Best Actor 2015

Michael B. Jordan (Adonis Jordan)/Creed- Jordan injects some much needed new life in the Rocky series as the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed.  He provides a lot of heart to the role as the new underdog on the block.

Ian McKellen (Sherlock Holmes)/Mr. Holmes- In an otherwise lackluster film, McKellen shines as the 90+ detective attempting to recount his final case.  He gives the old Holmes brilliance even in a frail and sickly state.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Hugh Glass)/The Revenant- Leo gives a solid committed performance as the legendary frontiersman.  Granted much of the performance consists of guttural grunts and intense expressions.  But, he does them well.

Matt Damon (Mark Watney)/The Martian- Damon provides a lasting memory as an astronaut who has to use his wits to survive when he's left for dead on the planet, Mars.  What struck me is he plays the part with equal parts desperation and humor.  Despite his frightening circumstances, he never seems to be out of control.  A credit to Damon's take on the part.

Samuel L. Jackson (Major Marquis Warren)/The Hateful Eight- Jackson's former Union soldier-turned-bounty hunter character might be the closest thing to a hero as you'll find in Tarantino's latest salute to Westerns.  But, is he really?  Yes, you're on his side as he faces unyielding bigotry throughout the film.  But, as you learn, Warren's hands aren't exactly clean and he's performed some atrocious acts in his colorful life.  And, Jackson flashes a winning smile through most of the runtime (with some typical SLJ explosions) while maintaining an evil little glint in his eye.

Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man)/Ant-Man- Well, we already know that an actor primarily known for comedic roles can actually break stride and be a superhero.  Look no farther than Michael Keaton in 1989's Batman.  Could lightning strike again in 2015?  The answer is a resounding, yes.  Rudd's down-on-his-luck ex-con becomes an unlikely diminutive hero.  But, while the stakes are high, the mood always remains somewhat breezy thanks to Rudd's well placed sarcasm.

O'Shea Jackson, Jr (Ice Cube)/Straight Outta Compton- Here's a conundrum.  Is it possible for a son to play a better version of his father than his father?  Watch Straight Outta Compton and you be the judge.