We’re cruising to the end of 2024 and as we do, I’m looking back at some of my favorite films and performances from the year. As well as a few of my least favorite. Each day between now and January 9 look for another installment in a different category. Let’s ring out 2024 by looking back on some of the best and worst of the year!

Today, I turn my attention to my favorite performances at Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.

Best Actress:

No. 5: Cynthia Erivo, Wicked
About: As Elphaba, Erivo was the heart of one of the best films of the year. Her performance as an actress and a singer was incredible. She lit up the screen.

No. 4: Angelina Jolie, Maria
About: Not enough people are talking about this film, which debuted on Netflix in December. Jolie gives an enchanting performance as the singer Maria Callas. She was great.

No. 3: Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hard Truths
About: It’s difficult to have a protagonist that is nearly completely unlikeable. That’s what Jean-Baptiste was handed in Mike Leigh’s film, and yet she makes it work in a beautiful way.

No. 2: Demi Moore, The Substance
About: As a film, I thought The Substance broke down a bit in the Third Act. But none of that was because of Moore, who gives a daring lead performance that was one of the best on the screen this year.

No. 1: Lily-Rose Depp, Nosferatu
About: It’s a difficult role, and Depp handles it beautifully. It was a performance that required a good degree of physicality and deep commitment. She draws you into the character and the world in a haunting way.

Best supporting Actress:

No. 5: Michelle Austin, Hard Truths
About: The longer I sit with this film from Mike Leigh, the more it speaks to me. Jean-Baptiste is excellent, but it works in large part thanks to the great performance from Austin opposite her.

No. 4: Zoe Saldana, Emilia Perez
About: This was one of the most unique and daring films released in 2024. Saldana is a big part of why it works as well as it does, giving her all in a complicated and beautiful role.

No. 3: Margaret Qualley, The Substance
About: As the younger version birthed here, Qualley gives a beautiful and layered performance. She is great in this role.

No. 2: Ariana Grande, Wicked
About: Grande is incredible here. She is funny but also carries some of the biggest emotional weight. It was an incredible performance.

No. 1: Rebecca Ferguson, Dune: Part Two
About: I loved Ferguson here. She had quite the arc in this film and handles it beautifully. Her performance stuck with me for months.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.