20 Most Anticipated Performances of 2016

With Cannes just around the corner and the temperatures starting to rise for the summer, the cool environment of the cinema beckons as the films only get better from here on out. You may be thinking it's too late for a list such as this one, but as is my tradition I always wait until the end of April. As we all know, the early months often see many release date changes and unconfirmed casting rumours. This time of year therefore feels like an ideal time to assess the exciting acting prospects to come. So without further ado, here my 20 Most Anticipated Performances for the rest of 2016.

20. Michael Keaton in The Founder

Considering the roll Keaton is on, we may be hearing a lot about this performance come awards time.

19. Mark Rylance in The BFG

Rylance reunites with Spielberg to deliver "the most ambitious motion capture performance ever".

18. Ruth Negga in Loving

An potentially career-defining role, especially under Jeff Nichols' guidance.

17. Connor Jessup in Closet Monster

After his outstanding work on "American Crime", Jessup explores similar angst-ridden territory in this LGBT-themed drama.

16. Nate Parker in The Birth of a Nation

Parker was the talk of the town at Sundance and that powerful trailer showed us why.

15. Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Snowden

One of our most fascinating real life figures paired with one of our most compelling young actors.

14. Luis Tosar in Ma Ma

Tosar is always captivating, especially when paired with other talented actors.

13. Elle Fanning in Neon Demon

In this juicy Nicolas Winding Refn star vehicle, you know "she gon' slay", literally and figuratively.

12. Gael García Bernal in Neruda

I expect nothing less than greatness from the actor-director duo behind "No".

11. Penelope Cruz in Ma Ma

The Spanish enchantress tackles one of her must vulnerable roles yet.

10. Emily Blunt in The Girl on the Train

In this highly coveted role, Blunt seems poised to take her career to the next level.

9. Alicia Vikander in The Light Between Oceans

One of the most effortlessly emotive actresses in a perfect role to show her gift.

8. Denzel Washington in Fences

Washington reprises his Tony Award winning performance for the big screen.

7. Viola Davis in Fences

Davis reprises her Tony Award winning performance for the big screen.

6. Amy Adams in Story of Your Life

A highly fascinating role for the reliable Amy Adams to sink her teeth into.

5. Casey Affleck in Manchester by the Sea

If the word out of Sundance is any indication, this could be the tear-jerking performance of the year.

4. Meryl Streep in Florence Foster Jenkins

Watching Meryl Streep cut loose in a light-hearted role always makes me happy.

3. Andrew Garfield in Silence

Finally free from the artistic prison of Spiderman obligations, this role should remind us of what he is capable of.

2. Liam Neeson in Silence

This is surely one of Neeson's best roles since "The Grey".

1. David Oyelowo in A United Kingdom

This film incorporates so many things I love, and Oyelowo's involvement is one of them.

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