2021 came as a sigh of relief as movie theatres reopened, film festivals were oragnised and the global cinema industry witnessed some fantastic films. This year, we saw established actors doing what they do best, and underrated actors having breakthroughs.  We have listed 10 outstanding Hollywood film performances of the year.

Ben Affleck, The Last Duel

In the Ridley Scott-directed historical drama, Affleck plays Count Pierre d'Alençon, a louche and wicked local lord. Regarded as one of his best performances, this role adds a strange frivolity to the film's otherwise menacing proceedings. In the film, he contributes a much-needed splash of colour, through his portrayal of a deeply unhappy medieval lothario.

Ariana DeBose, West Side Story

For over 60 years, "West Side Story" has been a hallmark of high school musical theatre productions. In Steven Spielberg's film adaptation, Anita, played by DeBose, steals the spotlight. Whenever she steps up to speak or sing, the light seems to dim around her. Her character is a bridge between the past and the present. She is strong and resilient.  

Dev Patel, The Green Knight

Patel brilliantly plays both the hero and antihero of David Lowery's medieval fantasy. His performance forces the audience to sit back and admire his power and he adds his everyman qualities to Brit, who seeks honour by accepting a challenge posed by a mysterious figure. As Brit, a young aristocrat, he is forced to prove his talent in a film whose unabashed artiness might have felt hollow without the anchoring presence of a humble actor.

Will Smith, King Richard

In "King Richard", Smith plays Richard Williams, the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. As a part of his role, he steps up to a level of complexity and subtlety that is commendable. While he wants the best for his girls he is also guilty of driving them harder than he should, and through this film, Smith brilliantly captures a wide range of emotions.

Kristen Stewart, Spencer

Pablo Larraín's masterful "Spencer" is one of the most wholly satisfying biopics in recent memory. Kristen Stewart mesmerises as Diana, Princess of Wales in a narrative set at the British royal family's Sandringham estate over Christmas 1991, as tabloid rumours of infidelity and unrest swirled around them—a year before Diana and Prince Charles announced their separation to the world.

Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog

Cumberbatch's Phil Burbank is a character who stays with you even after the film. His eyes hold you hostage with their appraising glint; his intelligence cuts deep like a knife. Burbank is as vast and changeable and cruel as the open sky, yet he is capable of succumbing to enchantment. Cumberbatch is truly efficient with his role and pulls off every major transition with dazzling ease.

Andrew Garfield, Tick, Tick…Boom!

This is one of 2021's most staggering movie surprises, from any genre. Andrew Garfield has, very recently, shot up in the ranks of Best Actor Oscar predictions for a career-best turn in Lin-Manuel Miranda's film based on "Rent" creator Jonathan Larson's autobiographical musical. This is one of the most invigorating snapshots of the struggle of a creative.

Lady Gaga, House of Gucci

Some critics say the camp factor is a detriment, but Ridley Scott's obscenely entertaining true crime film is the kind of movie that doesn't get made very much anymore; a big-budget, unapologetically showy standalone drama. The film follows Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) and Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), as their romance transforms into a fight for control of the Italian fashion brand Gucci. Gaga delivers a seamless performance.

Bradley Cooper, Nightmare Alley

Guillermo del Toro crafts a brilliant, pure film noir in ages. It's kind of a travesty that Bradley Cooper hasn't won an Academy Award yet, but it is fairly likely he'll get another Best Actor nod for his work here as a master manipulator matched by a sultry psychologist (Cate Blanchett).

Rebecca Ferguson, Dune

Denis Villeneuve's "Dune" is a blockbuster film that won both box office and critical success. At the centre of this film lies Lady Jessica, played by Ferguson. She adds an element of Greek tragedy to the proceedings and shares an endowed interest in space opera. The role does absolute justice to her talent as she depicts a fierce mother willing to watch empires burn to protect her son.