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The year 2015 was a significant one in the world of film, particularly the big-budget movies. “Star Wars” returned with “The Force Awakens,” after all. However, that movie isn’t going to be involved in my awards for 2015. Neither with “Jurassic World.” I’ve been enjoying this project, and it’s time to see what awards I would dole out for this year.
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight
I don’t like The Hateful Eight all that much. It’s my least-favorite Quentin Tarantino movie. That being said, Leigh gives a striking performance in the film. She’s crass and gruff and mixes it up with a bunch of loathsome, brutal men. Leigh leans into the brutality of it all, and while that brutality is sometimes not enjoyable, it works with the actress.
Best Supporting Actor: Oscar Isaac, Ex Machina
My feelings on Ex Machina have diminished over the years. I’m not really into Alex Garland as a filmmaker, it turns out. That being said, I am into Isaac as an actor. He’s a great actor, and he’s making the most of Garland’s work in Ex Machina. Plus, he dances, and that dance rules.
Best Actress: Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road
Fury Road is many people’s favorite movie of 2015, but it isn’t mine. Spoiler alert: It won’t be my Best Picture winner. However, I do agree with the consensus that Theron’s turn as Imperator Furiosa is great. As an actor star, she crushes it, but she is of course also a strong dramatic actor. Theron had to do a ton in this film, and she nails it all.
Best Actor: Paul Dano, Love & Mercy
Dano and John Cusack are basically co-leads in Love & Mercy, an unconventional biopic of the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson. Dano plays the younger version of Wilson, the one making Pet Sounds and also beginning to deal with his mental health issues. Cusack is OK in the movie, but Dano is great. He really conveys the energy and chaos of Wilson at the time, and is a gripping performer who also manages to represent musical genius on screen quite well.
Best Picture: The Martian
This was not a great year for film. Ant-Man is one of my favorite Marvel movies, and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation is probably my favorite in that series. Neither of them are really “Best Picture” quality, though. The Martian somewhat ridiculously won Best Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes, but it is a really good movie. Ridley Scott is a top-notch director, and the movie has a killer cast. It’s not a comedy, but it is a strong crowd pleaser. It’s also my top movie of 2015.
