The 15 Best Acting Performances In A24 Movies Ranked

Since its establishment in 2012, A24 has been a beacon for independent films, showcasing the work of talented directors, writers, and actors who had previously flown under the radar. Films such as “Ex Machina” and “Spring Breakers” contributed to A24’s rise in legitimacy during the 2010s. However, it was movies like “Moonlight” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, which won the Oscar for Best Picture, and box office successes like “Talk to Me,” “The Iron Claw,” and “Babygirl” that solidified A24’s status as a fixture in Hollywood.

In light of all that’s been considered, it’s quite challenging to single out some of the most exceptional acts in the studio’s chronicles so far. However, we’re ready to take on this task right now. From Academy Award-winning feats to captivating dramatic transformations by comedy veterans, and breakout roles by newbies helming their own films, here’s a rundown of the fifteen top acting performances in A24 productions, listed in order. (Please note that we usually compare them from “worst” to “best,” but let me emphasize that each and every one of these performances is extraordinary.)

15. Elsie Fisher, Eighth Grade

It’s likely you recognize Bo Burnham primarily as a comedian and musician, with his 2020 quarantine special “Inside” being a notable example. However, it’s worth noting that he is also an insightful and gifted director. One of the smartest decisions he made in his 2018 film “Eighth Grade” was casting Elsie Fisher in the main role. As Kayla Day, a character finishing her final week of middle school, Fisher delivers a stunning performance, as the movie’s success hinges heavily on her abilities.

For many individuals who used social media during middle or high school, Kayla is quite familiar. She creates videos for YouTube aimed at inspiring her viewers to appreciate their inner attractiveness and boost their confidence, but unfortunately, she doesn’t have a large following. At school, Kayla remains relatively unknown and has trouble fitting in with the popular crowd. Throughout “Eighth Grade,” Kayla battles with anxiety, navigates her relationship with her overprotective father Mark (Josh Hamilton), and strives to discover her true identity… all while Fisher manages to make it all feel genuine and relatable.

14. Jesse Plemons, Civil War

In the heat of “Civil War,” I find myself staring at war correspondents Joel (Wagner Moura), Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), and Lee (Kirsten Dunst) after their capture, questioning, “What kind of American are you?” Although my character, an unnamed soldier, has a minor role in Alex Garland’s dystopian political action thriller, I left a significant footprint that deserved recognition. It wasn’t initially planned for me to take on this small yet crucial part, but thanks to my wife, Kirsten Dunst, who suggested I step in when the original actor pulled out, I got the opportunity to be a part of this captivating story. And the rest, as they say, is history.

It’s widely acknowledged that Plemons demonstrates exceptional acting prowess, seamlessly navigating both humor and seriousness. In the film “Civil War,” he delves into his reserved, somber aspect to craft an experience that is both chilling and disquieting. Despite the divided reactions to “Civil War,” there’s no arguing against the impact of Plemons’ acting performance.

13. Steven Yeun, Minari

In the 2021 film “Minari,” Youn Yuh-jung received an Oscar for her supporting role as Soon-ja, a character who moves from South Korea to Arkansas to assist her grandchildren. However, Steven Yeun’s leading performance as Jacob plays a crucial role in holding the entire movie together. The director, Lee Isaac Chung, has openly stated that the film is based on his childhood experiences as a first-generation American born to a family of South Korean immigrants. By casting Steven Yeun as the Yi family patriarch, Chung aimed to tell this deeply personal story with sensitivity and elegance.

Minimally, Yeun is exceptionally talented – he was nominated for his first Academy Award for portraying Jacob, although Anthony Hopkins won for “The Father” instead. However, his depiction of a father yearning for a secure home in America and aiming to cultivate produce for a business is as poignant as it is authentic. The movie’s dramatic finale, featuring a heart-wrenching fire, represents some of Yeun’s finest acting during his career (an impressive feat), and even just his performance within that single scene is more than sufficient to warrant inclusion on this list.

12. Trevante Rhodes, Moonlight

In “Moonlight,” three distinct actors assume the lead character, Chiron. Young Chiron, portrayed by Alex R. Hibbert, hands off to Ashton Sanders as the character matures into a teenager. However, it is Trevante Rhodes who delivers an extraordinarily convincing and impactful performance as the adult Chiron, or “Black,” bringing the film to a close. Similar to “Minari,” this movie saw its supporting character triumph at the Academy Awards; Mahershala Ali won for his portrayal of Chiron’s father figure and drug dealer Juan. Yet, Rhodes stands out in his depiction of an adult Chiron, struggling with his complex relationship with his mother and his own identity as a gay man.

In his teenage years, Chiron develops a deep bond with his friend Kevin, portrayed by Jharrel Jerome initially, later by André Holland as an adult. Years later, they have a heartfelt conversation about their past relationship, and Chiron also reconciles with his mother Paula, played exceptionally well by Naomie Harris. This brings the story to a full circle. Mahershala Ali delivers an outstanding performance as Chiron, making this role one of A24’s finest.

11. Hugh Grant, Heretic

As a huge fan, I can’t help but feel that Hugh Grant is an ever-delightful addition to any film. If you haven’t experienced his mesmerizing villain performance in “Paddington 2,” it’s high time you give it a watch – pronto! Now, in the psychological horror movie “Heretic,” directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, Grant takes center stage, making the movie all the more captivating.

In the opening scenes of “Heretic,” we find Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), Mormon missionaries, at the peaceful abode of Mr. Reed, played by Grant. He invites them in for a slice of blueberry pie after assuring them his wife is merely hidden in the kitchen. However, as it turns out, there’s no wife, and things swiftly take a turn for the worse.

In the current cinematic landscape, “Heretic” stands out as the sole film where Hugh Grant channels Jar-Jar Binks from the “Star Wars” prequels – but this is merely one facet of the extraordinary talent showcased within. Grant skillfully employs his endearing British quirks in this role, even as Mr. Reed’s sinister nature unfolds, making him an absolute pleasure to watch from start to finish, despite his character’s truly villainous demeanor. With charisma oozing from every scene, “Heretic” highlights Grant’s exceptional talent – even in a horror movie setting.

10. Florence Pugh, Midsommar

Critics who argue that Florence Pugh’s performance in “Midsommar” consists solely of crying are overlooking the complexity of her acting skills. While it’s true that Pugh sheds tears extensively as Dani, a young woman accompanying her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor), on a research trip to Sweden, it’s important to note that Pugh’s performance is far more intricate than just crying. She skillfully conveys multiple, competing emotions through her facial expressions and expressive eyes, creating a profound impact in the film.

As Dani transitions from a quiet, mourning young woman to a surprisingly influential figure within the Swedish commune during their midsummer celebrations, Pugh’s acting evolves so subtly that you might overlook some of Dani’s development on an initial viewing… However, upon multiple viewings of “Midsommar”, it becomes clear that this is a demonstration of a true master at work. Notably, Pugh has collaborated with A24 on several other projects, but “Midsommar” remains her most outstanding performance for the studio.

9. Sandra Hüller, The Zone of Interest

At the start of Jonathan Glazer’s Academy Award-winning movie “The Zone of Interest,” Sandra Hüller’s character, Hedwig (the wife of high-ranking Nazi officer Rudolf Höss, played by Christian Friedel), discreetly dons a stolen fur coat and lipstick in her private quarters. However, these items were not recently acquired; they were taken from prisoners and victims destined for Auschwitz Concentration Camp, where over 1 million people, predominantly European Jews, were systematically killed under Rudolf’s supervision. The scene focusing on Hedwig is quiet and introspective, with Glazer emphasizing her tacit involvement, a role that only an actress as talented as Hüller could convincingly portray.

2023 saw the release of “The Zone of Interest,” a film where Hüller garnered numerous nominations and awards for her performance in the French drama, “Anatomy of a Fall.” However, to truly appreciate Hüller’s talent as an actor, it’s crucial to also watch “The Zone of Interest.” The movie presents a challenging yet essential perspective, portraying how individuals can disregard heinous atrocities for their own convenience. Hüller’s character, Hedwig, stands out as one of the most striking representations of this unsettling casual cruelty.

8. Justice Smith, I Saw the TV Glow

In Jane Schoenbrun’s 2024 film, titled “I Saw the TV Glow,” a solitary teenager named Owen, played by Justice Smith, forms an unforeseen bond with his schoolmate Maddy (Jack Haven) in 1996. This friendship introduces him to a realm he never dreamed of, offering experiences beyond his wildest imagination. Sharing a passion for watching VHS tapes of the enchanting young adult series “The Pink Opaque,” Owen embarks on an extraordinary voyage of self-exploration that takes an unexpected turn. The movie serves as a metaphor for gender dysphoria and the liberation one feels when they acknowledge this sensation; Schoenbrun shared with Variety that the film depicts the pivotal moment, often referred to as the “egg crack moment,” when someone realizes they are transgender.

In multiple decades and with numerous health issues, such as a severe bout of asthma, Smith portrays Owen, and there’s no doubt he’s the emotional core and lifeblood of the movie. As the movie reaches its peak and Owen, working at an amusement park, experiences a devastating breakdown, it feels genuine and deserved… and this is due to the fact that Smith delivers such an outstanding performance in this thought-provoking, exceptional film.

7. Adrien Brody, The Brutalist

In approximately three hours, you’ll delve into the highs and lows portrayed in director Brady Corbet’s film “The Brutalist,” which centers around the life of architect László Tóth. However, Adrien Brody’s captivating performance as Tóth makes the investment of your time truly rewarding. Known for his Academy Award-winning role in the 2002 Holocaust drama “The Pianist,” Brody once again demonstrates his acting prowess in “The Brutalist.” Although there are similarities between this film and “The Pianist” (as the fictional Tóth is a survivor of the Holocaust), it’s astonishing that Brody manages to deliver a performance that remains remarkably distinctive, even years after his groundbreaking portrayal in “The Pianist.

Through Tóth in “The Brutalist,” Brody portrays a span of several decades and offers viewers an insight into every phase of Tóth’s life as an immigrant in the United States, grappling with addiction, corruption, and sexual assault. Despite its frequently distressing nature, this performance serves as yet another testament to Brody’s exceptional acting skills, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most gifted actors across generations. In “The Brutalist,” Brody delivers an outstanding performance that ranks among the best in his impressive career.

6. Greta Lee, Past Lives

Greta Lee has been a mainstay on television for many years, but in 2023’s “Past Lives,” she steps into the limelight as the lead actress in Celine Song’s directorial debut. This film explores the experiences of reconnecting with an old flame from childhood, now in vastly different circumstances.

As Nora, a woman born in Seoul, South Korea who relocates to Toronto with her family, Lee delivers a captivating performance of a young woman seeking to establish roots in America after moving to New York as an adult and meeting her husband Arthur (John Magaro). Life is going smoothly for Nora and Arthur in New York City — until one day, Nora’s childhood sweetheart Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) resurfaces after years of no contact. This reunion forces Nora, Arthur, and Hae Sung to contemplate the paths not taken.

In a remarkable turn of events, Lee was nominated for an Oscar due to her exceptional performance as the lead actress. This nomination is well-deserved, considering her subtle yet profound portrayal of a woman content in her life and marriage but grappling with “what if?” questions. Her acting, especially during the film’s climactic scenes, is nothing short of breathtaking. Indeed, “Past Lives” is an exceptional movie overall, and Lee’s performance elevates it to perfection.

5. Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird

In her career, Saoirse Ronan has given many outstanding performances, but none have outshone her role as the title character in Greta Gerwig’s debut film “Lady Bird.” This movie vividly captures the intense, overwhelming emotions typical of teenage years, allowing Ronan to dominate every scene as Christine McPherson, a determined and impulsive high school student on the verge of graduation who prefers to be called Lady Bird.

In her eagerness to depart from her Sacramento hometown for better opportunities, Greta Gerwig, a fellow Sacramento native, beautifully captures the story of a girl who ultimately discovers that she has deep affection for where she comes from and all the trials she’s faced to reach it. Performances by Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein, and Laurie Metcalf are exceptional in “Lady Bird”, but Saoirse Ronan is the central radiant force, and she shines brilliantly.

4. Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All At Once

In my view, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” wouldn’t be the same without Michelle Yeoh. The complex character of Evelyn Quan Wang, a Chinese immigrant and laundromat owner grappling with strained relationships with her husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan) and daughter Joy (Stephanie Hsu), was tailor-made for Yeoh by directors and writers Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, originally intended for Jackie Chan. Amidst the chaos of an IRS tax audit, Evelyn stumbles upon the ability to traverse different universes… and it’s her mission to protect all these realities from a shady character named Jobu Tupacki.

In the movie “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” both Quan and Yeoh received Oscars for their exceptional roles. This includes Jamie Lee Curtis as well. Remarkably, this was Yeoh’s first leading role in her long-spanning career, propelling her to new levels of success following years in the industry. The character Yeoh portrays, Evelyn, serves as the emotional core of the film’s outlandish, unpredictable narrative. This performance is arguably one of her best to date.

3. Brie Larson, Room

In Lenny Abrahamson’s 2015 film “Room,” we initially encounter Brie Larson’s character, not as Joy Newsome but as “Ma.” Since only her son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) perceives her, she is known by this name. For the past seven years, she has been held captive by a man called “Old Nick” (Sean Bridgers), and it was two years after her capture that she gave birth to Jack. All Jack knows is their small confinement, which they call “room.

In the sequence of a harrowing escape scene followed by Joy’s tough readjustment to reality, Brie Larson delivers an outstanding and moving portrayal in “Room.” Her performance dominated awards season, culminating in her winning the Academy Award for Best Lead Actress. Jacob Tremblay is equally impressive, and Jack’s resilience story shines through, but it’s Larson who keeps the entire production cohesive as a woman compelled to rebuild after living her teenage years and early adulthood in complete captivity.

2. Toni Collette, Hereditary

In discussions about actors who deserved an Oscar nomination for particular roles but were overlooked, one name often surfaces – Toni Collette for her portrayal of miniature artist and mother Annie Graham in Ari Aster’s debut film “Hereditary.” At the start of the movie, Annie has just lost her mother and confesses to a support group that their relationship was strained until the birth of her younger child Charlie (portrayed by Milly Shapiro). This backstory becomes significant quite early on in the film when, following an allergic reaction while out with brother Peter (Alex Wolff), Charlie is tragically decapitated as she sticks her head out of the car window on their way to seek medical help.

In the film “Hereditary,” there’s a multitude of events, primarily revolving around a demon named Paimon. However, Toni Collette’s deeply moving and powerful portrayal as a mourning woman who becomes entwined with supernatural ideologies is undeniably the most captivating element of the entire production. Collette is typically exceptional, but she reaches her peak performance in “Hereditary.

1. Adam Sandler, Uncut Gems

In the gripping, tension-filled drama “Uncut Gems” by Josh and Benny Safdie, Adam Sandler delivers an unrivaled performance in an A24 movie. Portraying Howard Ratner, a jeweler with mounting gambling debts who is desperately trying to evade loan sharks while caring for his family in New York City, Sandler brings his character’s intensity to an astounding level of 11 out of 10. Despite Howard’s seemingly irrational actions that leave you on the edge of your seat wanting to intervene, Sandler manages to make him oddly compelling, leveraging his strong screen presence and charm to depict a man buckling under the weight of the catastrophe he has created.

In a different phrasing, it could be stated as: Just like Toni Collette, Sandler deserved an Academy Award recognition for this role, but unfortunately, he didn’t receive it; however, his performance served as a reminder that he is much more than a comedian known for doing silly voices and accepting Netflix projects for holidays. “Uncut Gems” stands out as one of the most nerve-wracking films ever created, and Sandler’s performance in this movie is not just his best career achievement; it’s the finest acting performance delivered by any actor on A24 productions to date.

2025-02-24 20:31