There is no argument that 2020 is an unusual year as COVID-19 continues to impact the entertainment industry. The worldwide shutdown forced theaters to close and pushed many movie and TV show releases to a future date. Consequently, many actors have a gap year with no projects released this year.
However, that does not mean that all actors suffered from the impacts of COVID-19. Some works of art managed to hit the screen through limited theatrical releases or streaming. This year, some actors had critically acclaimed movies and shows, which became some of the best and most talked about content to view for entertainment. Despite the impacts of COVID-19, some actors had an outstanding year in 2020, and they deserve recognition for it.
Sacha Baron Cohen
Although the actor is known for his comedy and over the top antics, Sacha Baron Cohen delved into a more dramatic role in he had one of the best performances in the movie that has since made him one of the contenders for the best ing acting category.
However, it does not end for the comedian as he returned in his famous caricature Borat with a sequel movie, Borat Subsequent MovieFilm. Though the movie was controversial due to its final scenes, it truly gave Baron Cohen the spotlight in these last few months. Therefore, it made him one of the most renowned actors this year.
Robert Pattinson
Since his Twilight days, Robert Pattinson ventured into critically acclaimed indie movies by playing complex and juicy roles. Unfortunately, Pattinson continued to be synonymous with the Twilight series, while most people ignored the actor's versatility and talents.
However, Pattinson took a knack at big budgeted movies like making his characters one of the most likable in the film.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Considering Anya Taylor-Joy is only 24 years old, she already became one of the rising stars in Hollywood, and her 2020 filmography is pretty packed. She first starred in a period drama, The New Mutants.
Of course, her biggest role of the year was none other than Beth Harmon in Netflix's critically acclaimed miniseries, Taylor-Joy's best role to date and made her one of the most recognizable actresses of the year.
Issa Rae
Issa Rae had a tremendous year, appearing in two romantic movies. Rae received praises for her dramatic role as Mae Morton in The Lovebirds with Kumail Nanjiani, which also received compliments for her hilarious performance as Leilani.
Rae continued her work in comedies with the fourth season of Insecure. It was one of the funniest shows, and her performance was no less than remarkably witty, which earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
Jurnee Smollett
For Jurnee Smollett, 2020 was her breakout year. She first appeared in the DCEU film, fans loving her rendition of the Black Canary.
The actress also appeared in two major television shows, both with Jordan Peele. She first played Jasmine Delancey in Lovecraft Country. Critics praised Smollett for her heroic and phenomenal performance, which landed her a Critics Choice Super Awards nomination for Best Actress in a Horror Series.
Dan Levy
It was quite a bittersweet year for Dan Levy and his comedy series, Schitt's Creek. It finally concluded this year with its sixth season, but the show did not finish empty-ended at the Emmys. Schitt's Creek took all seven major awards, becoming the first show to do so. The creator and star of the show also had an unforgettable night.
He went on to win all four awards, which included Outstanding ing Actor in a Comedy Series. Dan Levy also ended his year with some holiday joy with Hulu's Happiest Season. It has been critically acclaimed and may have a potential sequel.
Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson had a magnificent year with series likeRatched. Although she played a ing role in Mrs. America, she stole the show in the final episode, "Houston," being one of the standout actresses. She also had a leading role as Nurse Ratched in the Netflix series Ratched. Although the series had mixed reviews, it was unanimous that Paulson gave a convincing and great performance as Nurse Ratched.
She also had one film project with the thriller drama why she is magnificent in any movie or TV role she takes. Furthermore, she continues as one of the most reputable actresses in the industry.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II had quite the popularity and recognition this year. Although his critical acclaimed miniseries, The Watchmen, was released in 2019, his performance as Cal/Doctor Manhattan did not go unnoticed. At this year's Emmys, Abdul-Mateen won his first Emmy award for Outstanding ing Actor in a Limited Series or a Special.
This year, Abdul-Mateen appeared in movies like All Day and A Night as Big Stunna. However, his performance in The Trial of the Chicago 7 grabbed people's attention. Abdul-Mateen was one of the standout performances, with his strong and powerful portrayal of Bobby Seale. Since then, he is in consideration for awards. Although the actor could not end his 2020 track record with Candyman (pushed to 2021), Yahya is stacked with movies next year, so we can only be excited for what is to come for the actor.
Pedro Pascal
Since his newest projects each year. 2020 was no exception. Although it started slow for the actor earlier in the year, the energy quickly changed in the past two months, with the actor storming through all the streaming platforms, from Disney+ to HBO Max.
First, Pascal reprised his role as Din Djarin/Mando in Wonder Woman 1984, and his performance as Maxwell Lord had audiences clamoring for more.
Giancarlo Esposito
Giancarlo Esposito would easily win an award for playing the best villains. This year, he went on to portray three different bad guys. Esposito continued his venture with his most-popular character Gus Fring in the fifth season of Better Call Saul. He was brilliant as the restaurant owner and drug boss, which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding ing Actor in a Drama Series.
He furthered his taste for villainy as he Stargirl, and both projects received positive reviews from critics.