Performer of the Year

Every year as part of our annual Rewind series in December we hand out four superlative awards, choosing a single Movie, Filmmaker, Performer, and Scene of the Year. In this archive, you will find our selections for Performer of the Year starting in 2014.

Explore the Performer of the Year archives

Performer Of The Year Michael Greyeyes

Performer of the Year: Michael Greyeyes

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2021 was a great year for performances but only one can be named Performer of the Year. Shea Vassar explores why this rite can only be awarded to Michael Greyeyes.

Performer Of The Year Chadwick Boseman

Performer of the Year (2020): Chadwick Boseman

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His last two performances, in ‘Da 5 Bloods’ and ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,’ suggest he was embarking on a remarkable new phase of his career we will tragically never get to see.

Performer Brad Pitt

Performer of the Year (2019): Brad Pitt

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This is Brad Pitt’s year, and we’re all just living in it.

Rewind Performer

Performer of the Year (2018): Tessa Thompson

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Tessa Thompson was everywhere this year and we couldn’t be happier about it.

Rewind Performer Michael Stuhlbarg

Performer of the Year (2017): Michael Stuhlbarg

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From fatherly advice about romance to saving fish men for love, Michael Stuhlbarg had a fantastic 2017. Which is why he’s our Performer of the Year.

Isabelle Huppert In Elle

Performer of the Year (2016): Isabelle Huppert

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With two powerhouse performances and some serious Oscar buzz brewing, 2016 is officially the Year of Huppert.

Ex Machina Alicia Vikander Hallway

Performer of the Year (2015): Alicia Vikander

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Every year, Film School Rejects names a Performer of the Year. For 2015, that honor goes to Alicia Vikander. Here’s why.

Under The Skin

Performer of the Year (2014): Scarlett Johansson

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Every year, Film School Rejects names a Performer of the Year. For 2014, that honor goes to Scarlett Johansson. Here’s why.

Tom Hanks Captain Phillips

Performer of the Year (2013): Tom Hanks

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Every year, Film School Rejects names a Performer of the Year. For 2013, that honor goes to Tom Hanks. Here’s why.