AwardsWatch’s 50 Favorite Performances of 2016
“I think having your heart broken is a tremendous way to learn about the world.”

5. Annette Bening, 20th Century Women
356 points / 34 mentions / 3 #1 spots
“I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadow…”

4. Sandra Hüller, Toni Erdmann
378 points / 39 mentions / 6 #1 spots
“Despite knowing the journey and where it leads, I embrace it, and I welcome every moment of it.”

3. Amy Adams, Arrival
396 points / 42 mentions / 9 #1 spots
“I can’t beat it.”

2. Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea
416 points / 40 mentions / 7 #1 spots
“Nutjobs, I can handle. My specialty.”

1. Isabelle Huppert, Elle
510 points / 49 mentions / 8 #1 spots
Latest posts by Erik Anderson (see all)
- Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS) Television and Nonfiction Nominations Announced: ‘Adolescence,’ ‘Black Mirror,’ ‘Slow Horses’ and More - March 20, 2026
- Trailer Watch: ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ ‘Dune: Part Three,’ Disclosure Day,’ ‘Wild Horse Nine’ - March 20, 2026
- Six Join 51st Residence of the Festival de Cannes, including Harry Lighton, Mansi Maheshwari, Oliver McGoldrick - March 20, 2026

Director Watch Podcast Ep. 144 – ‘A Matter of Life and Death (Powell and Pressburger, 1946) with Special Guest Jesse Nussman
Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS) Television and Nonfiction Nominations Announced: ‘Adolescence,’ ‘Black Mirror,’ ‘Slow Horses’ and More
Trailer Watch: ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ ‘Dune: Part Three,’ Disclosure Day,’ ‘Wild Horse Nine’
‘Anima’ Review: Sydney Chandler and Takehiro Hira Ground Brian Tetsuro Ivie’s Low-Fi Sci-Fi Road Movie [B+] SXSW