2013's Most Underrated Performances

As the end-of-the-year lists start to pile up, I've decided to take a look back at 2013's most underrated performances. Nope, you won't find any of these roles mentioned during the awards season hoopla, yet they're each notable and overlooked in their own right. So let's review the most under-appreciated performances of 2013.

#10. PJ Byrne - The Wolf of Wall Street

While Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill have the best chances of receiving recognition throughout the road to the Oscars in early March, PJ Byrne's fine supporting turn in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street goes rather unnoticed. The role is small, yet robust. Byrne has floated around Hollywood for a long time now and he finally stands out in this epic tale of greed and debauchery.

#9. John Gallagher Jr. - Short Term 12

One of the most critically loved films of the year is the low-budget indie drama, Short Term 12. This poignant drama is carried beautifully on the shoulders of leading actress Brie Larson. She currently stands as a long-shot to land a Best Actress Nomination, however, an omission would be shameful on the Academy's part. For as brilliant as Larson is on screen, her counterpart feels almost as impressive. John Gallagher Jr. delivers a knockout supporting turn that has gone overlooked by just about everyone. His soulful performance is radiant and uplifting, perfectly complementing all of the depressing aspects of the film.

#8. Moises Arias - The Kings of Summer

Having gotten his start on Hannah Montana, teenage actor Moises Arias broke out in a big way this year as the hysterical driving force in the beloved indie comedy, The Kings of Summer. Arias co-stars as Biaggio, an absolute wild-card who's capable of just about anything. Think Zach Galifianakis in The Hangover, except a little more realistic and he keeps his clothes on. Arias dishes out the humor by displaying a keen sense of comedic timing. It's very natural and superbly effective.

#7. Olivia Wilde - Drinking Buddies

Although I was on the opposite side of the critical love-fest for Joe Swanberg's Drinking Buddies, props must be given to its leading female star, Olivia Wilde. Many have constantly viewed Wilde as nothing more than a pretty face needed to fill out a specific role in films. However, in this irritating tale of sexual tension among co-workers at a small craft brewery, Wilde stands out and proves that she's a very talented actress who can definitely carry a film on her shoulders. I'd expect to see numerous dramatic roles handed to Wilde in the future.

#6. Brit Marling - The East

I haven't quite figured out how actress Brit Marling continually flies under the radar. Year after year and movie after movie, she keeps pushing herself further and it shows on screen. The gifted performer shines once again in the 2013 thriller, The East. As an employee for a private intelligence firm who infiltrates an anarchist group plotting to attack a few major corporations, Marling's character wrestles with her own morals and understanding of right vs. wrong. Intriguing, complex and perhaps even controversial, The East benefits from another dynamic turn by its leading lady, Brit Marling.

#5. Jeremy Renner - American Hustle 

My favorite acting ensemble of 2013 comes from David O. Russell's American Hustle. Although other big-time performers such as Jennifer Lawrence, Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper and Amy Adams have had their names swirling around this awards season, Jeremy Renner easily becomes the most overlooked of the bunch. As a politician with nothing but the best of intentions for his prospering community, Renner's character has the biggest heart of anyone in the film. Watching as he unknowingly gets trapped in the center of an FBI investigation, it leaves an unsettling and unjust feeling in the pit of your stomach. Renner builds a likable character that you sympathize for, a skill that only the masterful performers can achieve.

#4. Tye Sheridan - Mud

It's always exciting to witness breakthrough performances from young actors and actresses. This year's finest youthful onscreen showing comes from 17 year old Tye Sheridan in Jeff Nichols' Mud. Standing toe-to-toe with a talented actor such as Matthew McConaughey is no easy task, yet Sheridan makes it look almost effortless. First in Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life and now with Mud, perhaps we're seeing one of the next generation's most gifted performers.

#3. Chris O'Dowd - The Sapphires

Most people will recognize comedian and actor Chris O'Dowd as Kristen Wiig's police officer love interest in Bridesmaids. However, he's proven time and time again that he can serve up more than just laughs. This year, O'Dowd was phenomenal in the tiny indie film, The Sapphires. Starring as a washed up musician who takes a talented group of Australian aboriginal singers under his wing, O'Dowd displays an enormous amount of versatility. His character faces his own demons while developing a strong bond with the group of singers he's managing. The Sapphires is an underrated film in its own right, and one that stands tall on the shoulders of a standout performance from Chris O'Dowd. 

#2. Bill Nighy - About Time

One of the year's best comes from the unexpected time-travel drama, About Time. And although he's only given a supporting role in the film, the legendary Bill Nighy doesn't waste a second of face time. He continuously impresses and here we get to see him in top form. Nighy's powerful turn packs an abundance of emotion with a sprinkling of his typical charm. It's heartfelt and sincere. It's everything you could ask for from such a talented actor. Nighy is the icing on the cake in one of this year's finest films, About Time. 

#1. Sam Rockwell - The Way Way Back

Sam Rockwell is one of the most underrated and overlooked actors in Hollywood today. Even when his films are ultimately mediocre, you can filter over his performances and find impressive qualities. Once again, Rockwell offers an astonishing turn in the indie comedy, The Way Way Back. He's immature, non-committal and the owner of a water park. Rockwell's diverse character works wonders and helps transform a shy and awkward teen into a confident young man. Rockwell's bravado is both endearing and delightful. The Way Way Back is simply a solid movie containing one of this year's most under-appreciated supporting performances.