Avraham Aviv Alush – The Women’s Balcony
Alush’s performance as a charismatic young rabbi with an extremist agenda is compelling and chilling.
Sharlto Copley – Free Fire
In a movie entirely populated by loose cannons, Copley’s unstable character is one of the most unstable and Copley goes as crazy as he ever has.
Adam Driver – Paterson
In an extremely natural, very minimal performance, Driver perfectly inhabits the character of a poet/bus driver with wit, charm and ease.
John Carroll Lynch – The Founder
As one of the doomed McDonald brothers, veteran character actor Lynch gives one of his finest, most evocative performances.
James McAvoy – Split
McAvoy gives a pitch perfect masterclass as a man with 23 different personalities in this dark thriller.
Jack Reynor – Free Fire
Reynor has no vanity he creates, it not the most evil, certainly the most venal and repulsive character in this ensemble thriller.
Sam Riley – Free Fire
Young actor distinguishes himself with a star-making, brilliant performance of incredible intensity.
Robert Pattinson – The Lost City of Z
Heartthrob Pattinson is nearly unrecognizable as a gruff explorer in this quiet, minimal performance.
Peter Simonischek – Toni Erdmann
Simonischek lands both the hilarious comedy and the painful drama as a prankster estranged from his adult daughter in this genuine tour de force.
!Jason Sudeikis – Colossal
Sudeikis is phenomenal and frightening as he first uses his considerable charm and then slowly strips it away to reveal a truly toxic character in his best performance so far.