Leading performances

Sarah Taryam, Arts Editor

Another week in December means another week of countdowns as we get ever so close to the start of a new year. This week we are taking a look at some of the best lead and co-lead performances in film and with so many good ones out this year, it was hard to choose.

The very talented, very popular Cate Blanchett shone in her performance in the psychological drama “Tár.” She plays the character of Lydia Tár, a composer-conductor and first-ever female music director of a major German orchestra. Blanchett has seven Academy Award nominations under her belt and two wins. Could she be headed for another with this performance?

Colin Farrell has had a phenomenal acting year with a wide variety of performances in different movie genres. He is on our list for his performances in “After Yang” and “The Banshees of Inisherin.” He was also great in “Thirteen Lives” and “The Batman.” In the indie science fiction movie “After Yang,” which is set in the future, Farrell plays the father of a robotic child who he tries to save after he breaks down. I really like Farrell’s ability to play such different roles in such a close space of time, it shows real talent and versatility.

When it comes to co-leads, Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown are at the top of our list. They acted so well together in the movie “Save Your Soul.” They have so much chemistry starring alongside each other in this comedy written, directed and produced by Adamma Ebo. The pair play a husband and wife who are the first lady and pastor of a megachurch.