In a genre traditionally associated with wooden, fresh-faced twenty-somethings, it was incredibly refreshing to see someone commit so fully to crafting a fully flesh-and-blood human being. Vera Farmiga ("Bates Motel") anchors this spooky film with her performance as Lorraine Warren a loving wife and mother...who also happens to be a clairvoyant ghost hunter. Rarely do horror films allow us a peek into the lives of the people who come to banish the evil spirits, but Lorraine is far more than just another bland victim; she's a woman whose dangerous work directly impacts her relationship with her husband and the well-being of her innocent daughter. Farmiga transcends the well-worn archetype to become a person with a past, with a life, and with very real fears. She's a large part of the reason "The Conjuring" connected with audiences as deeply as it did. - Jefferson Grubbs
You may never even see her face, and yet Scarlett Johansson still managed to create one of the most unique and memorable characters on film this year. As Samantha, the artificially intelligent operating system owned by Joaquin Phoenix's Theodore, Johansson uses her sultry voice to build the essence of a woman who's simultaneously as naive as a newborn and as intelligent as an encyclopedia -- but it's her infinite curiosity and yearning for change that makes Samantha so identifiably human. Much of this is undoubtedly due to Spike Jonze's terrific screenplay, but Johansson's role in bringing Samantha to vibrant life is indisputable. Her nuance and emotion make it so that Theodore is never actually alone. There's always someone else in the room with him, weightless and invisible perhaps, but also undeniably real. - Jefferson Grubbs
It shouldn't belittle Meryl Streep or Julia Roberts to say they've received the bulk of the attention for this film because they have the most famous names. But behind their rampant scenery-chewing, Julianne Nicholson ("Boardwalk Empire", "Masters Of Sex") subtly delivers the most compelling performance of all. As mousy middle sister Ivy, Nicholson is the portrait of quiet resignation. She's been stuck caring for her demanding parents the entirety of her adult life, and it's taken its toll: she's a shadow of a woman, her proudest achievement one she must keep secret (for reasons that will remain unspoiled here). It's a heartbreaking portrayal of the gradual shrinking of a woman and her (perhaps futile) attempts to overcome her own diminishment. Nicholson is memorable for delivering a recognizably human performance in the midst of oversized caricatures. - Jefferson Grubbs
"Blue Is The Warmest Color" is an epic romance, following the young Adele as she makes the difficult transition into adulthood. As her first real love, Emma, Lea Seydoux is stunning. Emma is meant to be magnetic to Adele, who feels an attraction to her after a simple passing by. Just as Adele feels that draw, so does the audience as Seydoux embodies a playful spirit that we long for. Though her blue hair catches our eyes first, it's her engaging and passionate nature that makes us fall under her spell. The star of the film may be Adele Exarchopoulous, but she couldn't have done it without Seydoux. - Nicholas DeNitto
"Fruitvale Station", a film about the tragic true story of Oscar Grant, was obviously going to be a good source for emotional performances. While Octavia Spencer certainly does bring on the tears when her on-screen son is shot, it's not just her incredible reaction that's worth awards consideration. As a mother, Spencer exudes warmth and understanding. In these smaller moments, we get the sense of unconditional love that mothers feel for their children, making the later moments all the more devastating. - Nicholas DeNitto
Who should win the Buddy for Best Supporting Actress? Tweet us @Stagebuddy to vote for your favorite!
