One of the nice things about Thursday’s Oscar nominations is the impressive number of first-timers — actors culled both from studio-made blockbusters and shoestring-budget independent films. It’s heartening to realize that the actors in the Motion Picture Academy are ready to welcome someone new to their party.
Here are the Oscar rookies:
Bryan Cranston, “Trumbo.”
He’s won six Emmys and a Tony, among other awards, but playing writer Dalton Trumbo got him into this arena.
Tom Hardy, “The Revenant.”
The British actor wasn’t on anybody’s radar, but the popularity of the film with the actors’ branch of the Academy brought him along for the ride.
Brie Larson, “Room.”
Larson just won a Golden Globe for her harrowing role as a mother raising her son in captivity.
Jennifer Jason Leigh, “The Hateful Eight.”
There wasn’t much love for Quentin Tarantino’s latest — but this well-loved indie star was a standout in a showy role.
Rachel McAdams, “Spotlight.”
Playing the only female journalist on the Boston Globe’s Spotlight team, McAdams scored in a smart departure from her rom-com image.
Charlotte Rampling, “45 Years.”
The international screen legend has been collecting awards for this astonishing performance since the Berlin Film Festival last February.
Mark Rylance, “Bridge of Spies.”
The great British theater actor stole “Bridge of Spies” from under Tom Hanks’ nose.
Alicia Vikander, “The Danish Girl.”
The hottest Swedish actress since Ingrid Bergman, Vikander stunned critics with her versatility this year.
