The Young Folks’ Best Breakout Artists of 2015

Gabrielle Bondi’s Top 10 Breakout Artists of 2015

1, 2, & 3: The Ex Machina cast: Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac and Domhnall Gleeson

I have to say it has been a huge year for the Ex Machina cast, which is why the three leads are atop my list. Gleeson and Isaac starred in a number of movies, including the biggest movie of the year, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Domhnall also stars in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s The Revenant, while Isaac gave an incredible performance on the HBO miniseries, Show Me A Hero. Vikander is a highlight of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. but truly brings heart to the rather dull Danish Girl. Her best performance belongs to Ex Machina, and I’m secretly hoping she nabs a Supporting Actress nod for that role.

4. Rami Malek

Rami Malek blew me away in Mr. Robot, the surprising and riveting USA series about a hacker caught up in a quite complicated situation. I won’t spoil the show for you here, just know that Malek shows some impressive range for a very difficult and mind-bending role. He embodies his character so fully. Prepare to be mind-blown at the end of each episode.

5. Amy Schumer

I didn’t know who Amy Schumer was before this year. She dominated media with her funny antics and hilarious romantic comedy, Trainwreck (which now happens to be my favorite Judd Apatow movie.) While I don’t always agree with some of her humor, this funny lady had a breakout year, and I’m excited to see what she does next.

6. Jacob Tremblay

This young actor had me in awe in the emotional and moving Room. Playing a child who was locked up in a shed since birth and then harshly reintroduced into the outside world, Tremblay brought so much sincerity and nuance to a character in a situation that even I, as an adult, can’t fathom to understand.

7.Sharon Hogan

Have you seen Catastrophe on Amazon Prime yet? Do yourself a huge favor and watch some of the funniest writing with the most real characters ever on TV. Hogan, who co-wrote and co-produced this British series with Rob Delaney, also stars with him as two strangers who find themselves in a possibly catastrophic situation.

8. Krysten Ritter

Ritter found her breakout role with Netflix’s new Marvel series, Jessica Jones. It may take a few episodes to get in the groove of Ritter’s performance of Jones, but ultimately she carries it off with some of the best TV acting work all year.

9. Tessa Thompson

Starring in Dear White People, Selma and Creed, Tessa Thompson is a stunning actress. Something about watching her onscreen is fascinating; she’s one of those actresses that instantly feels lived in her roles. I hope to see her in more movies with bigger roles in the future.

10. Alessia Cara

There is something hypnotic about the anti-social 19-year-old Canadian singer’s silky, textured R&B vocals. You feel like you’re right there with Cara when she’s singing her hit single “Here,” deeply feeling this perfect anthem for all the introverts out there.