Best of 2025: Supporting Actress

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It feels like 2025 just flew by! I recently shared my top 10 movies of the year (you can find it here), and I always enjoy making that list. I also like to highlight the best acting performances. Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing my five favorite performances in each of the four main acting categories, starting today with Supporting Actress.

Several other actresses delivered noteworthy performances, including Kerry Condon in “F1”, Alana Haim in “The Mastermind”, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas in “Sentimental Value”, Samantha Morton in “Anemone”, Mia Sara in “The Life of Chuck”, and Hailee Steinfeld, Jayme Lawson, and Wunmi Mosaku all in “Sinners”. Sigourney Weaver appeared in “Avatar: Fire and Ash”, Odessa A’Zion in “Marty Supreme”, Laura Dern in “Is This Thing On?”, Felicity Jones in “Train Dreams”, Regina Hall in “One Battle After Another”, and Erin Kellyman in “Eleanor the Great”.

#5 – Rebecca Ferguson (“A House of Dynamite”)

Katherine Bigelow’s “A House of Dynamite” is effective for many reasons, but the performances, particularly Rebecca Ferguson’s, are key. Though she’s mainly in the first part of the film, Ferguson’s raw and immediate emotion immediately draws you in and establishes the intense, real-time suspense. It’s another excellent performance from an actress who consistently delivers, regardless of the type of movie she’s in.

#4 – Caitríona Balfe (“The Cut”)

In the coming days, I’ll be talking about some overlooked movies from 2025, starting with “The Cut.” It features a strong performance from Caitríona Balfe, an Irish actress who many felt deserved an Oscar nomination for her work in 2021’s “Belfast.” In “The Cut,” she proves that performance wasn’t a one-time thing, giving a nuanced and powerful portrayal filled with strength, empathy, and inner turmoil.

#3 – Emily Blunt (“The Smashing Machine”)

While Dwayne Johnson’s performance in A24’s “The Smashing Machine” received a lot of praise, Emily Blunt was equally impressive as Dawn, Mark’s girlfriend. Her character is a powerfully emotional force, and the intense, often turbulent relationship between them is a highlight of the film. Blunt skillfully portrays a mix of strength and fragility, making her performance feel incredibly authentic. She consistently proves she’s one of the most talented actors working today.

#2 – Zoey Deutch (“Nouvelle Vague”)

Richard Linklater’s film, “Nouvelle Vague,” beautifully recreates the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s iconic film, “Breathless.” Central to “Breathless” was its star, Jean Seberg, and Zoey Deutch brilliantly embodies her in Linklater’s film. Deutch not only resembles Seberg, but also perfectly captures her energy and appealing personality, making for a remarkable performance.

#1 – Amy Madigan (“Weapons”)

It’s wonderful to see Amy Madigan getting recognition again, and deservedly so. She was the standout performer in the unexpectedly successful film, “Weapons.” While she doesn’t show up until later, her presence elevates the movie, making it significantly creepier. Madigan delivers a captivating mix of genuine fear and dark humor, and it’s clear she’s thoroughly enjoying her role as the villain. As a viewer, I was completely entertained by her performance.

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2026-01-05 18:58