Best of 2017, Performances in Film

We are rapidly approaching 2018, and as we do it’s time for my lists of my favorite performances, episodes, shows, and films of 2017. In this post, I’ll look at my favorite performances from the big screen, including writing and directing.

This comes from the movies I've seen this year. Notably I've not yet gotten to see "The Post," "I, Tonya," "Molly's Game," "The Phantom Thread," or "All The Money in the World," which are still in limited and won't likely go wide until 2018.

Best Actor:
* Jeremy Renner, "Wind River" — I loved this movie and the subtle and beautiful performance from Renner.
* Kumail Najiani, "The Big Sick" — I've loved him on "Silicon Valley" for years, but his work in this deeply personal original story was great.
* James Franco, "The Disaster Artist" — Franco is incredibly talented, and this film is a great exhibit of his range and commitment to craft.
* Hugh Jackman, "Logan" — Jackman was equally great in the musical "The Greatest Showman," but I loved what he did with Wolverine in this last go-round.
* Ansel Elgort, "Baby Driver" — This was one of the most fun movies of summer, and I loved Elgort in the lead role.

Best Actress:
* Frances McDormand, "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri" — Such a beautiful performance in a fascinating film.
* Gal Gadot, "Wonder Woman" — She was simply incredible in one of the best films of the year.
* Saoirse Ronan, "Lady Bird" — She was a nominee in year's past, and again shows he ability to sink into a character and bring it to life in a vibrant way.
* Daisy Ridley, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" — Ridley was incredible in this film.
* Sally Hawkins, "The Shape of Water" — A difficult, weird, and vulnerable role, and Hawkins handles all of it with grace.

Best Supporting Actor:
* Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri" — This is such a difficult role. It's easy to dismiss at first, but Rockwell makes it endearing.
* Ray Romano, "The Big Sick" — Romano is great in a tough, layered role. I enjoyed this movie a lot.
* Patrick Stewart, "Logan" — This isn't your father's Professor X, and it works great. Stewart is incredible as the surly professor who's losing his grip on reality.
* Adam Driver, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" — Driver is so great in this role, especially his scenes opposite Ridley.
* Mark Hamil, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" — This isn't your father's Luke Skywalker, and was likely a point of contention for those who watched the film. But I loved what Hamil did with the character.

Best Supporting Actress:
* Elizabeth Olsen, "Wind River" — I loved this movie, and her performance is a big part of that.
* Holly Hunter, "The Big Sick" — Hunter has probably drawn the most praise for her work in this film, and it's easy to see why. She's great.
* Laurie Metcalf, "Lady Bird" — I didn't love all of this movie, but the interplay between mother and daughter is beautiful.
* Octavia Spencer, "The Shape of Water" — Spencer elevates her scenes with her abilities.
* Laura Dern, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" — I loved Dern in this role.

Best Director:
* Rian Johnson, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" — This was an incredible film, with great visual style.
* Christopher Nolan, "Dunkirk" — He's probably my favorite director working today.
* Patty Jenkins, "Wonder Woman" — She finally brought grace and class to the D.C. cinematic universe.
* Guillermo del Toro, "The Shape of Water" — There are aspects of the story I didn't love, but the visual style is stunning.
* Edgar Wright, "Baby Driver" — The third act isn't as good, but the early parts of this film, and the visual style of these action sequences, are great.

Best Screenplay:
* Rian Johnson, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" — He created a vibrant world and delivered an emotionally engaging story.
* Martin McDonagh, "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri" — This is such a rich world with beautiful characters and an unexpected story.
* Taylor Sheridan, "Wind River" — I love what Sheridan did with this story and the way he writes these type of films.
* Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, "The Big Sick" — This husband and wife duo did a great job bringing their story to life in a funny and engaging way.
* Scott Frank, Michael Green and James Mangold, "Logan" — This was an unexpected gem, and one of the best movies of the year. It felt like a fitting cap to one of my favorite comic book characters.