In this era of '#Me Too' and 'Time's Up', the gender divide in Hollywood is decreasing, although there's still miles to go. I have made this list of my top 5 emerging actresses of Hollywood, the first of many to come. This list is based entirely on my personal opinion, so many of you will disagree, I sincerely urge you to start intellectual conversations around this, that is one of my objectives. These are all actresses of highest caliber, some of them jump-started their career by being cast in blockbuster high budget movies but they found their true calling later on. If any movie has one of their names in the cast, it immediately becomes a must watch for me.
1. Amy Adams
Amy Adams cannot be called a young actress, but she is emerging because of her meaningful changes in choices of characters or movies. She has been here forever, we might remember her from 'Catch Me If You Can' as a young nurse Brenda who had a crush on the con artist portrayed by infamous Leonardo DiCaprio. She showed glimpses of her talent early in 'Junebug' (2005), a very underrated and almost unknown indie gem where she gave her character 'Ashley' all the self-hatred and craziness that makes the movie work.
In 2008, 'Sunshine Cleaning' and 'Doubt' gets out, in the first one Amy is 'Rose', a constantly struggling mother and house-cleaner who despite all the hardship life throws at her, fights vigorously. In 'Doubt' she was at her very best to be in line with Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman, two of the greatest acting powerhouse of Hollywood. From there on she was considered a 'real' actress as opposed to a heroine or female protagonist in a movie. Her role in 'The Fighter' (2010) and in 'The Master' (2012) established her in high places. She did the infamous 'Louis Lane' character in DC's 'Man of Steel' (2013) and continued the role in other DC Universe movies.
1. Amy Adams
Amy Adams cannot be called a young actress, but she is emerging because of her meaningful changes in choices of characters or movies. She has been here forever, we might remember her from 'Catch Me If You Can' as a young nurse Brenda who had a crush on the con artist portrayed by infamous Leonardo DiCaprio. She showed glimpses of her talent early in 'Junebug' (2005), a very underrated and almost unknown indie gem where she gave her character 'Ashley' all the self-hatred and craziness that makes the movie work.
In 2008, 'Sunshine Cleaning' and 'Doubt' gets out, in the first one Amy is 'Rose', a constantly struggling mother and house-cleaner who despite all the hardship life throws at her, fights vigorously. In 'Doubt' she was at her very best to be in line with Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman, two of the greatest acting powerhouse of Hollywood. From there on she was considered a 'real' actress as opposed to a heroine or female protagonist in a movie. Her role in 'The Fighter' (2010) and in 'The Master' (2012) established her in high places. She did the infamous 'Louis Lane' character in DC's 'Man of Steel' (2013) and continued the role in other DC Universe movies.
Two movies changed her place and stature, in my view, they are 'Nocturnal Animals' and 'Arrival', both of them got released in 2016. Both of these movies are directed by extra-ordinarily gifted directors, Tom Ford and Denis Villeneuve respectively. In 'Nocturnal Animals' she plays an art gallery owner urban socialite who receives a manuscript of a novel written by her ex-husband, played by brilliant Jake Gyllenhaal. Her dialogues are very limited except in the flashback of her college life, but all the expressions on her face could accomplished a lot more than words could. Finally, 'Arrival' totally stands on her portrayal of linguist Dr. Louise Banks, who is given an impossible task to make the first contact with the aliens that landed on Earth. The movie is a very well-made philosophical science fiction whose pace and nuance has a perfect balance. 'Arrival' is Amy's movie and rightfully so, the emotions, strengths and loneliness needed for this role, no one could be more effective than her.
She has five oscar nominations, but no wins. I hope that will change soon. Her recent television series 'Sharp Objects' (2018) showcases her strength in the small screen and it's also a step in the recent trend of great actors taking the challenge of TV namely Matthew McConaughey, Billy Bob Thornton and others.
2. Natalie Portman
She was a child actor in "Leon: The Professional", and indomitably made her mark to be something great in future. I dont love some of her movies, yet she is second in my list because of her strong performance in "V for Vendetta" and "Black Swan". Even her character in the marvel universe doesnt strike me as unbelievable or quirky. She is a true student of the art that is acting and her constant hunger for portraying better and meaningful roles tells a lot about her.
3. Emma Stone
All you need to watch is "Birdman: The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance" to appreciate the acting prowess of this young actor. She might strike you as the beautiful heroine of the second generation Spiderman movies, or the lovely female protagonist of oscar nominated "La La Land", but she is obviously much more than that.
4. Kirsten Stewart
I dont think any serious film enthusiasts have watched the franchise that made her famous and known commodity in Hollywood, but she actively changed her path after that just like her counter-part in that franchise. She sought out meaningful and difficult roles from indie art-house directors and quickly changed her image from a hugely successful blockbuster actress to indie avant garde serious actress. Look at her last five films and you would understand the shift in her mindset and her new standard of achievment.
5. Chloe Grace Mortez
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