Following the reveal of Jodie Comer as our TV Actress of the Year in our first Female First Awards 2018 crowning yesterday, we're today moving into the realm of movies! We've had some brilliant horrors, musicals, biopics and thrillers throughout the past 12 months, but which of the big screen's leading ladies have impressed us the most? Here are our top five, and overall winner...
Nominee: Emily Blunt, A Quiet Place
Though it's based on such a simple idea, A Quiet Place is one of the most gripping thrillers we've ever seen. Pushing past the boundaries that have been preset for films of this type, director John Krasinski does an incredible job of weaving together a unique narrative, packed full of genuinely surprising twists and turns.
Emily Blunt's performance as Evelyn kept all of us on the edge of our seats. Her next move was unpredictable and as her journey progressed, we asked ourselves questions about whether or not this is a world we would be able to survive in. She invoked internal conflict, forcing us to take a deep breath whenever it looked like she was in peril. These are all the signs of a brilliant actress, and so Blunt is someone we cannot help but celebrate.
Nominee: Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born
Playing opposite Bradley Cooper, many wondered just how believable Gaga's acting would be in this year's A Star Is Born. Plenty of musicians have in the past attempted to turn their head to taking part in a Hollywood blockbuster release, but fallen short of impressing the millions who have bought a ticket and gone to see them. Fortunately, Gaga proves she's a cut above the rest, bringing us all to tears with her gorgeous renditions of some simply stunning tracks.
Not only giving an Oscar-worthy performance throughout A Star Is Born, Gaga co-wrote the infectious soundtrack for the film alongside Lukas Nelson, the son of country music singer Willie Nelson, crafting one of the best film soundtracks the world has ever heard. Her talents are beyond critique; she's a woman who ensures she keeps her fans of over a decade happy, whilst also opening herself up to all-new audiences.
Nominee: Viola Davis, Widows
An incredible ensemble of women come together for Widows, but it's How To Get Away With Murder star Viola Davis that really demands all eyes are on her throughout the heist movie. From Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave) and Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl), this thriller serves up a story rarely told from the world of crime and corruption; exactly what the wives of criminals get up to, and how they're forced to defend the empires that have been built around them when the authorities have caught up with their husbands.
Now fighting for a future that will see them lead rather than follow, this world (which has never really been a feminist one), is flipped on its head. Davis is someone who leaves audiences hanging off of her every word. If she called you into battle, you'd be right by her side. That's the sign of a stellar actress; Davis is somebody we can't wait to see perform whenever she picks up a new role.
Nominee: Jamie Lee Curtis, Halloween
Halloween sequels have always been mediocre. So, when it was revealed that David Gordon Green would be sitting in the director's chair for a 2018 direct follow-up to the original movie, plenty of eyebrows were raised. Then came the announcement that Jamie Lee Curtis would be reprising her role as Laurie Strode, and suddenly the interest of horror junkies piqued.
The film turned out to be a roaring success. It's genuinely scary throughout, and Curtis showcases her talents unlike ever before in being given the opportunity to bring back one of her most iconic characters. Laurie is a badass; she's flawed, but able to take care of herself, and this is something Curtis plays with a real gravitas. If the same team are to be involved, we'd love to see more Halloween films in the near future.
Nominee: Lucy Boynton, Bohemian Rhapsody
Though everybody can't stop talking about Rami Malek's genius performance as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, we think Lucy Boynton's understated role as Mary Austin is one that deserves a lot of credit. The star plays Freddie's best friend and first love with a real believability; we see her go from a young girl who's fallen head over heels, to a conflicted but loyal companion to one of the world's most talented musicians.
As Mary's heart breaks and she comes to the realisation that she and Freddie should never have been together romantically, our hearts break with her. We will their friendship to succeed and go on, despite the deceit that's been at play, and fortunately, as history tells us, that's something that is allowed to happen. Boynton is incredible, and we can't wait to see exactly where her career takes her next.
- Day 1: TV Actress of the Year
- Day 2: Movies Actress of the Year
- Day 3: Reality TV Star of the Year
- Day 4: Musician of the Year
- Day 5: Video Game Performance of the Year
- Day 6: Author of the Year
- Day 7: Social Media Influencer of the Year
- Day 8: Comedian of the Year
- Day 9: Athlete of the Year
- Day 10: Villain of the Year
Tagged in Movies