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…
- The SAG Awards Change Name to The Actor Awards - November 14, 2025
- Emily Mortimer and Noah Baumbach on Crafting the Life of ‘Jay Kelly’ [VIDEO INTERVIEW] - November 13, 2025
- 19th Cinema Eye Honors Documentary Nominations: ‘Come See Me in the Good Light’ Leads with 6 - November 13, 2025


The SAG Awards Change Name to The Actor Awards
Emily Mortimer and Noah Baumbach on Crafting the Life of ‘Jay Kelly’ [VIDEO INTERVIEW]
19th Cinema Eye Honors Documentary Nominations: ‘Come See Me in the Good Light’ Leads with 6
Interview: How Miles Caton’s Spiritual, Musical Connection to Sammie Helped Bring Ryan Coogler’s Vision For ‘Sinners’ to Life