCain (Ed Harris), in this gripping, dynamite political drama.
HAYMITCH ABERNATHY, “THE HUNGER GAMES” SERIES (2012-2015)
Katniss Everdeen’s advisor/mentor was always unpredictable. You never knew what Harrelson was going to say or do next.
MERRITT MCKINNEY, “NOW YOU SEE ME” MOVIES (2013, 2016)
This guilty pleasure duo of magician movies features Harrelson among the star-studded ensemble of Jesse Eisenberg, Morgan Freeman, Dave Franco, Mark Ruffalo and Michael Caine. And Harrelson even pulled double duty, also playing Merritt’s brother Chase in the sequel!
HIMSELF, “LOST IN LONDON” (2017)
In this comedy, which he also directed and co-wrote, Harrelson starred as himself in this satirical adaptation of a night he had in London a few years ago. Oh, and did I mention the film was shot in one continuous take and broadcast LIVE all over the globe? Quite the accomplishment.
REX, “THE GLASS CASTLE” (2017)
Arguably, Harrelson’s work here deserved as much Best Supporting Actor attention as he got for his role as Sheriff Willoughby in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (including an Oscar nom)
LYNDON B. JOHNSON, “LBJ” (2017)
In Rob Reiner’s criminally overlooked drama released late last year, Harrelson gave a powerhouse performance as our 36th President.