The Screen Actors Guild Awards are this weekend, and all eyes will be on the group's coveted Best Ensemble prize, as this is the biggest chance for Moonlight or Manchester (or possibly something else?) to gain momentum on La La Land, which of course is not up for this significant precursor. In light of that, I hereby announce my own preferences for the best acting rosters of 2016:
20TH
CENTURY WOMEN
A retro modern family. All five
principals are doing beautifully complex, specific character work
here that truly meshes, flavoured with naturalistic humour
throughout.
FENCES
Troy may think the world revolves
around him, but the real drama in this theatrical piece is watching
how all the orbiting players react to his gravitational shifts.
Distinct, beautifully observed dynamics.
MOONLIGHT
While most scenes are acting
duets with less in the way of whole ensemble interaction, every actor
is so damn stunning in those duets it's impossible not to call them
one of the best casts of the year.
SING
STREET
A cast of fresh Irish faces works
wonders at spinning the strain of socioeconomic depression into
comedy gold. Youthful affectation that manages to be more endearing
than annoying: How marvelous!
THE
WITCH
This tight-knit ensemble manages
the challenging task of slowly escalating the pall of dread and
paranoia as familial tensions rise. And such tricky period speech patterns to master,
too!
Just missed:
Manchester by the Sea
Other considerations:
Captain Fantastic
Hail, Caesar!
Hidden Figures
Love & Friendship
