Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series

MURRAY BARTLETT ON “THE WHITE LOTUS”

FYC: Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

ENTERTAINMENT HISTORIANS MAY LOOK BACK ON 2021

as a particularly notable year for limited and anthology series on the small screen. As evidenced by the list of contenders we’ve assembled here, there’s enough talent to make the task facing SAG Awards Nominating Committees a tricky one. Read on for some of the worthiest male performances we can’t stop raving about.

Murray Bartlett

“The White Lotus”

Amid a starry cast, Bartlett takes center stage on HBO Max’s hit satire “The White Lotus” as Armond, the people-pleasing manager of a swanky Hawaiian resort. As viewers watch his vices get the best of him, Bartlett’s delivery of growing unease and snickering grins (paired with an unmatched mustache) creates a character that audiences hate to see but love to watch.

Bobby Cannavale

“Nine Perfect Strangers”

Playing a former football star–turned–drug addict, Cannavale’s role on Hulu’s psychedelic “Nine Perfect Strangers” explores trauma on multiple levels. Though his friend and co-star Melissa McCarthy coaxed him into joining the star-filled cast, Cannavale didn’t need anyone’s help when it came to building the relatable, woeful Tony. He captivates audiences.

Joel Edgerton

“The Underground Railroad”

Playing despicable characters requires a fine-tuned balance from actors; watching Barry Jenkins’ American slavery–era opus, it’s easy to see why Edgerton jumped at the chance to take on this one. His slave catcher Arnold Ridgeway inspires fear, to be sure, alternating between quiet menace and towering outrage. But there’s a sense of purpose underneath—a nuance demanded of such a villainous role. Edgerton rises to the occasion and then some.

Will Ferrell

“The Shrink Next Door”

Yes, Ferrell is funny and we all know it. What makes his latest performance notable are all the surprises, both silly and dramatic, that he still has up his sleeve. Building upon our preconceptions and edging into less straightforward, more vulnerable territory as a neurotic man-child pulled willingly into his therapist’s schemes, Ferrell turns the real-life Marty “Easy Mark” Markowitz into a fascinating character.

Oscar Isaac

“Scenes From a Marriage”

“Scenes From a Marriage” isn’t just a performer-centric project— it’s an acting gauntlet. Those who undertake such a story need to prepare for an emotional marathon. At this point in his meteoric career, Isaac can be counted on to pull it off. His