Sacha Baron Cohen & 9 Other Actors Who Had An Outstanding Year in 2020 (Despite The Pandemic)

There is no argument that 2020 is an unusual year as COVID-19 continues to impact the entertainment industry. The worldwide shutdown forced theaters to close and pushed many movie and TV show releases to a future date. Consequently, many actors have a gap year with no projects released this year.

However, that does not mean that all actors suffered from the impacts of COVID-19. Some works of art managed to hit the screen through limited theatrical releases or streaming. This year, some actors had critically acclaimed movies and shows, which became some of the best and most talked about content to view for entertainment. Despite the impacts of COVID-19, some actors had an outstanding year in 2020, and they deserve recognition for it.

10 Sacha Baron Cohen

Although the actor is known for his comedy and over the top antics, Sacha Baron Cohen delved into a more dramatic role in The Trial of the Chicago 7. Baron Cohen portrayed activists Abbie Hoffman, who surprisingly pulled many comedic antics in the real court case. Not only was he destined to play this role, but he had one of the best performances in the movie that has since made him one of the contenders for the best supporting acting category.

However, it does not end for the comedian as he returned in his famous caricature Borat with a sequel movie, Borat Subsequent MovieFilm. Though the movie was controversial due to its final scenes, it truly gave Baron Cohen the spotlight in these last few months. Therefore, it made him one of the most renowned actors this year.

9 Robert Pattinson

Since his Twilight days, Robert Pattinson ventured into critically acclaimed indie movies by playing complex and juicy roles. Unfortunately, Pattinson continued to be synonymous with the Twilight series, while most people ignored the actor’s versatility and talents.

However, Pattinson took a knack at big budgeted movies like The Devil All The Time and Tenet. Although The Devil All The Time received mixed reviews, he had one of the best and standout performances for playing the wicked and corrupted Reverend Preston. Pattinson also worked with the prestigious Christopher Nolan in Tenet as Neil. Although he played a supporting role, Pattinson did a brilliant job of performing the action sequences and making his characters one of the most likable in the film.

8 Anya Taylor-Joy

Considering Anya Taylor-Joy is only 24 years old, she already became one of the rising stars in Hollywood, and her 2020 filmography is pretty packed. She first starred in a period drama, Emma., and gave quite a marvelous performance as the titular character. She also had two other movies as Irene Curie in Radioactive and Illyana Rasputin/Magik in The New Mutants.

Of course, her biggest role of the year was none other than Beth Harmon in Netflix’s critically acclaimed miniseries, The Queen’s Gambit. Her breathtaking performance as the young and talented chess player is Taylor-Joy’s best role to date and made her one of the most recognizable actresses of the year.

7 Issa Rae

Issa Rae had a tremendous year, appearing in two romantic movies. Rae received praises for her dramatic role as Mae Morton in The Photograph, with critics highlighting her beautiful chemistry with co-star Lakeith Stanfield. She showed her versatility in movie roles from drama to comedy as she appeared in The Lovebirds with Kumail Nanjiani, which also received compliments for her hilarious performance as Leilani.

Rae continued her work in comedies with the fourth season of Insecure. It was one of the funniest shows, and her performance was no less than remarkably witty, which earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

6 Jurnee Smollett

For Jurnee Smollett, 2020 was her breakout year. She first appeared in the DCEU film, Birds of Prey. Though the movie performed decently at the box-office, it was critically praised, with fans loving her rendition of the Black Canary.

The actress also appeared in two major television shows, both with Jordan Peele. She first played Jasmine Delancey in The Twilight Zone. Her most critically acclaimed role to date was Letiticia Wright in the supernatural drama Lovecraft Country. Critics praised Smollett for her heroic and phenomenal performance, which landed her a Critics Choice Super Awards nomination for Best Actress in a Horror Series.

5 Dan Levy

It was quite a bittersweet year for Dan Levy and his comedy series, Schitt’s Creek. It finally concluded this year with its sixth season, but the show did not finish empty-ended at the Emmys. Schitt’s Creek took all seven major awards, becoming the first show to do so. The creator and star of the show also had an unforgettable night.

He went on to win all four awards, which included Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Dan Levy also ended his year with some holiday joy with Hulu’s Happiest Season. It has been critically acclaimed and may have a potential sequel.

4 Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson had a magnificent year with series like Mrs. America and Ratched. Although she played a supporting role in Mrs. America, she stole the show in the final episode, “Houston,” being one of the standout actresses. She also had a leading role as Nurse Ratched in the Netflix series Ratched. Although the series had mixed reviews, it was unanimous that Paulson gave a convincing and great performance as Nurse Ratched.

She also had one film project with the thriller drama Run, where she played a mother taking care of a daughter who was in a wheelchair and had health problems. Her role as Diane Sherman shows why she is magnificent in any movie or TV role she takes. Furthermore, she continues as one of the most reputable actresses in the industry.

3 Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II had quite the popularity and recognition this year. Although his critical acclaimed miniseries, The Watchmen, was released in 2019, his performance as Cal/Doctor Manhattan did not go unnoticed. At this year’s Emmys, Abdul-Mateen won his first Emmy award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special.

This year, Abdul-Mateen appeared in movies like All Day and A Night as Big Stunna. However, his performance in The Trial of the Chicago 7 grabbed people’s attention. Abdul-Mateen was one of the standout performances, with his strong and powerful portrayal of Bobby Seale. Since then, he is in consideration for upcoming awards. Although the actor could not end his 2020 track record with Candyman (pushed to 2021), Yahya is stacked with movies next year, so we can only be excited for what is to come for the actor.

2 Pedro Pascal

Since Game of Thrones and Narcos, Pedro Pascal continues to captivate the audience with his newest projects each year. 2020 was no exception. Although it started slow for the actor earlier in the year, the energy quickly changed in the past two months, with the actor storming through all the streaming platforms, from Disney+ to HBO Max.

First, Pascal reprised his role as Din Djarin/Mando in The Mandalorian, where he gave an emotional and unforgettable performance in the second season. Pascal also had two superhero movies in roles of different extremes. Pascal reunited with one of The Mandalorian directors, Robert Rodriguez, and portrayed a superhero in We Can Be Heroes. On the other end, Pascal goes from Disney to Warner Bros. as he plays the main villain in Wonder Woman 1984, and his performance as Maxwell Lord had audiences clamoring for more.

1 Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito would easily win an award for playing the best villains. This year, he went on to portray three different bad guys. Esposito continued his venture with his most-popular character Gus Fring in the fifth season of Better Call Saul. He was brilliant as the restaurant owner and drug boss, which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

He furthered his taste for villainy as he reprised his role as Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian, and he was more formidable than ever. He also appeared in The Boys as Stan Edgar, who was merely a minor antagonist but was significant in the second season. Finally, he starred in two movies in more light-hearted roles. These are Unpregnant, and Stargirl, and both projects received positive reviews from critics.

About The Author

Fariba Rezwan
(165 Articles Published)

Based in South Florida, Fariba Rezwan is a list writer for CBR and Screen Rant. Though working on her graduate degree at the University of Florida, her science education does not take away her love of movies and TV shows. She is a huge geek and considers herself a huge fan of many fandoms, including Star Wars, Marvel, Game of Thrones, Supernatural, and many more. Expect to see her watch movies on the first day they come out. While she will watch any film, she especially likes superheroes, mysteries, sci-fi, and thrillers. However, since she is in her early 20s, she also takes the time to educate herself about cinema by watching classics and well-received films. While she aspires to become a physician one day, she also hopes to try out screenwriting during her spare time.

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