Best of 2020: Top 20 Acting Performances

In true Norma Desmond fashion, 2020 was marked by small films with big performances. Indeed, while most of the year's best acting was unfortunately confined to our humble screens at home, they shone with talent and charisma. From new takes on the damsel in distress, to sensational interpretations of historical figures, here are my picks for the Top 20 Acting Performances of 2020:
20. Rachel Brosnahan in I'm Your Woman"Mrs. Maisel" goes rogue with marvelous style and grit. 
19. James Norton in Nowhere SpecialA delicate portrayal of fatherly love.
18. Julia Vysotskaya in Dear Comrades Julia Vysotskaya takes audiences on a emotional rollercoaster with this fierce performance.
17. Wunmi Mosaku in His HouseA pillar of strength, channeling the resilience and pain behind the "strong black woman." 
16. Mark Rylance in The Trial of the Chicago 7A riveting acting masterclass played just right.
15. Levan Gelbakhiani in And Then We DancedThis stunning debut commands your attention with tremendous passion and vulnerability.
14. Carey Mulligan in Promising Young WomanMulligan challenges herself and the audience with this astonishing performance. 
13. Sacha Baron Cohen in The Trial of the Chicago 7A typically genius Sacha Baron Cohen performance - amusing, provocative and enlightening. 
12. Sope Dirisu in His HouseDirisu perfectly conveys the fear of the unknown.
11. Jessie Buckley in I'm Thinking of Ending ThingsFurther proof that Jessie Buckley is a one-of-a-kind talent. 
10. Mads Mikkelson in Another RoundHis character might be drunk but Mikkelsen's dynamic performance leaves you on a high.
9. Chadwick Boseman in Ma Rainey's Black BottomThis thunderous, bittersweet swansong dropped the metaphorical mic. 
8. Viola Davis in Ma Rainey's Black BottomThis impressive transformation showcases Davis' iconic talent in a whole new light. 
7. Kingsley Ben-Adir in One Night in MiamiBen-Adir makes a major career statement, channeling Malcolm X with vigor and gravitas. 
6. Jesse Plemons in I'm Thinking of Ending ThingsUnassuming yet magnetic, Plemons continues to redefine what a movie star can be.
5. Toni Collette in I'm Thinking of Ending ThingsCollette amazes once again with an inscrutable, quirky and endlessly compelling turn. 
4. Ben Affleck in The Way BackAffleck reminds us of his acting talent with this deep, tortured portrayal. 
3. Issa Rae in The LovebirdsThe most enjoyable comedic performance of the year, enriched with Rae's trademark self-deprecating sense of humor. 
2. Frances McDormand in NomadlandA sublimely openhearted performance as sympathetic and generous as the film it's in. 
1. Nicole Beharie in Miss JuneteenthBeharie deserves an acting crown for the lived-in, soulful realness of the year's most fully realized character and performance.