Ladies and Gentlemen, get ready for our very first, and therefore very coveted, nominations for the honor of Best YA Performance of the Year. Looking back on the year in film (it’s getting to be that time!), we’ve seen some amazing transformations, confessional moments, triumphs and losses. But the following selection of actors in particular transformed, confessed, triumphed and lost in a way that surpassed the others, in films that were often overlooked. A recap follows, and please make sure to vote!
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It’s not often that a film is carried by a relative unknown, but the very offbeat and quietly hilarious film The Way Way Back soared mainly thanks to its star awkward teen, played by Psych’s Liam James. His authenticity (and sheet vulnerability) helped the film go from silly comedy to a surprisingly insightful look at youth. |
Surely not the first (and definitely not the last) honor this already consummate actress will receive, Woodley’s honest and delicate portrayal of a rather typical high school girl in love for the first time in The Spectacular Now was most notable for how pared down and realistic it came off (like the film itself). Having turned heads as well in 2011’s The Descendants, we’re excited to see what she’ll do next.
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The busiest actress on this list, Larson deserves distinct praise for three standout roles from this year: co-starring in above competitor Woodley’s film The Spectacular Now, in the mostly silent but pivotal (and sidesplitting) role of Jon’s sister in Don Jon, and most of all as the caretaker of abused foster children—and former victim of abuse herself—in the candid and powerful film Short Term 12. |
Everybody wants a Gay Best Friend in the hilarious and smart-as-a-tack teen romp G.B.F., and why wouldn’t they when the GBF in question is the adorable, soft-spoken but very sincere Michael J. Willet? After an attention getting turn in United States of Tara, Willet reaches his true potential in this heartfelt and very timely look at the evolving social antics in 21st century American high school. |
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Hermione who?? The Bling Ring confirmed that this formerly mousy British child star can roll with the best of them, playing a bombshell valley girl with a twist. Leaving archetypes like Alicia Silverstone in her dust, Watson delivered her lines in a careful and measured LA way, sculpting each syllable and making it unclear where she was going…with anything. A dark horse contender for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar perhaps? |
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Liam James
Shailene Woodley
Brie Larson
Michael J. Willet
Emma Watson