The Lists: In Contention's Top 10 Debut Performances of All Time
Hunter McCracken and Elizabeth Olsen inspire a look at best-ever first-timers
In Contention's Top 10 Debut Performances of All Time
Hunter McCracken and Elizabeth Olsen (left) give amazing performances in "The Tree of Life" and "Martha Marcy May Marlene" respectively this year. And in each case, it was their first at-bat. We use the occasion to look at the best debut performances ever. Actors that made the cut include Tatum O'Neal, Edward Norton and Natalie Portman. Continue reading to see where your favorites ranked and feel free to join the discussion at In Contention.
Photo Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Comments
Option 1
Comment instantly as a guest GuestOption 2
Option 3
Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupIndiana
October 18, 2011 at 3:53PM EST Reply to CommentI would say Anna Paquin's performance in THE PIANO was more astonishing a debut than some of the other youths profiled here.
Liz
October 18, 2011 at 6:32PM EST Reply to CommentI assume this list only apply to english-speaking performers. How about another one for the foreign language performances?
1. Tang Wei, "Lust, Caution"
2. Yuya Yagira, "Nobody Knows"
3. Ana Beatriz Nogueira, "Vera"
4. Qin Hailu, "Durian Durian"
5. Charlotte Valandrey, "Red Kiss"
6. Xia Yu, "In the Heat of the Sun"
7. Émilie Dequenne, "Rosetta"
8. Catalina Sandino Moreno, "Maria Full of Grace"
9. Jeon Do-yeon, "The Contact"
10. Mirella Pascual, "Whisky"
Scott
October 18, 2011 at 8:29PM EST Reply to CommentI also liked Reese Witherspoon's debut in The Man in the Moon.
elvisleft
October 19, 2011 at 2:21AM EST Reply to CommentJohn Cazale for The Godfather, the first of five of the most amazing performances ever before his death.
Z
October 19, 2011 at 9:47AM EST Reply to CommentChristian Bale-"Empire of the Sun"
Tjmackey622
October 19, 2011 at 12:04PM EST Reply to CommentHenry Thomas in E.T. is still my favorite child performance of all time. I think I would also make room for Ray Liotta in "Something Wild" and Arron Eckhart in "In the Company of Men".
Jim
October 19, 2011 at 1:50PM EST Reply to CommentI'm surprised to not see Glenn Close.for "Garp". Her losing the Oscar to Jessica Lange for her overrated "Tootsie" performance still rankles me to this day.
Marcus
October 19, 2011 at 3:54PM EST Reply to CommentI'd definitely add Shailene Woodley for her role on The Descendants. She's amazing.
Renee
May 6, 2013 at 12:31AM EST Reply to CommentOkay Barbra Streisand's debut in Funny Girl is hands down supreme