The 2011 RyMickey Awards - Best Younger Actor/Actress

For the purposes of this category, nominees must be 21 years of age or younger at the time of the film's release.  Placing in this category does not preclude nominees from placing in other acting categories.

Best Younger Actor/Actress of 2011

Honorable Mentions
#9 - Hunter McCracken - The Tree of Life
#8 - Mélusine Meyance - Sarah's Key
#7 - Asa Butterfield - Hugo
#6 - Elle Fanning - Super 8

And the Top Five...

#5 - Nick Krause and #4 - Shailene Woodley - The Descendants

Nick Krause wasn't ever lauded in reviews of The Descendants, but I found his laid-back Islander a welcome comic addition to his sometimes serious surroundings, lacking the annoying characteristics that often irk me when it comes to "surfer dudes."  Similarly, his scene partner Shailene Woodley manages to play a somewhat troubled teen with a realistic heartwarming side which is oftentimes an oxymoron in today's movies.

#3 - Alex Shaffer - Win Win

In his first filmed acting role ever, Alex Shaffer is your typical moody teenager, but there's something oddly different, innocent, and somewhat sweet in his portrayal that makes this feel like a welcome change from the troubled teen roles we normally see.  Here's hoping for more film roles in Mr. Shaffer's future.

#2 - Thomas Horn - Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Previously only seen before on a kids' Jeopardy tournament, Thomas Horn's performance in this flick was one people either loved or hated and I, obviously, fall into the former category.  Having read the source material, this was an incredibly difficult role and Horn manages to take his character's idiosyncrasies and make them completely believable.  Admittedly, I'm not quite sure how much additional acting lies in Horn's future as it seems like this role was tailor-made for this non-actor, but it'll be interesting to see if anything else comes his way.

#1 - Liana Liberato - Trust

This is an intense film and a difficult one to sit through, but if you can muster up the courage to watch, you'll be treated to a riveting performance from Liana Liberato in one of her first feature film roles.  As the victim of sexual abuse, Liberato infuses her character with complex emotions and actions that never seem forced or fake.

Previous RyMickey Award Winners

2010

2009