AwardsWatch’s 50 Favorite Performances of 2015
After the first phase unveiled the finalists for AwardsWatch’s 50 Favorite Performances of 2015, we are now ready to reveal the winners. Ahead of the reveal, here are some fun facts and trivia about who made the cut.
• 92 ballots were received during the final round of voting
• To avoid ties when they happened, the edge was given to those who appeared in more lists
• Number of female performances appearing on this list : 30
• Number of male performances appearing on this list : 20
• 41 performances received #1 placement
• 3 performances from Phase I received ZERO mentions in Phase II
A huge thanks to AW forum members Ali Benz, who compiled the ballots, and to olivivien (who isn’t from the U.S., hence the ‘u’ in ‘favourite), who made the gorgeous graphics. On with the countdown.
As a little amuse bouche, here are the 5 performances that made it juuust outside the top 50:
55. Nicholas Hoult, Mad Max: Fury Road
54. Shu Qi, The Assassin
53. Sylvester Stallone, Creed
52. Alicia Vikander, Testament of Youth
51. Michael Shannon, 99 Homes
A note: there are two spelling mistakes in two of the graphics but fear not, they’re being updated soon. Just try not to give olivivien too hard a time.
The LIST…
- ‘Jay Kelly,’ ‘Hamnet,’ ‘Pluribus,’ ‘Task’ and More on AFI’s Top 10 Films and Television of 2025 Lists - December 4, 2025
- ‘Frankenstein’ to Receive Visionary Honor from Palm Springs International Film Awards - December 4, 2025
- Robert Yeoman to be Honored with American Society of Cinematographers’ Lifetime Achievement Award - December 3, 2025


‘Jay Kelly,’ ‘Hamnet,’ ‘Pluribus,’ ‘Task’ and More on AFI’s Top 10 Films and Television of 2025 Lists
‘Frankenstein’ to Receive Visionary Honor from Palm Springs International Film Awards
Robert Yeoman to be Honored with American Society of Cinematographers’ Lifetime Achievement Award
National Board of Review: ‘One Battle After Another’ Tops in Film, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor; Netflix Lands Four in Top 10