The Best Performances and Creatives Of 2024
From potential Oscars nominees to horror icons, there have been so many stand out creatives and performances within the films and TV shows of this year. The writers of Pop Culture Planet are sharing the Best Of 2024.
Alisha Weir in Abigail
Alisha Weir is a revelation as she balances the dualities of being both a wide-eyed little girl and a manipulative creature of the night in Abigail. She has all the makings of a young horror icon.
- Kristen Maldonado
Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall in One Day
One of the most surprising delights of the year was the instant success of Netflix’s adaptation of David Nicholl’s book One Day. Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod were thrust into the spotlight through the show’s success and rightfully so. The duo had undeniable chemistry on screen that resulted in a heartbreaking love story adored by so many people.
- Jordan Bohan
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Wicked
Ariana Grande is a godsend to musical theater. The pop star stunned audiences when she was cast as Galinda Upland in Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of Wicked. While she is a committed fan of the musical, many wondered how she’d fare singing theater tunes instead of her usual pop songs. Grande proved to be a magnificent pick for Galinda, perfectly emulating her humor, accent, operatic ballads, while adding her own magical touch to such a beloved character. Meanwhile Cynthia Erivo perfectly captured the cynical nature of Elphaba that shields her true pain, intelligence, compassion, and deep desire to be understood. Erivo’s performance made audiences weep as she stood up against injustice, and belted out beautiful songs like “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity.” We can’t wait to see them shine in Wicked: For Good.
- Ally Bonsall
Auli'i Cravalho and Jaquel Spivey in Mean Girls
Janis and Damian are alive and well in 2024’s Mean Girls musical film. Moana actress Auli'i Cravalho perfectly captured Janis’s hatred towards the Plastics, while Jaquel Spivey’s Damian was a hilarious complement to Cravalho. The two stole every scene they were in and their performance of “Revenge Party” was beautifully chaotic, camp, and unforgettable.
- Ally Bonsall
Challengers Cast
While Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist may have sounded like an odd trio, their on screen chemistry and tension was palpable in Challengers. Between a stellar script and unique cinematography, their performances shined through as the core driver for conversion around the film. It is clear that the actors were heavily dedicated to their roles individually and worked flawlessly together.
- Jordan Bohan
Cooper Koch and Nicholas Chavez in Monsters: The Lyle and Eric Menendez Story
It is rare to have instant breakout stars nowadays, but Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch prove that it is possible. The duo instantly shot to stardom after their passionate performances as the notorious Menendez brothers, a true crime case that still shocks the nation. While the series drummed up quite the conversation regarding Ryan Murphy’s portrayal of the real life brothers, the performances were undoubtedly career starters for Chavez and Koch.
- Jordan Bohan
Dallas Liu in Avatar: The Last Airbender
Dallas Liu’s performance as Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender was one of the biggest surprises of the year. Whether you’ve watched the animated series or not, you have to admit Liu completely sells this role. He commands the screen, demanding your attention with his fire — literally — and cracks Zuko wide open, making him just as vulnerable as he is powerful.
- Makkedah Ramsey
Dead Boy Detectives Cast
You’ll fall in love with the cast of Dead Boy Detectives. Set in the world of Netflix’s The Sandman, Jayden Revri and George Rexstrew play a ghostly duo who prove that your best friend can be your soulmate. Kassius Nelson explores dynamic layers as Crystal Palace and Briana Cuoco brings an edge to her role as the owner of the butcher shop. Jenn Lyon is hilarious as the witchy Esther, while Yuyu Kitamura quickly becomes a fan favorite as the joyful, manga-loving Niko.
- Kristen Maldonado
James McAvoy in Speak No Evil
James McAvoy’s acting range is unmatched in Speak No Evil! He’s so charming and psychotic in the best ways. My theater was both roaring with laughter and screaming at the screen.
- Kristen Maldonado
Jennifer Esposito for directing Fresh Kills
Jennifer Esposito makes her directorial debut with Fresh Kills, which she also wrote and stars in. She beautifully explores young women trying to figure out who they are in a patriarchal society that expects them to be one thing. Esposito proves that she has a lot to say and I’m excited to see what she creates next.
- Kristen Maldonado
Jessica Gunning in Baby Reindeer
Baby Reindeer was disturbing from start to finish and Jessica Gunning’s performance was outstanding. Her unsettling nature left audiences glued to the screen. This role earned Gunning an Emmy win and put her on the map as an impeccable talent to watch out for.
- Ally Bonsall
Lupita Nyong’o in The Wild Robot
Perhaps one of the most emotional animated films of the last decade, The Wild Robot will go down in history as a classic childhood tale thanks to the wonderful performance from Lupita Nyong’o. The Oscar winning actress plays Roz, a robot stranded on an island and forced to adapt to the natural world around her. Nyong’o underwent years of research, making sure she perfected her artificial voice. Her commitment to emulating an emotionless robot who transforms into a caring, human-like being is an admirable feat that not all actors do for children’s films.
- Ally Bonsall
Maisy Stella in My Old Ass
Maisy Stella leads My Old Ass as 18 year old Elliot who has a transformative summer with her family after meeting her older self. Hilarious, moving, and relatable, Stella is an absolute star, delivering one of the best performances of the year.
- Kristen Maldonado
Megan Park for directing My Old Ass
My Old Ass is written and directed by Megan Park who is brilliant at what she does. I loved her directional debut with The Fallout and My Old Ass didn’t disappoint. She has an incredible super power at finding talented young women from Jenna Ortega to Maisy Stella to lead her moving films.
- Kristen Maldonado
Naomi Scott in Smile 2
Fans of Naomi Scott will be excited to see the actress playing a musician again for the first time since 2011’s Lemonade Mouth. Smile 2 is disturbing and gory, with Scott proving she’s a scream queen on the rise. Between her blood-curdling screams and the realistic terror behind her eyes, this is a career-best performance for the actress.
- Kristen Maldonado
Nicolas Cage in Longlegs
Knowing Nicolas Cage would portray the titular serial killer in Longlegs, it was undeniable that his performance would be one to watch. Cage brings an unhinged vibe with his musical outbursts and manic persona. His transformation makes him unrecognizable and unsettling, ensuring viewers to grab onto their seats and probably sleep with the lights on.
- Paola Cardenas
Odessa A’Zion in Fresh Kills
Odessa A’Zion is perfectly cast in Fresh Kills, leaving all the rage and emotion on screen for viewers to connect with. She is magnetic on screen in her portrayal of the tough, aggressive, and fiercely loyal Connie.
- Kristen Maldonado
Ryan Destiny in The Fire Inside
Ryan Destiny does a beautiful job stepping into the role of real-life two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields. The Fire Inside documents Shields’ journey and Destiny is the heart of the film. She brings unmatched passion and nails the emotional depth of the story. This performance solidifies her versatility, making her one to watch.
- Makkedah Ramsey
Sydney Sweeney in Immaculate
Sydney Sweeney delivers a performance in Immaculate that commands attention, balancing vulnerability and power in a way that elevates the entire film. As a nun caught in a morally twisted situation, Sweeney portrays a character with a gripping internal conflict, bringing both tenderness and unhinged ferocity to the role. Her ability to navigate the complex emotions of guilt, desire, and fear adds depth to the film, making her performance one of 2024’s standout achievements in the realm of psychological horror.
- Katharine Santos
Walton Goggins in Fallout
Walton Goggins has played eccentric characters throughout his career as if it’s second nature to him, but his portrayal of the Ghoul in Fallout takes the cake.
A beloved character in the video game, Goggins was tasked with a tall order, but he nailed it. He embodied what long time fans of the game wanted to see and endeared a new audience of those who were new to the Fallout world. How does one play an evil character that is rooted in kindness after years in an apocalypse hellscape so well? I’m not sure, but Goggins succeeded.
- Danielle Forte
Zackary Arthur in Chucky Season 3
Zackary Arthur slays in the final season of Chucky. When his character is possessed by Chucky in season 3, he delivers a spot on impersonation of the pint sized killer. It’s so impressive that people thought it was Brad Dourif himself providing the voice!
- Kristen Maldonado
