Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.
No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good?
This week, Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night is the big release. We had the pleasure of attending the World Premiere in Telluride, and I absolutely loved it. In honor of this occasion, we’re celebrating the best performances from Saturday Night Lives‘s 50 years of cast members. To make it a little more fun, I’ll be presenting a ranking of the best dramatic performances while Clarence lists the best comedic performances. A BONUS Top 10 Tuesday!!
The rules: We’re sticking to film only (so no Barry), and no actor can appear on each list more than once.
Let’s get to it!
Dramatic Performances (Mark)
10. Will Forte – Nebraska (2013)
9. Molly Shannon – Other People (2016)
8. Bill Hader – The Skeleton Twins (2014)
7. Billy Crystal – When Harry Met Sally (1989)
6. Joan Cusack – Working Girl (1988)
5. Eddie Murphy – Dreamgirls (2006)
4. Kristen Wiig – The Skeleton Twins (2014)
3. Robert Downey Jr. – Oppenheimer (2023)
2. Bill Murray – Lost in Translation (2003)
1. Adam Sandler – Uncut Gems (2019)
Comedic Performances (Clarence)
10. Ben Stiller – Zoolander (2001)
9. Jenny Slate – Marcel the Shell With Shoes On (2022)
8. Michael McKean – Clue (2000)
7. Eddie Murphy – Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
6. Mike Myers – Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
5. Bill Murray – Ghostbusters (1984)
4. Julia Louis-Dreyfus – You Hurt My Feelings (2023)
3. Joan Cusack – In & Out (1997) / Addams Family Values (1993)
2. Will Ferrell – Anchorman (2004)
1. Kristen Wiig & Maya Rudolph – Bridesmaids (2011)
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This is a great list! And, it’s hard to ignore the omission of Maya Rudolph in Away We Go. Dramedy?
I do love Away We Go. Good one to consider… I'd say it probably would have fit better on the dramatic list, but not sure I'd remove Forte to include.
He is fantastic in Nebraska, and such an underrated, 3 dimensional performer. For, me, his best performance is Last Man on Earth.
I loved that show.
Welcome to Contending..! 🙂
Thanks Sammy!