2017 was a wonderful year at the movies in so many ways. There was no shortage of outstanding performances, masterful direction, unforgettable characters, and much more. Trying to whittle down some of these categories were so incredibly tough they’ve already changed three times—once for my Atlanta Film Critics Circle ballot, once for my SEFCA ballot, and once for this list. It was an embarrassment of riches, and someone could come up with a completely different list and I’d probably be hard-pressed to argue.
But while you’re coming up with your picks, here are my choices for the best actors, director, villains, and more of 2017. (Runners up are listed alphabetically)
Best Actor
James Francoas Tommy Wiseau inThe Disaster Artist
Runners Up:
Chalamet was a close contender here for his thoughtful and moving performance, but I gave the win to Franco for taking a figure that easily could have devolved into parody and turning him into a real person. Everything aboutThe Roomand Tommy Wiseau’s public persona begs for you not to take him seriously, but Franco not only disappears into the character; he also finds the sadness and loneliness that may not be part of the real Wiseau, but they may for a compelling lead character who we want to see succeed despite his narcissism and lack of artistic talent.
Best Actress
Frances McDormandas Mildred Hayes inThree Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri
What’s remarkable about McDormand’s performance is that while people may click with Mildred’s acid-tongued dialogue and unrelenting drive, the actress never forgets the grief that drives the character. That sadness is really what came forth in my second viewing ofThree Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri, and while the stylized dialogue may stick in people’s minds, the anguish at the core of the characters, especially Mildred, is what gives the movie its soul.
Best Supporting Actor
Willem Dafoeas Bobby inThe Florida Project
Dafoe’s performance here is the Platonic ideal of “decency.” Bobby isn’t a hero; he isn’t perfect; and he doesn’t drive the action forward. But he does the best he can under the circumstances, trying to show as much humanity as he can to people who don’t appreciate all that he does, and yet trying to keep the hotel afloat. He’s got a large responsibility, but he’s not patronizing or the wise old figure with all the answers. He’s just a good guy, and it’s a testament to Dafoe’s range that he can play likable characters just as well as he plays villains.
Best Supporting Actress
Allison Janneyas LaVona Golden inI, Tonya
Janney has been a force of nature for years, but she is absolutely delightful as the despicable LaVona Golden. In the hands of a lesser actress, LaVona would be a one-dimensional villain, but Janney provides shading and nuance to where every time she leans into the character’s more loathsome aspects, she somehow makes her even more captivating. Janney is a joy to watch, and when LaVona complains that her storyline is being shortchanged, it’s hard to disagree.
Best Director
Guillermo del Toro,The Shape of Water
The Shape of Wateris del Toro operating at the top of his game, crafting a gorgeous fairy tale that sings with all of his genre interests while never drowning in them. It’s a love story first and foremost, and he never loses sight of that, crafting everything around the romance and investing in a relationship that in lesser hands could seem like an SNL sketch. It’s del Toro’s expert direction that makes you believe in the love between a woman and a fish man, and that’s a feat few filmmakers could handle.
Breakthrough Performance
Tiffany Haddish,Girls Trip
Best Villain
White People,Get Out
Best Action Scene
No Man’s Land,Wonder Woman
Best Scene That Goes on Much Longer Than Expected
Rooney Mara Eating Pie –A Ghost Story
Weirdest Thing I Still Can’t Get Over
The Entire Movie,The Book of Henry
