This year has played host to some incredible films, and within them, some outstanding cinematic performances. The women of the big screen have really put their all into their roles over the past 12 months, which has made many movies through 2021 stand out. However, only one of our five nominated stars can win the title of Best Movie Performance: who will that be? Let's find out!
Awkwafina – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was an outstanding cinematic experience, but it was massively enhanced by the brilliant performance given by Awkwafina as the titular hero's best friend, Katy.
She is at his side through thick and thin, and her character has some genuinely meaningful moments with Shang-Chi, but still manages to stand out all on her own.
Katy is the character that sees herself as somewhat useless, but comes into her own in a comedy-filled and heartwarming performance that makes her much more than a supporting character; it makes her a necessity.
Florence Pugh – Black Widow
When Marvel’s Black Widow released, the film was met with a mixed reception. However, one thing that fans agreed on unanimously was Florence Pugh’s stunning performance as Yelena Belova being a standout.
Pugh’s acting was close to unmatched, as she mastered the raw emotion we’re used to seeing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Yelena has been through a lot and, after finding out the truth behind her 'family', her reactions and disgust at the insinuation that her loved ones weren't real relatives was incredible, and cemented her as an iconic Marvel character.
Yelena is a character with so much substance and heart thanks to Pugh’s stunning and memorable performance.
Emma Stone – Cruella
Cruella is an iconic character, and has been since 1996 when 101 Dalmatians released. However, the live-action origin story sees Emma Stone absolutely nail the role of the dastardly villain herself.
Stone’s performance in Cruella was perfect. She adapted to the role so well; it’s like she was made for it. Before the film’s release, it may not have seemed like the right role for her, but Stone’s cruelly-confident character was undeniably brilliant.
Everything down to her accent from her mannerisms were incredible; a villain-led story is something we don’t tend to see a lot of, but Stone’s iteration of Cruella proves that a baddie can lead a story perfectly well.
Carey Mulligan – Promising Young Woman
Promising Young Woman was a very deep and hard-hitting UK release from this year, and Carey Mulligan played troubled character Cassandra with such passion that made the film all the more meaningful.
Cassandra’s story is a sad and very intense one, as her best friend, Nina, killed herself following a heartbreaking assault. Cassandra takes it upon herself to punish those responsible; and those she fears may do similar to other women.
This is a difficult role to play, but Mulligan nailed it. Her calm anger is genuinely unsettling, and her sense of justice and the loyalty she feels for Nina is touching to say the least. This movie is hard-hitting and tough, and Mulligan’s performance is undoubtedly worthy of this nomination.
Millicent Simmonds – A Quiet Place Part II
A Quiet Place Part II was a highly-anticipated release for 2021, and while the feature was an incredible watch, Millicent Simmonds role as Regan really stood out.
Simmonds is a deaf actress, and her character Regan follows suit. Her performance in this film should be celebrated as her range of emotions and the character’s bravery is incredible. She is a young actress with so much to offer the world of entertainment, as her commitment to the role was seen in every single scene.
She dominated the screen and showed true courage and range, making this exciting sequel very noteworthy indeed.
And the winner is...
Carey Mulligan – Promising Young Woman
Mulligan’s captivating performance in Promising Young Woman is more than worthy of 2021’s Best Female Movie Performance.
Her commitment to the role is loud and clear, and she alone highlights the injustice that can come with sexual harassment in the real world. It was a hard-hitting and very memorable performance, which is what this award is all about.
A truly worthy winner.
Written by Melissa, who you can follow on Twitter @melissajournal
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Tagged in Carey Mulligan Emma Stone Florence Pugh Awkwafina