10 best actors of 2024

2024 was a big year for movies and TV shows, with many skilled actors proving once again that they are some of the most important performers of the decade. While there are many actors who have already had their breakout roles and are industry veterans, there are many who are carving out their niche in film and television. While having a good 2024 doesn't necessarily mean the next few years will be as successful, it's hard to imagine that these stars will fade away in the next few years thanks to their newly created legacies.

Whether they were in one of the best independent films of 2024 or a record-breaking blockbuster, these actors made their mark on film and television this year. For some, their biggest projects were only released in the last few weeks, but even that was enough to elevate their relevance, especially with the arrival of awards season. However, The number of awards, spectators or tickets sold at the box office are not the only metrics by which these actors should be judged. It is their engaging and captivating performances that left the audience speechless.

10

Glen Powell

Known for Twisters (2024)

It's fair to say that Glen Powell not only had a good 2024, but he's also on an incredible streak since his work in Top Gun: Maverick in 2022. While 2023 saw Powell show new sides of himself in Assassin and Anyone but youits box office success in Twisted cemented him as one of the biggest stars of the 2020s so far. THE Twisted The box office numbers prove Powell is a big draw in theaters, but the film's financial success isn't the only reason Powell is heading into 2025 with a great track record.

While playing Tyler, the brawling cowboy in TwistedPowell is a charismatic former star, but he is in the smaller, quiet moments where Powell proves what a nuanced actor he is. There's no doubt that Powell will continue to be cast in big films, but he has the ability to convey emotional moments as successfully as epic action sequences. Whatever he does in 2025 is sure to attract a wide audience.

9

Ella Purnell

Known for Fallout (2024–)

Precipitation was not only one of the best Prime Video TV shows of 2024, but it is considered one of the strongest new series regardless of genre and streaming service. Fortunately for the public, Precipitation wasn't Ella Purnell's only stellar TV series in 2024, like the thriller series Sweet pea presented a darker side of Purnell for viewers to delve into. However, Precipitation was Purnell's greatest contribution to film and television in 2024, as her character, Lucy, anchors the series and provides a clear emotional heart to the bloody narrative.

Purnell has been acting for a long time, but She has gained notoriety in recent years thanks to her performance in Yellow Jackets and your voice works on Arcane. However, Precipitation opened exciting new doors for Purnell, as the video game series was a crossover success with many different audiences. Since Precipitation will likely have a few more seasons, considering his popularity and the game's many installments, Purnell won't be disappearing from the spotlight anytime soon.

8

Paulo Mescal

Known for Gladiator II (2024)

Although Paul Mescal's press tour for Gladiator II got a lot of attention, the film itself is the most exciting part of Mescal's 2024. Since then Normal people was released in 2020, Mescal has been an actor to watch, and this steady rise to fame seems to have culminated in his stellar performance in Gladiator II. Although Mescal is best known for his more intimate performances in independent cinema, he maintains his strong presence in Gladiator IIeven if it takes on a more bombastic attitude.

Of course, Mescal isn't the only reason the public clamored for Gladiator IIas the long-awaited sequel had a built-in fanbase and there were many other incredible veteran actors on the project. However, Mescal's performance on screen is a joy to watch and helps provide emotional nuance to the action-packed film. With many projects underway over the next few years, there will be many additions to Mescal's incredible track record.

7

Zendaya

Known for Challengers (2024)

The phenomenal trio who led ChallengersZendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist are all notable 2024 actors, but Zendaya has particularly stood out this year. Before Challengers debuted, Dune 2 hit theaters and audiences saw more of Zendaya's Chani, giving her a lot more to do and allowing her to play Timothée Chalamet's Paul Atreides. While there have been few recent years that haven't featured a great performance from Zendaya, 2024 has shown the actor's many sides.

Zendaya's performance as Tashi in Challengers has already earned you a nomination for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes. While the competition is fierce in this category this year, it's likely this won't be the last nomination Zendaya receives before awards season ends. In the coming years, the next season of Euphoria will see the return of Zendaya's Rue, although her film roles have been more significant in recent years.

6

Jenna Ortega

Known for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

There's a lot to expect from Jenna Ortega in 2025, but a big part of that is due to Ortega's incredible year in 2024. After the success of Netflix Wednesday, Ortega has been slowly gaining more notoriety in film and television, and his recent collaboration with Tim Burton has only increased his name recognition. The blockbuster horror-comedy sequel, Beetle juice Beetle juicefurther cemented the deadpan humor and gothic influences that are apparent in much of Ortega's work.

The next season of Wednesday is considered one of the most anticipated fantasy TV shows of 2025. Although the TV series was already a hit, Ortega's turn in Beetle juice Beetle juice interest has only increased in the upcoming second season. Ortega also appeared in Sabrina Carpenter's “Taste” music video and starred in the controversial Miller's Girl alongside Martin Freeman. Although his more horror-oriented works have been his most popular, Ortega has proven that he can excel in a variety of genres.

5

Timothée Chalamet

Known for A Complete Stranger (2024)

However A complete stranger Only recently hitting theaters, Timothée Chalamet's performance as Bob Dylan is already generating enough Oscar buzz to make it seem almost certain that the actor will clean up this awards season. Of course, Chalamet also had an excellent first half of 2024 with Dune 2the second part of Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi epic. Although Paul Atreides and Bob Dylan don't have much in common, Chalamet is undeniably believable and striking in each role.

Even if Chalamet doesn't win every award next awards season, that won't eliminate the fact that his performance in A complete stranger brought about an exciting change in his career. Although there has been little discussion of his acting ability since his breakout role in Call me by your namehis transformation into Bob Dylan reinforced this Chalamet is one of the only true movie stars of his generation. He is a star not just for his performances, but for the projects he undertakes.

4

David Jonsson

Known for Alien: Romulus (2024)

David Jonsson has been constantly working and honing his already fantastic acting skills over the past few years. However, for some audiences, the introduction to the actor took place this year in Alien: Romulus. With initial experience on stage in theater productions and a minor role in TV series IndustryJonsson's name is already well known in the United Kingdom, but Alien: Romulus helped bring him into the international arena. In 2023, in his romantic comedy Rye StreetJonsson gave a sweet and convincing performance that contrasts sharply with his turn Alien: Romulus.

Like Andy, an android in Alien: RomulusJonsson is a great foil to Cailee Spaeny, another artist who had a strong 2024. However, Jonsson stood out in Alien: Romulusconsistently stealing every scene he participated. He was also part of the cast of the lesser-known film Bonhoefferwhich came out this year. In 2025 and the rest of the 2020s, audiences should expect to see more of Jonsson as he seamlessly transforms into each character he plays, making him a versatile performer.

3

Nicola Coughlan

Known for Bridgerton (2020–)

Nicola Coughlan's comedic skills have been apparent since Derry Girls premiered in 2018, but it was in 2024 that audiences around the world fell in love with Coughlan. Although she is playing Penelope in Bridgerton since 2020, Bridgerton season three was Penelope's year to take center stage and become successful on television thanks to Coughlan's expert performance. Bridgerton has consistently been a hit for Netflix, and season three was no exception, but Coughlan has also lent her skills to smaller TV series Great mood​​​​​​.

However, Coughlan was no less memorable in Great moodwhich allowed him to flex his comedic muscles and play a more mature character than in Bridgerton. Furthermore, just below the wire, Coughlan joined Ncuti Gatwa in 2024 Doctor Who Christmas Special as Joy, the Doctor's companion, if only for one episode. While Coughlan typically took on roles set in reality, her turn in the beloved sci-fi series was a strong note to follow after her stellar 2024.

2

Cynthia Erivo

Known for Wicked (2024)

After years of being one of the most surprising musical theater performances of the 21st century, Cynthia Erivo led the musical film adaptation of Evil like Elfaba. While this is far from the first time Erivo has lent her skills to the screen, starring in Harriet in 2019 and the miniseries The outside in 2020, Evil It is Erivo's most prominent film and TV role to date. Elphaba is a notoriously difficult and high-pressure role, but watching Erivo perform would make the audience believe that there is nothing easier than singing soulful songs.

Of course, the Evil press tour that is featured so prominently, both Erivo and Ariana Grande have built a legacy of their own outside of Evil. However, despite all the memeable moments that came out of these interviews, it doesn't detract from the fact that Erivo gave the performance of her life, and it was only the first half of the story. Waiting for your return in Evil: forever it will be distressing, but it is certain that Erivo will be equally iconic in the second part.

1

Mikey Madison

Known for Anora (2024)

Sean Baker's latest exploration of a new niche of the American working class, anoracatapulted Mikey Madison to fame. His first work in the TV series Better things is how most audiences knew the actor before anorabut the new film became the biggest success of his career. Although Madison is only 25 years old, she demonstrates the maturity and understanding of her craft that most artists work their entire lives to achieve.

While your part Lady at the Lake pales in comparison to his work in anoraMadison also participated in this suspense miniseries alongside Natalie Portman. The future is likely to hold more high-profile roles for Madison, especially if she continues to receive nominations for her work in anora. Already, Madison earned a Golden Globe nomination, and critics and viewers expect to see many more coming his way. What Madison does next will define the type of actress she wants to become.