Best Ensemble 2016
(SoN = Streaming on Netflix / SoA = Streaming on Amazon / SoH = Streaming on HBO)
A great ensemble adds immensely to the enjoyment of a film. When all of the actors and actresses click with one another and click with the script, there's something special that happens as they draw you in to the story that's unfolding. This year's list brings with it both comedy and drama and all of the movies listed below are worthy of a watch in large part due to the ensemble that helps bring the characters to life.
Honorable Mentions
(in alphabetical order)
Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, Kyra Sedgwick, Haley Lu Richardson, Blake Jenner, Hayden Szeto
Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Rachel Weisz, Florence Clery
Miss Stevens (SoN)
Lily Rabe, Timothée Chalamet, Lili Reinhart, Anthony Quintal, Rob Huebel
And the Top Five...
#5 - Moonlight
Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders, Alex Hibbert, André Holland, Jharrel Jerome, Jaden Piner, Janelle Monáe, Naomie Harris, Mahershala Ali
While Ali and Harris got the bulk of the awards season buzz in 2016 (with Ali winning the Oscar), I think they're the least successful in this tremendously talented bunch. The trio of relatively unknown actors playing the young Chiron -- Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes -- take us on a harrowing journey of self-discovery. (SoA)
#4 - Fireworks Wednesday
Hedye Tehrani, Taraneh Alidoosti, Hamid Faroknezhad, Pantea Bahram
The layers of secrets unfold gradually in Fireworks Wednesday and the Iranian cast never makes them feel inserted for shock value. Rather, the ensemble adds depth to the intense characters.
#3 - Lion
Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Nicole Kidmn, David Wenham, Abhishek Bharate, Priyanka Bose, Divian Ladwa, Rooney Mara
At the heart of Lion are two great performances by Sunny Pawar and Dev Patel who, much like the trio from Moonlight, play the same character across different moments in life. Pawar's young Saroo brings a young innocence, while Patel's twentysomething Saroo begins to question his Australian upbringing. Together, the two create a well-rounded character along with an ensemble that nicely rounds out the film. (SoN)
#2 - Don't Think Twice
Mike Bisbiglia, Gillian Jacobs, Keegan-Michael Key, Kate Micucci, Tami Sagher, Chris Gethard
The comedic sextet lists above create an atmosphere that feels improvisational, yet narratively flowing. In addition to the laughs that are front and center, a gentle earnestness is also present, creating believable drama in everyday situations. (SoN)
#1 - 20th Century Women
Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Greta Gerwig, Lucas Jade Zumann, Billy Crudup
While Annette Bening is the heart of 20th Century Women, the ensemble that surrounds her creates an atmosphere that feels as if I've been dropped into 1979 hippie California. Together, they effortlessly meld the humor and drama of the film's story and play off of one another with ease and naturalness. (SoA)
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