Best Movies of 2016 – Best Supporting Actor

Continuing to look at the best performances of 2016, I am now going to look the best supporting actor performances of 2016.  This is always a loaded category and this year, it is no different.  What I loved most this year, and you will see it in my choices, is the breakout performances.  Whether it is from newcomer to the scene or a veteran waiting to for their big break, we got a slew of great breakout performances this year.  Here are my picks for the best supporting actor performances of 2016.

5 – DANIEL RADCLIFFE as MANNY in SWISS ARMY MAN 

To say Swiss Army Man is divisive is an understatement.  I saw the premiere of this film at Sundance and witnessed countless walk outs and a slew of laughs.  I was in-between on the film.  I thought it was incredibly bizarre and creative, but just didn’t hit for me.  But, one thing I respected the most was everyone who was part of the movie gave it their all, particularly the two lead actors.  Daniel Radcliffe has come a long way since Harry Potter (2001-2011) and this is easily his best performance since playing the child wizard.  He is terrific as Manny, the dimwitted talking dead body with rocket-like farts who is found by Hank (Paul Dano).  It is an outstanding performance and one that proves, without a shadow or a doubt, that Radcliffe is more than just a boy wizard, as he is willing to do challenging, unique projects and crush them.

4 – CRAIG ROBINSON as CURTIS GENRTY in MORRIS FROM AMERICA

Sometimes there is a performance that just surprises the hell out of you.  This was that performance of 2016.  Robinson is known for being a funny guy, having starred in such films as The Pineapple Express (2008), Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008), and This is the End (2013), playing more of a side-bit character in those films.  But in Morris from America, we get to see a side of Robinson we’ve never seen before.  Playing the father of the only black kid in a German town, Robinson is tough, but tender towards his son.  He understands his son is in a tough position, but still wants to raise him right.  Robinson has a single-take monolog to his son towards the end of the movie that is heartwarming and expertly performed.  I really hope Robinson does more roles like this, because he proved he has the talent to.

3 – ALDEN EHRENREICH as HOBIE DOYLE in HAIL, CAESAR!

This is a performance that earned it’s spot in the last couple weeks.  I liked Hail, Caesar! when I first saw it, but have since fallen in love with it, thanks to it being in HBO nearly everyday.  One of the things that stood out to me during these re-watches was the breakout performance by Alden Ehrenreich as Hobie Doyle.  Known for his horse riding, singing, and gun shooting, Doyle goes through an image change to become an actor who does more serious, prestige pictures.  What ensues is comedy gold.  Doyle tries his hardest to get this new career move down, and really gives it his all, but it doesn’t really work.  Watching Doyle try and his positive attitude really makes us love him and makes him the sweetest, kindest character in this pool of Hollywood shenanigans.  The Coen Brothers are known for their classic characters and Doyle will go down as one their best, thanks to Ehrenreich.

2 – JOHN GOODMAN as HOWARD in 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE 

John Goodman gives the best performance of his career in 10 Cloverfield Lane.  Playing a man who is holding two captives underground in fear of what is above them, we never know Howard’s motivations.  Is Howard helping them?  Is he insane?  Is he a criminal?  We don’t know anything about this man, staying a mystery the whole movie and, in a less talented actors hands, this performance would have failed.  But Goodman walks this character tightrope brilliantly, never showing his cards and wearing a mask that refuses to reveals itself.  Because the film came out back in March, everyone has forgotten about it and the performances, and that’s a travesty, because Goodman deserves serious awards consideration and recognition.

1 – MAHERSHALA ALI as JUAN in MOONLIGHT 

I’ve loved Ali since he first graced the small screen as Remi on House of Cards (2013).  There was always a presence and magnetism that drew me to him and made me want more of him.  His performance as Juan in Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight is everything I’ve wanted and more from Ali.  Playing a drug dealer who takes the young Chiron under his wing, Juan is a human enigma.  On one hand, he’s a hard-nosed street gangster who will make a crackhead shiver with just a glare.  On the other hand, he turns into a father figure for Chiron.  He’s the only one who cares for the kid, seeing as his mother is crackhead and lets him roam the streets aimlessly.  This is a complex, layered, moving performance and Ali is sensational.  He knows this character so well, you believe every word he says and every breath he takes.  This is the best supporting actor performance of 2016.

What was your favorite best supporting actor performance of 2016?  Comment below or hit me up on Twitter and Instagram, @kevflix, or on Facebook and YouTube by searching Kevflix.