The Young Folks’ Best Breakout Artists of 2015

Allyson’s Top 10 Breakout Artists of 2015

1. Alicia Vikander

I would like to point out that I was ahead of the curve with this particular talent and had her listed as one of the biggest breakouts of 2012 as well, with memorable turns in both Anna Karenina and A Royal Affair. However, it looks like I may have spoken too soon, with 2015 poised to be her official breaking out, both to the critics and audiences alike. Roles in films such as Ex Machina and The Danish Girl have won her awards notice while she was quietly stunning in Testament of Youth. Look for her next with Michael Fassbender in The Light Between Oceans where she’ll surely continue to impress.

2. Taron Egerton

There is a lot about Kingsman: The Secret Service that I didn’t like at all, but it wasn’t ever Taron Egerton’s charismatic and star making performance as Eggsy. Possessing both an old school quality that makes him perfect for a Bond lite type character, as well as an affable charm, Egerton has gone on to steal scenes in whatever film he’s appeared in, including Testament of Youth and the Tom Hardy vehicle Legend. Look for him in the upcoming Eddie the Eagle next with Hugh Jackman.

3. & 4. Daisy Ridley and John Boyega

Daisy Ridley having only starred in a few bit roles on television series, and John Boyega having lead the under seen science fiction thriller Attack the Block (amazing), these two genuinely were relative unknowns. That was before the Star Wars machine snatched them up and now they’re poised to be two of the biggest new stars. Boyega is immensely talented, looks like a young Denizen Washington and is almost too charming, while Ridley delivered a bad ass, highly physical performance of Rey, a character us fangirls have wanted to see in the Star Wars universe for a very long time.

5. Jacob Tremblay

For the most part this year I’ve been relatively okay with how the awards season has played out. Sure, my underseen by the voters favorites aren’t getting any love, but that’s nothing new and I’ve largely enjoyed the unpredictability. However, there is no doubt in my mind that young Jacob Tremblay, who was the true knockout of Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, is being snubbed. He gave the most heart wrenching and natural performance of the year, and in my opinion, a stronger one than any of the other male performances being considered. A true find, Tremblay will hopefully have a strong career ahead of him.

6. & 7 . Krysten Ritter and Charlie Cox

Kind of a cheat, maybe, sure, why not, but well warranted. Both Krysten Ritter and Charlie Cox have been in the acting business for a while now. She’s popped up in shows such as Breaking Bad and he had a memorable turn in Boardwalk Empire, but neither had truly had a real, shining moment until Marvel casting struck again and placed them in their superhero extended universe of Jessica Jones. Both delivered two of the strongest performances of any of Marvel’s films or television series, both bringing something unique to the popular characters.

8. Rami Malek

Another actor who’s been around for a while, Rami Malek also has never been given a chance to truly break out. He came close in a scene stealing role in the HBO mini series The Pacific, but since then has been seen mostly in supporting roles. Mr. Robot proves that that’s been a waste of his talents and the show wouldn’t have worked like it did without his commanding, and sometimes unhinged, portrayal of Elliot. Taking tropes that we’ve seen before from computer hacker types and making them a little more curious and a little less familiar, the show never coasted on what has been done before and Malek made sure that we always knew Elliot was an unreliable narrator, even when he wasn’t speaking, with his face buried in a hoodie, his shoulders hunched until he appears smaller, physically trying to disappear even when there’s a part of him itching to help start a revolution.

9. Mya Taylor

Tangerine was the breeding ground for a lot of breakthrough talent, from indie director Sean Baker, to scene stealer Kitana Kiki Rodriguez but it was Mya Taylor’s turn as leading lady Alexandra that grounded the film. Naturally compelling, as a key scene where she sings demonstrates, Taylor gave a subtle and beautiful performance as a nuanced woman, just trying to celebrate with her best friend.

10. Shameik Moore

While Dope was a commendable and entirely enjoyable film, it also was an imperfect one. However, Shameik Moore was never at fault, always the best thing about the film, and delivered a hilarious and layered performance as a young music geek who has found himself way in over his head. Showcasing an admirable range, Moore is one of the more exciting new talents this year.