By Awards season is often spent discussing which experienced and established actors will receive the crowning achievement not only for the year, but their careers. On rare occasion, a newcomer’s breakout performance is enough to secure a nomination in the lead performance categories, but rarer is a win. The Most Promising New Performer category is just the thing to honour and encourage new talent to continue the climb to higher achievement.
Some newcomers, like the wonderful Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone), have won coveted nominations, but stand to lose to the sure things in their categories. What this category decides is who is a sure thing going forward; who has the most potential for continuing to deliver solid performances, in interesting films. We had an excellent sample this year, of both the comedic and dramatic ilk, and honestly look forward to all of their future work. Check out who we think earned the title after the break.
Though we have nothing but admiration for all of our nominees, Hailee Steinfeld is a 14-year-old force to be reckoned with. Who would have thought that such a young, and relatively inexperienced actress, could carry a Coen film with very little help from her elders? Sure, Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon were in fine form, but True Grit is Mattie Ross’s story, and its her grit that you are moved by when all is said and done.
Many were disappointed that Hailee received only a supporting actress nod from the Academy, and while we have done the same with our own awards, we made sure to give credit where credit was due, voting Hailee as our winner over Oscar favourite, Melissa Leo. But leaving all awards aside, we simply think Hailee is one of the best things to come out of 2010. As of yet, we don’t know what the young actress will pursue next, but something tells me, desirable roles will be hers for the taking.
As you will see, our votes are quite divided between 2010’s newcomers. Where would you add your vote?
- Hailee Steinfeld – 5
- Jennifer Lawrence – 3
- Andrew Garfield – 3
- Mia Wasikowska – 2
- Chloe Moretz – 2
- Noomi Rapace – 1
- Kieran Culkin – 1