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Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
LUCIAN-RIVER CHAUHAN, RIZ AHMED, AND ADITYA GEDDADA IN “ENCOUNTER”
FYC: Male Actor in a Leading Role in a Motion Picture
SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS FILM NOMINATORS
have the honor every year of selecting the best of the best leading performances. But in a season that featured more impressive, intimate fare than usual, narrowing down the contenders to only a few nominees is downright daunting. We’ve rounded up the men who most dazzled us on the big screen in 2021; read on for your SAG Awards contenders in a leading role.
Riz Ahmed
“Encounter”
Malik Kahn is a Marine Corps veteran on a mission to protect his sons from an alien invasion…or is he? Michael Pearce’s sci-fi thriller relies on its leading actor to convince the audience of the film’s reality while inching the rug out from under us. Without Ahmed’s committed intensity—those eyes!—the story’s twists might not work. It’s further confirmation that Ahmed is one of our most riveting performers.
Mahershala Ali
“Swan Song”
Ali can mold himself to the confines of any role, and Benjamin Cleary’s futuristic drama is no exception. His melancholy interior life sets the tone for a story about an ailing family man faced with the possibility of uploading his memories into a carbon copy of himself. In addition to joining the ranks of brilliant actors co-starring opposite themselves, he plays your heartstrings like a cello.
Javier Bardem
“Being the Ricardos”
As the right-hand man to Nicole Kidman’s Lucille Ball, Bardem’s Desi Arnaz is as charismatic and suave as you’d expect; here, the Oscar winner is in his most charming role since “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” He also taps into his character’s trademark lightness and showmanship,
countering the dark, brooding roles he’s best known for. It’s in the film’s exploration of Arnaz’s infidelity and high-stakes business savvy, however, that Bardem adds dramatic depth, showing us the slimy underbelly of his character’s likability.
Nicolas Cage
“Pig”
Few recent cinematic images are simpler yet more profoundly resonant than that of a bedraggled Cage, blood matted in his hair and beard, calmly describing the end of the world as a blessing. His turn as truffle forager Rob, who’s single-mindedly determined to track down the beloved pig that’s been stolen from him, might be the most mesmerizing performance of the year. Cage is charisma incarnate.
Timothée Chalamet
“Dune”
There are few sci-fi stories odder—or trickier to adapt for the screen—than Frank Herbert’s sprawling, allegorical epic. Denis Villeneuve hit the jackpot when he cast Chalamet as “Dune” chosen one Paul Atreides. The four-time SAG Award–nominated dreamboat is cerebral and quietly captivating in the role—the perfect recipe for a budding messiah. At the same time, he never shies away from showing us the fact that Paul is, prophecies aside, still just a kid.
Justin Chon
“Blue Bayou”
Disregarding the already impressive feat of writing and directing this story of a New Orleans tattoo artist who unexpectedly faces deportation, Chon must be commended for what he accomplishes as leading man. How does he sink so deeply into the sheer, raw-nerve emotion of the film’s final moments? The sentimentality works thanks to the precision of an actor in full command.
SYDNEY KOWALSKE, JUSTIN CHON, AND ALICIA VIKANDER IN “BLUE BAYOU”
Clifton Collins Jr.
“Jockey”
Specific yet timeless, simple yet grand, Collins delivers a performance for the ages as Jackson Silva, a semi-successful jockey nearing his last season on the equestrian circuit. This is an actor who not only knows his character down to the marrow, but brings his audience to that level of knowing, too. Especially in writer-director Clint Bentley’s unforgettable final shots, Collins’ facial expressions alone deserve an award.
Bradley Cooper
“Nightmare Alley”
Cooper has played around in all sorts of sandboxes: the gritty 1970s in “American Hustle,” neonlit outer space in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” and now, the noirtinged 1940s in Guillermo del Toro’s “Nightmare Alley.” Cooper plays Stan Carlisle, a carnival barker who relies on charm to advance his lot in life and bites off more than he can chew. With his ability to make even the
BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH IN “THE POWER OF THE DOG” PETER DINKLAGE IN “CYRANO”
slimiest characters endearing, we can’t think of a con man we’d rather be duped by.
Daniel Craig
“No Time to Die”
Craig deserves accolades for his expansion of a cinematic icon; over the course of five actionpacked flicks, his James Bond introduced vulnerability while remaining as thrillingly badass as his predecessors. It turns out tough guys can have feelings and still be tough! In the long-awaited final chapter of his tenure as the international spy, Craig delivers intensity, humor, and even poignancy, challenging both the franchise and himself as an actor.
Benedict Cumberbatch
“The Electrical Life of Louis Wain”
Tired of typical Hollywood biopics? Filmmaker Will Sharpe’s approach freshens up the genre by selecting as its subject an eccentric who’s been largely lost to history: Louis Wain, a turn-of-the-century British artist obsessed with electricity and, believe it or not, cats. Cumberbatch renders that strangeness believable without sacrificing any of the humor in this man’s affected mannerisms. Anyone who can elevate feline scene partners to co-star status deserves awards attention.
Benedict Cumberbatch
“The Power of the Dog”
Filmmaker Jane Campion has gotten award-winning lead performances out of her actors before, and she might do it again with Cumberbatch’s turn in “The Power of the Dog.” As the menacing Phil Burbank, a Montana cattle rancher circa 1925, he’s toxic masculinity incarnate, sanctimoniously sneering at anything and anyone he deems unworthy in the unforgiving frontier. We are powerless against him.
Matt Damon
“Stillwater”
Considering his history of collaborating with auteurs like Ridley Scott, Martin Scorsese, Steven Soderbergh, Cameron Crowe, George Clooney, and now Tom McCarthy, what is it that makes Damon such a timeless, well-regarded, and reliable leading man? We’d bet it’s his corn-fed allAmerican appeal and everyman sensibility. That’s on full display in “Stillwater,” a film inspired by the Amanda Knox trial, about a father who just wants to bring his daughter home.
Leonardo DiCaprio
“Don’t Look Up”
Have we as a viewing public done enough to appreciate DiCaprio’s comedic abilities? It’s thanks to the seriousness with which he approaches absurd material—in this case, conveying news of an Earth-destroying comet—that a role like his Dr. Randall Mindy works. Whether he’s contorted with anxiety or numb with alarm, playing this utterly overwhelmed astronomer must have taken a physical toll on the actor’s body.
Peter Dinklage
“Cyrano”
Entrances don’t get more exciting than Dinklage’s in this Joe Wright movie musical adapted from Erica Schmidt’s stage show. As the titular tragic fool, the actor’s resonant voice precedes his dramatic appearance, setting the stage for a true star turn. Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play has been interpreted in countless adaptations; but watching Dinklage, it’s easy to believe that his is the definitive take on the title character.
Adam Driver
“Annette”
For years, Driver has been demonstrating that he’s one of his generation’s boldest, most versatile, left-of-center leading men. Look no further than “Annette,” the Cannes-winning musical tour de force from filmmaker Leos Carax. In the film, Driver tries his hand at standup comedy, with song-and-dance flourish to boot. He peppers his stoicism with just enough whimsy to keep us holding on for this wild ride—and holding our breath the whole way through.
Adam Driver
“House of Gucci”
If you go to a movie theater these days, you’re more likely to see Driver on the big screen than not. His Maurizio Gucci should
ADAM DRIVER IN “HOUSE OF GUCCI”
How I Got My SAG Card:
Henry Golding
not be overlooked. Aside from the fabulous costuming (that knit sweater!), he’s expanded his repertoire: Driver finds vulnerability in the inherently macho Gucci, and he’s shrewd enough to bring that to the surface when necessary.
Clint Eastwood
“Cry Macho”
In his latest self-directed Western, Eastwood stars as an aged cowboy who’s hired to bring a man’s son home from Mexico. Eastwood displays a precisely rendered charm here that he has perfected over the course of his long career; even in the film’s quieter moments, he projects screen presence with just a stoic stare. There’s a reason he’s a cinema icon.
Andrew Garfield
“Tick, Tick...Boom!”
At certain points in “Tick, Tick... Boom!” Garfield looks so much like this musical’s central figure, late composer Jonathan Larson, that it’s startling. It’s a testament to how deeply the actor commits to honoring his character’s legacy. In contrast to his other film performance this year as televangelist Jim Bakker in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” Garfield’s innate ability to externalize the internal is on full display here.
Michael Greyeyes
“Wild Indian”
Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr.’s bleak, powerful study of two Native American boys and the men they become is a reminder that Greyeyes is one of today’s most underrated leading men. He can convey bone-chilling terror exceptionally well, yet he brilliantly calibrates his Makwa’s repressed pain, embedded deep within him. It’s an unforgettably haunting performance.
Jake Gyllenhaal
“The Guilty”
Anyone who saw him in Broadway’s “Sea Wall/A Life” knows Gyllenhaal has the Tonynominated chops to ground a solo show. He essentially repeats the feat in Antoine Fuqua’s “The Guilty,” both by necessity (it was filmed in the early days of the pandemic) and form: He plays a 911 dispatcher with only Zoomenhanced voiceovers for scene partners. Tapping into the anger, fear, and guilt of a cop with a violent past, Gyllenhaal is the rare actor who can make you empathize with even the most difficult characters.
ANDREW GARFIELD AND ALEXANDRA SHIPP IN “TICK, TICK...BOOM!”
Tom Hanks
“Finch”
When you’re the lone man on camera—the last man on Earth,
TOM HANKS IN “FINCH”
in fact—you’d better be enjoyable enough company to hold our attention. Hanks, of course, is as likable as an actor can get, so “Finch” hooks us right from the start. Starring as an ailing inventor who builds an android (voiced by Caleb Landry Jones) to protect his beloved dog, Hanks puts his movie stardom to ideal use.
Cooper Hoffman
“Licorice Pizza”
It’s unnerving how much Hoffman resembles his late father, Philip Seymour Hoffman—but in the best way. He’s inherited the ability to showcase emotional heft, awkwardness, charm, and smarm, as evidenced by his debut performance as 15-year-old actor and entrepreneur Gary Valentine. While chasing the heart of Alana Haim onscreen (with both heartrending and hilarious results), he may just win over yours.
Oscar Isaac
“The Card Counter”
Working with a strong script and solid direction from Paul Schrader, Isaac delivers perhaps the most dynamic performance of his career in this character piece about a card counter with a haunting past. Taking his side may prove difficult as the film explores where he came from (no spoilers), but Isaac puts in the work to make this character endearing and fascinating to follow.
Amir Jadidi
“A Hero (Ghahreman)”
As Rahim, Iranian actor Jadidi carries the weight of the world on his shoulders—along with the weight of his lies. A desperate man imprisoned for owing a debt, Rahim mysteriously comes upon a bag of gold that could help him out of his plight. Instead, it takes him down a winding, unexpected path in filmmaker Asghar Farhadi’s latest moral knot of a feature. Jadidi captures Rahim’s oscillating relief and dread perfectly, leaving you wondering whom to root for.
Zachary Levi
“American Underdog”
With “American Underdog,” Levi just might deliver the year’s best feel-good performance. The crowd-pleasing film tells the true story of NFL star Kurt Warner, who famously went from stocking supermarket shelves to becoming one of the league’s preeminent quarterbacks. (Warner is a twotime NFL MVP, a Super Bowl MVP, and a Hall of Famer.) Levi’s demanding performance inspires audiences by amplifying the power of the human spirit.
Jonathan Majors
“The Harder They Fall”
Majors’ ascent from quirky supporting actor to leading man is complete. In Jeymes Samuel’s shoot-’em-up Western, which puts history’s real-life Black cowboys in the spotlight, the actor breathes life into Nat Love, both naturalistically and cinematically. Majors paints a detailed portrait of the roughand-tumble Old West life. But he also serves sheer Grade-A entertainment, fighting for justice and braving bullets as the bigscreen hero he was born to play.
Eddie Murphy
“Coming 2 America”
Murphy can be counted on for legitimate belly laughs, especially when reprising one of his many iconic roles. This riotous sequel reunites audiences with Prince Akeem of Zamunda more than 30 years after the first film. As always, the legend’s comic timing and commitment to the most outlandish situations make for effortless entertainment. But it’s Murphy’s dramatic chops that elevate a satisfyingly silly performance like this one.
Tim Blake Nelson
“Old Henry”
In a performance that’s been compared to Clint Eastwood’s in “Unforgiven,” Nelson rightfully gets the leading role treatment at long last. Resuscitating the American Western in this gritty, minimalist exploration of greed, sacrifice, and false identity, the character actor plays a farmer with a penchant for gunslinging. He simply astounds.
JONATHAN MAJORS AND DAMON WAYANS JR. IN “THE HARDER THEY FALL”
DEV PATEL IN “THE GREEN KNIGHT”
Alessandro Nivola
“The Many Saints of Newark”
Nivola stars as Dickie Moltisanti, the guiding influence behind Tony Soprano, one of television’s most iconic antiheroes. In this ’60s-set offshoot of HBO’s hit “The Sopranos,” we witness for the first time all that truly constitutes the legend. Nivola evokes both the kindness and charm we’ll hear about in Dr. Melfi’s therapy office years later; he also has a vicious edge that shows why Dickie is the boss.
Dev Patel
“The Green Knight”
David Lowery’s medieval fantasia is visually ravishing throughout. But even stunning vistas and giants tromping through the mist don’t hold a candle to the planes and shadows of Patel’s face as emotions move across it like weather. The Oscar nominee’s turn as a fumbling knight errant on a strange quest carries this dream of a movie, grounding us even as it spins off into trippier and trippier territory.
Joaquin Phoenix
“C’mon C’mon”
Phoenix joins the ranks of actors who have found their most compellingly naturalistic modes under Mike Mills’ masterful direction. As a radio journalist taking care of his nephew, the Oscar winner (only two years ago, for the starkly different “Joker”) finds beauty in simplicity and meaning in silence. He illustrates the overlap between artistry and parenting: Both encompass heartbreak and hope, requiring relentless work and improvisation.
Anthony Ramos
“In the Heights”
The film treatment of this Broadway smash requires a true leading man, and Ramos proves he fits the bill with his Usnavi. Playing the bodega owner and narrator of this tale, the rising star serves up charisma, choreography, and a velvet voice—all while looking effortlessly fly. We weren’t ready, but Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Washington Heights musical sure was, and we’re so grateful.
Keanu Reeves
“The Matrix Resurrections”
In this era of revivals, sequels, and all manner of extended intellectual property, is there any franchise return more anticipated than Lana Wachowski’s? There’s something awe-inspiring about an actor of Reeves’ stature reprising his most iconic role, as if he shouldn’t still be as good as he is at keeping us guessing. Forget that Neo is an action hero, and that “The Matrix” is the height of sci-fi dazzle; let’s get Reeves the awards attention he deserves.
Simon Rex
“Red Rocket”
Sean Baker’s distinct filmmaking style isn’t for everyone; his palette is basically neon and sadness. But when he finds a muse that meets him there—one who exudes despair, however unknowingly—it creates a kind of authenticity and tension you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in scripted film. Which is to say, Rex’s wild performance in “Red Rocket” will nestle beneath your skin and stay there.
Filippo Scotti
“The Hand of God (È Stata la Mano di Dio)”
Perhaps the most personal film yet from acclaimed writerdirector Paolo Sorrentino, “The Hand of God (È Stata la Mano di Dio)” stars Scotti as the semi-autobiographical Fabietto Schisa. Set in 1980s Naples, the film is a showcase for its young star’s natural talent, as Fabietto navigates his coming-of-age journey in the aftermath of a tragedy. There are moments that will simply leave you breathless.
Will Smith
“King Richard”
As Richard Williams—father to legendary tennis players Venus
DAN STEVENS AND MAREN EGGERT IN “I’M YOUR MAN (ICH BIN DEIN MENSCH)” DENZEL WASHINGTON IN “THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH”
and Serena—Smith does some of his greatest screen work to date. The character’s tireless commitment to his daughters moves us to tears, and Smith plays every beat beautifully. He holds Richard’s essence through every emotional high and low, creating a moving portrait of a Black man who will stop at nothing to build his family’s legacy in a whitedominated sport.
Dan Stevens
“I’m Your Man (Ich Bin Dein Mensch)”
This story of a German scientist (Maren Eggert) undertaking an experiment with a humanoid robot (Stevens) designed to fulfill her romantic fantasies must be seen to be believed. As the film’s dynamics find poetry in the robotic, so do its stars; Stevens must deliver profound revelations about humanity without becoming too human himself. Only an actor of his caliber could turn such a challenge into effortless fun.
Denzel Washington
“The Tragedy of Macbeth”
What a treat to hear Shakespeare’s words coming from Washington’s mouth. That alone is reason enough to see—nay, experience— Joel Coen’s starkly dramatic adaptation of the Scottish Play, in which the masterful actor illuminates the line between ambition and madness brilliantly. To see his Macbeth evolve from the former to the latter, one need only gaze into his deadened eyes as he descends a staircase, muttering, “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow….”
