20 Most Anticipated Performances of 2012

Time seems to be going by really quickly isn't it? Cannes is already over and summer is well underway with big blockbusters like "The Avengers". This list is a bit late, but the major Oscar performances are still yet to come anyway. These aren't exactly my Oscar predictions. Rather, these are the performances that I'm most excited to see. For me, good acting and writing are the most essential components for excellence in film-making. Most of these selections are based on good vibes from the trailers I've seen. So without further ado, here are my Top 20 Most Anticipated Acting Performances of 2012:

20. Ryan Gosling in...Anything!

I don't know too much about his 2012 trifecta, but Gosling is always good.

19. Robert Pattinson in Cosmopolis

I'm interested to see if he has the chops to pull off this intriguing role.

18. Woody Harrelson in Seven Psychopaths

Harrelson's style is perfect for this wacky story directed by Martin McDonagh(In Bruges).

17. Tom Cruise in Rock of Ages

Cruise definitely has the requisite movie star presence for this role.

16. Sean Penn in Gangster Squad

This could be an awesome hammy performance, a la Pacino in Scarface.

15. Michael Fassbender in Prometheus

Fassbender makes a great, eerie android.

14. Annette Bening in Imogene

Bening could do wonders with this showy role as a gambling-addict mother.

13. Guy Pearce in Lawless

Reports from Cannes say Pearce is delightfully over-the-top.

12. Jamie Foxx in Django Unchained

He plays an angry slave in a Tarantino film, need I say more?

11. John Hawkes in Six Sessions

Sounds "Oscar-baity", but I'm excited for his first big leading role.

10. Keira Knightley in Anna Karenina

When Keira and director Joe Wright get together, it's magical (see Pride & Prejudice, Atonement)

9. Leonardo DiCaprio in The Great Gatsby

This seems similar to his previous work but hey, I never complained before!

8. Hugh Jackman in Les Miserables

He plays the lead in a highly-anticipated musical.

7. Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby

I love Carey Mulligan and she looks great in the trailer.

6. Anne Hathaway in The Dark Knight Rises

I initially thought she couldn't pull off the sex appeal, but the trailer changed my mind.

5. Joaquin Phoenix in The Master

His acting in the short trailer alone makes me uneasy.

4. Daniel Day Lewis in Lincoln

It's Daniel Day Lewis, need I say more?

3. Leonardo DiCaprio in Django Unchained

Playing a violent villain could be a revelation in his already wonderful filmography.

2. Quvenzhané Wallis in Beasts of the Southern Wild

To be considered such a strong Lead Actress Oscar contender, she must really be doing stellar work.

1. Anne Hathaway in Les Miserables

The trailer alone gets me teary-eyed.