Best of 2022: Top 20 Acting Performances

As the young'uns would say these days, "She's so mother!" If there was a recurring theme among this year's best performances on film, then it would definitely be the challenges and triumphs of motherhood. Indeed, no less than 8 roles in my list explored the complexities of being a mother through a myriad of feelings surrounding grief, estrangement and love. These actresses were truly an indelible part of the film year, standing tall alongside many other superlative performances. Whittled down from a personal longlist of 51 candidates, here are my Top 20 Acting Performances of 2022:

20. Mia Goth in Pearl

The year's most audacious, unnerving and unforgettable performance.

19. Cate Blanchett in Tar

Brilliant casting, iconic results.

18. Harris Dickinson in Triangle of Sadness

The year's most surprising revelation of comic genius.

17. Nicole Kidman in The Northman

A trademark Nicole Kidman performance in its precision, daring and ferocity.
16. Linnett Hernandez in Vicenta B.A exquisitely lived-in embodiment of motherly strength and care.
15. Daryl McCormack in Good Luck to You, Leo GrandeA breakout performance of effortless magnetism.
14. Penelope Cruz in Official CompetitionThis masterclass of sardonic comedy offers endless delights.
13. Rasti Farooq in JoylandAn astonishing feature film debut, conveying depths of feeling with every glance and gesture.
12. Nicolas Cage in The Unbearable Weight of Massive TalentNicolas Cage at his self-deprecating and entertaining best.
11.  Daniel Kaluuya in NopeYet another effortlessly captivating performance from one of our brightest stars.
10. N. T. Rama Rao Jr. in RRROne half of the year's most dynamic duo.
9. Ram Charan in RRROne half of the year's most dynamic duo.
8. Stephanie Hsu in Everything Everywhere All at OnceA sensational performance of confident swagger and heartbreaking vulnerability.
7. Michelle Yeoh in Everything Everywhere All at OnceMichelle Yeoh brings pitch-perfect grace, charisma to one of the year's most challenging roles.
6. Jessie Buckley in Women TalkingA firecracker performance that never fails to grab your attention.
5. Ke Huy Quan in Everything Everywhere All at OnceA star is reborn with Ke Huy Quan's thrilling, heroic work in this film.
4. Michelle Williams in The FabelmansMichelle Williams' Mitzi is whimsical, touching and utterly captivating.
3. Emma Thompson in Good Luck to You Leo GrandeA performance of immense bravery, honesty and power.
2. Julianne Moore in When You Finish Saving the WorldLove her or hate her, Julianne Moore absolutely nailed this character.
1. Rebecca Hall in ResurrectionRebecca Hall is incredibly raw, harrowing and extraordinary in yet another unsung role.