2020 Best Supporting Actress

As countdown the end of the year, it amazes me what a whirlwind of a year it has been, especially in the world of film. For the majority of 2020, movie theaters have been closed, streaming has become the new king, and we have witnessed a pandemic as this generation has yet to see. 2021 looks bleak as far as when movies will be back out again for the norm. Still, today, I continue my series of best of which will last over a multitude of pieces that will include my top 10 films, tackling all four acting categories, most disappointed, and whatever other I muster up.

Today, Today, after watching close to 300 2020 releases, I turn my attention to the Best Supporting Actress performances of the year.

5. Zazie Baetz – Nine Days

‘Nine Days’ is a film that was pushed to 2021, but I saw it as apart of AFI Fest this year, and it was one of the best pieces of cinema I saw this year. Duke was a highlight in the film, but Baetz was equally as good and heartfelt throughout. I loved this performance, and I can’t wait for the world to see it.

4. Olivia Cooke – Sound of Metal

Olivia Cooke has the daunting task of trying to glue Ruben back together in her role of Lou. The part isn’t easy as she has to deal with Ruben’s trickle-down effect of losing his hearing. Cooke is remarkable in this film.

3. Olivia Coleman – The Father

For every re-watch, I appreciated what Coleman did more and more in this movie. Anne was the brunt of all the damage Anthony was caused due to his troubling battle with Dementia. Several sequences are hard to watch because of how visceral Anthony was towards her and how Coleman was able to keep it in line and share that empathy with us; the viewer was breathtaking. Coleman is only getting better and better, which is absurd to even think about.

2. Lesley Manville, Let Him Go

Hands down, the best villain in any film of this year was Blanche in ‘Let Him Go.’ Manville was ruthless and downright mean, but the control she showed in this film was nothing short of perfect for what was needed out of her. Her performance still represents one of my favorite of the year.

1. Yuh-jung Youn – Minari

Youn Yuh-jung is a scene-stealer throughout the film. Our film’s tone is deep and dark, and she provides this breath of fresh air with laughter, wit, and charm. The way Chung writes Soonja, is brilliant, but the Youn carries herself with confidence within the roles sheds light on the fact that we don’t need to know how to do it all to feel good about ourselves. While the kids highlight Soonja’s flaws, she embodies them, and Youn’s in-depth portrayal of a flawed woman showed us that we need to be more accepting of who we are. Youn is an absolute delight from the time she enters the screen, and she should be in the conversation of Supporting Actress from the Academy.