I have to say that this was very difficult to put together, particularly the Lead and Supporting Actress categories. It seems that I missed many of the strong women's roles this year. This did not happen on purpose, it's just one of those things. It also leads into a built-in flaw of any list, as it is near impossible for anyone to see everything that could potentially contain a great performance. This is especially true for those of us who have to work. I try, I really do, but it is just isn't possible to fit in all the movies and everything else I am interested in. Anyway, on with the show. Read on and see who I thought gave the best performances in the 2006 movies that I saw theatrically.
Best Actor
Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland. Sure, this is probably more of a supporting role, but Forest cast such a huge shadow over this film, and gave such a wonderful performance that it is hard to ignore his importance to the film. His portrayal of Idi Amin is electric. He displays an incredible amount of charisma and it is hard not to be sucked in.- Leonardo DiCaprio for The Departed. One of two great performances by Leo this year (the other in Blood Diamond) highlights a strong year for the actor. It is interesting that I always expect not to like his acting, yet am always won over in the end. His portrayal of the undercover cop with an identity crisis is formidable.
- Clive Owen for Children of Men. The camera may have attempted to keep you detached from his role as Theo, but it was amazing to watch this man without hope slowly regain it as the film progressed. Truly an amazing performance.
- Will Smith for The Pursuit of Happyness. Stepping away from his action hero image, if just for a moment, Will Smith gave what may be the best performance of his career. His great chemistry with his co-stars, particularly with his son, was very believable as a man going to incredible lengths in order to secure his future.
- Nicolas Cage for World Trade Center. While the movie was emotionally charged and the direction a little generic, one thing stood out. Above the substantial emotion and the direction stands Cage's performance. He was the right man for the role. I may not be his biggest fan, but there is something about his long face, it carries so much weight in this film, the weight of all the woes of the day can be seen on his face. It is subtle, yet powerful.
- Honorable Mention: There are a couple of roles that just missed the top five, but should be mentioned.
- Hugo Weaving for V for Vendetta. I was very impressed with his ability to convey range and emotion while never revealing his face. Putting a mask on the actor takes away a lot from the performance, yet Weaving delivers a memorable performance from behind one.
- Daniel Craig for Casino Royale. Breathing new life into Bond, Craig slipped into the role like a tailor-made suit. He brought a depth to the role that has not been seen in many years.
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