Top 10 Breakout Artists of 2013

[tps_title]Allyson Johnson’s Top 10 Breakout Artists of 2013[/tps_title]

1. Lupita Nyong’o – There is one (of many) scenes in Steve McQueen’s heart-stopping film 12 Years a Slave that showcases what a bright, raw talent this actress is. In one of the most shocking moments in the film she’s all raw nerve, a filtering heartbeat that has been utterly broken of happiness and while the cast is phenomenal throughout-it’s her Patsy that haunts you the longest. It would be criminal for her to not have a bright future ahead-watch out, she’s likely going home with a trophy at this year’s Oscars.

2.  Oscar Isaac – He’s an actor that’s been around for a while, popping up in films such as Sucker Punch and Drive but never really digging his feet deep into roles so much that he’s a standout and in the Coen Brother’s newest film, Inside Llewyn Davis, he does just that. He embodies Llewyn to such a degree that sometimes you forget it’s a character. Isaac possesses a natural watchability that inhabits his every step and is a definite double threat as he sings the hell out of a folk song. Although he may be passed over this year for flashier performances, his was by far a standout of the year.

3. Dane DeHaan – Let’s just say it: this guy may be the most talented actor of his generation. He’s alluring, talented, and charismatic and he’s already shown versatility this year in giving stellar performances in both Kill Your Darlings and The Place Beyond the Pines. He’s a refreshing talent amidst actors that seems to blend together, bringing a refreshing energy to his roles. And with a recent casting call for him to play James Dean & his turn in the nest Spider-Man film there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing much more of him to come.

4.  Michael B. Jordan – Okay so anyone who has been a fan of Jordan knows that to call him a “breakout” is a little silly. He’s given fantastic performances in television favorites such as The Wire andFriday Night Lights. He’s charmed the pants off of us in movies such as Chronicle and now he’s asserted his lasting power in this year’s Fruitvale Station. There’s no stopping him it seems and why on earth would anyone want to.

5. Adèle Exarchopoulos – If you’ve seen Blue is the Warmest Color it’s hard to argue that anyone but Exarchapoulos deserves the Oscar for Best Actress. She’s stunning, she’s heartbreaking, she’s young but she’s growing old too fast, she’s oddly disconcerting to anyone who’s gone through identify crisis’s or young love and she’s so utterly transfixing and believable that it’s surprising to realize how little roles she had beforehand. This is a seasoned actress performance delivered by a fresh faced one. If there’s one actress of the year that’s made me want to track their career, it’s hers.

6. Haifaa Al-Masour – Wadjda is possibly (as of now) my favorite foreign film of the year because of its simplicity but inarguable depth. It’s sweet and focuses on a mother-daughter relationship. It’s also the first film to even be shot in Saudi Arabia and its shot by a woman. It’s remarkably sincere and it’s one of the best, most heartfelt stories of the year.

7. Brie Larson – Larson is another actress that’s been around for a while but was finally allowed a star turning role in Short Term 12. It was a wonderful film aided by a strong supporting cast but this was ultimately Larson’s vehicle and she managed to insert nuance into an already well rounded character and gave one of the best female performances of the year. She also was a highlight in the otherwise dour The Spectacular Now.

8. Melissa Fumero – Do you watch Brooklyn Nine Nine? If not, you should get on that because it’s hilarious. What’s more hilarious is Fumero’s type A personality as Santiago and the absolute charm and break neck energy that she brings to the role. She’s an unexpected breakout, but one none the less.

9. Dylan O’Brien – This kid is possibly having a bit of a moment. He’s the fan favorite Stiles in MTV’s Teen Wolf and it seems that season 3B only has more big & mind bending moments in store for him; he popped up alongside (the admittedly lackluster but not due to him) Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn in The Internship, he was cast as the lead in the Young Adult adaptionThe Maze Runner which hit’s theaters in 2014 and there are rumors of other roles on the horizon. Undoubtedly the best of the younger cast and possessing natural, rough around the edges talent, he’s a young actor who will interesting to follow.

10. Natalie Dormer – Quite simply she’s been everywhere. She stole all of her scenes in last season’s Game of Thrones, appeared alongside Chris Hemsworth in Ron Howard’s Rush, got cast in the next Hunger Games and has played Moriarty (the BIG bad) on CBS’s Elementary. Talented, beautiful and charming, she’s going to be everywhere in 2014.