Most Underrated Performances of 2011

With every second-hand tick, 2011 is becoming more and more of an afterthought. I, on the other hand, love to dwell in the past and decided to create another list concerning the previous cinematic year. January has always been known for its Oscar talk. As everyone eagerly awaits for the Academy to announce their nominations, plenty of names get thrown around the ring. I've compiled my list of the 10 best performances of 2011 that won't be mentioned at the 84th annual Academy Awards on February 26th. Here are my most underrated performances of 2011:

#10: Rhys Ifans - Anonymous

Ifans was surprisingly convincing as the Duke of Oxford in Roland Emmerich's period piece, Anonymous. In an interesting tale that refutes Shakespeare as the actual author of our world's greatest plays, Ifans delivers a stellar lead performance and allows the audience to consider such a crazed notion.

#9: Brit Marling - Another Earth

Director Mike Cahill's crafty sci-fi drama Another Earth succeeds because of its leading actress Brit Marling. The newcomer gives a heartfelt performance as a young woman searching for forgiveness from the husband/father of a wife and child she tragically killed. Marling has already begun landing some new roles and I'd be prepared to start seeing much more of her.

#8: Joseph Gordon-Levitt - Hesher

Gordon-Levitt will undoubtedly be most remembered for his work in my favorite film of 2011, 50/50. However, JGL's title character in Hesher proves to be most memorable. As a menacing homeless pyromaniac, Gordon-Levitt unexpectedly captured our hearts with his twisted metaphors and over the top analogies.

#7: John C. Reilly - Cedar Rapids

No matter how you felt about the film Cedar Rapids or Ed Helms' lead character, it's impossible to refute the brilliant comedic performance by supporting actor John C. Reilly. If you've watched the movie a couple dozen times like I have, then you'll pick up on EVERY incredible one-liner he delivers. The "Deansy" is one of 2011's funniest characters, hands down.

#6: Paul Giamatti - Win Win

Thomas McCarthy's Win Win premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to outstanding reviews. Despite all of its critical acclaim, the movie has become somewhat forgotten in the Oscar discussion. At the center of Win Win is Paul Giamatti's character Mike Flaherty. And although Giamatti seems to attempt similar roles on a regular basis, the gifted actor manages to reinvent the comedy-drama genre every time he tackles it.

#5: Seth Rogen - 50/50

Many fans of the indie hit 50/50 will rave about the work of its leading star Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I thought JGL was great in the film as well, however, I most appreciated the phenomenal work of his supporting star Seth Rogen. Rogen, who actually lived through his own character's perspective in real life, delivered an onslaught of laugh out loud scenes and single handedly balanced out the movie. The actor's exceptional performance kept 50/50 from being a sappy overdone drama that we've seen time and time again, and propelled the film to stardom.

#4: Ezra Miller - We Need to Talk About Kevin

Lynne Ramsay's We Need to Talk About Kevin landed in the number three spot on my top ten films of 2011 for a reason. In large part, that reason was its leading actress Tilda Swinton. On the other hand, Ezra Miller's bone shattering role of the cold blooded killer Kevin resonates almost equally. Although his amount of screen time is somewhat limited, Miller commands your full attention with every second he gets. He's a multi-talented young actor with a brilliant future ahead.

#3: J.K. Simmons - The Music Never Stopped

For anyone who has seen HBO's Oz or Jason Reitman's Juno, you know how excellent J.K. Simmons is. In the sentimental independent film The Music Never Stopped, Simmons is finally given the leading role he deserves. He makes the most of the opportunity and gives a defining performance as Henry Sawyer, a father desperate to reconnect with his memory impaired son. If you haven't seen this movie, I recommend checking it out ASAP.

#2: Patton Oswalt - Young Adult

Patton Oswalt may have the best opportunity of anyone on this list to receive a nomination from the Academy, but I wouldn't expect one. Most people will commend Young Adult's leading star Charlize Theron for her fine role, which it is. However, Patton Oswalt steals the film and has his "Oscar Scene" to latch on to. Oswalt's unforgettable as a handicapped drinking buddy to the one time prom queen, Mavis Gary, who's back in town to home-wreck her high school sweetheart.

#1: Dominic Cooper - The Devil's Double

The diverse actor Dominic Cooper is finally making a name for himself, and it's about time. Cooper is nothing short of magnificent in his dual role for the action packed film The Devil's Double. Cooper plays both Uday Hussein (the son of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein) and Iraqi civilian Latif Yahia. One day Latif is taken from his home by his country's army and receives an ultimatum (or not) from the saddistic son of Dictator Saddam Hussein. Latif can either be killed (along with his entire family) or accept a lifestyle as the "double" of Uday. Thanks to the superb performances given by Cooper, this intense action-thriller is one of 2011's must see movies.

Are there any underrated performances that I missed? Leave a comment and start the discussion.