20 Most Anticipated Performances of 2016

With Cannes just around the corner and the temperatures starting to rise for the summer, the cool environment of the cinema beckons as the films only get better from here on out. You may be thinking it's too late for a list such as this one, but as is my tradition I always wait until the end of April. As we all know, the early months often see many release date changes and unconfirmed casting rumours. This time of year therefore feels like an ideal time to assess the exciting acting prospects to come. So without further ado, here my 20 Most Anticipated Performances for the rest of 2016.
20. Michael Keaton in The FounderConsidering the roll Keaton is on, we may be hearing a lot about this performance come awards time.
19. Mark Rylance in The BFGRylance reunites with Spielberg to deliver "the most ambitious motion capture performance ever".
18. Ruth Negga in LovingAn potentially career-defining role, especially under Jeff Nichols' guidance.
17. Connor Jessup in Closet MonsterAfter his outstanding work on "American Crime", Jessup explores similar angst-ridden territory in this LGBT-themed drama.
16. Nate Parker in The Birth of a NationParker was the talk of the town at Sundance and that powerful trailer showed us why.
15. Joseph Gordon-Levitt in SnowdenOne of our most fascinating real life figures paired with one of our most compelling young actors.
14. Luis Tosar in Ma MaTosar is always captivating, especially when paired with other talented actors.
13. Elle Fanning in Neon DemonIn this juicy Nicolas Winding Refn star vehicle, you know "she gon' slay", literally and figuratively.
12. Gael García Bernal in NerudaI expect nothing less than greatness from the actor-director duo behind "No".
11. Penelope Cruz in Ma MaThe Spanish enchantress tackles one of her must vulnerable roles yet.
10. Emily Blunt in The Girl on the TrainIn this highly coveted role, Blunt seems poised to take her career to the next level.
9. Alicia Vikander in The Light Between OceansOne of the most effortlessly emotive actresses in a perfect role to show her gift.
8. Denzel Washington in FencesWashington reprises his Tony Award winning performance for the big screen.
7. Viola Davis in FencesDavis reprises her Tony Award winning performance for the big screen.
6. Amy Adams in Story of Your LifeA highly fascinating role for the reliable Amy Adams to sink her teeth into.
5. Casey Affleck in Manchester by the SeaIf the word out of Sundance is any indication, this could be the tear-jerking performance of the year.
4. Meryl Streep in Florence Foster JenkinsWatching Meryl Streep cut loose in a light-hearted role always makes me happy.
3. Andrew Garfield in SilenceFinally free from the artistic prison of Spiderman obligations, this role should remind us of what he is capable of.
2. Liam Neeson in SilenceThis is surely one of Neeson's best roles since "The Grey".
1. David Oyelowo in A United KingdomThis film incorporates so many things I love, and Oyelowo's involvement is one of them.