Oscar voters have until Friday to finalize their ballots ahead of the Academy Awards nominations announcement on January 23, where we’ll soon discover which talented actors are in the running for Hollywood’s top honor.

Although we don’t have much influence on the nominations chosen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, our movie team has seen a significant number of films. We all agree that Adrien Brody shines in “The Brutalist” and Zoe Saldaña is a standout in “Emilia Pérez,” but there are several other performances that truly shine among the best of 2024. We’re quite passionate about advocating for our favorites.

Here are 10 remarkable performances we hope are recognized next week:

Monica Barbaro, ‘A Complete Unknown’

Expecting an actress with little singing or guitar playing experience to channel folk legend Joan Baez is similar to asking someone unfit to transform into Michael Jordan. Nonetheless, Barbaro eagerly accepted this challenging role in James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown.” Her performance is not just a remarkable imitation of Baez’s soaring voice but also a heart-wrenching exploration of Baez’s complex relationship with her protégé-turned-star Dylan (Timothée Chalamet). Cinematic tributes to living icons don’t get much better than Barbaro’s. − Marco della Cava

Daniel Craig, ‘Queer’

The former James Bond is on the path to his first Oscar nomination, having received multiple accolades for his emotionally charged role as a lonely, love-stricken alcoholic in “Queer.” However, his Oscar hopes may be at risk after not receiving a nomination from the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), which is often a good predictor of future award success. Hopefully, this is just a temporary setback: In “Queer,” Craig shares remarkable chemistry with co-star Drew Starkey, subtly communicating the pain and confusion of the desire for genuine connection. – Patrick Ryan

Hugh Jackman, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’

He’s been nominated for an Oscar previously and is likely to earn a nomination again, but this time it might involve beating up Ryan Reynolds to the tunes of “Grease” and taking on a swarm of Deadpools with a classic Madonna soundtrack. Jackman was portraying Wolverine long before Marvel superheroes hit peak popularity, and his return is more than just standard superhero antics. He imbues his gruff character with layers of rage, guilt, sass, and mischief, making him a delight to watch. If we’re seriously discussing nominating performers from “Wicked,” giving a nod to Wolverine is a no-brainer. – Brian Truitt

Marianne Jean-Baptiste, ‘Hard Truths’

In a fair world, Jean-Baptiste would be a guaranteed nominee for her stunning performance in “Hard Truths,” Mike Leigh’s realistic portrayal of a bitter middle-aged woman named Pansy, who has shut herself off from the outside world. The British actress sparks laughter in the film’s early scenes, where Pansy showers unsuspecting individuals with sharp-tongued insults. However, Jean-Baptiste gradually reveals deeper layers of her character, showcasing palpable anguish as Pansy opens up to her sister (in a remarkable performance by Michele Austin). – Ryan

Gabriel LaBelle, ‘Saturday Night’

“Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels has been parodied by numerous cast members who mimic his distinct tone and laid-back demeanor. However, LaBelle faced the challenge of portraying Michaels earnestly in “Saturday Night,” Jason Reitman’s fast-paced retelling of the show’s first episode. LaBelle anchors the film with a balanced yet passionate approach that captures Michaels’ enduring role in the entertainment world for over fifty years. He has a talent for playing famous personalities in their youth – including a convincing Steven Spielberg in “The Fabelmans” – and merits recognition for embodying the calm center amidst the comedic chaos. – della Cava

Clarence Maclin, ‘Sing Sing’

When the captivating Maclin shares the screen with Colman Domingo, you can’t help but think, “Who is this guy?” This force of nature is poised to be one of the standout stories of the awards season. “Sing Sing” tells the story of inmates discovering art and friendship through a theater program, and Maclin shines as Divine Eye, a tough individual recruited by Domingo’s wise character Divine G for a new play. Watching Maclin’s reluctant talent unfold on-screen is a testament to his emergence as a fresh face you won’t forget. – Truitt

Katy O’Brian, ‘Love Lies Bleeding’

O’Brian boasts a strong resume, but that’s not just due to her developing filmography. Who else in Hollywood could convincingly portray a queer bodybuilder romantically involved with a lesbian gym manager (Kristen Stewart) while preparing for a competition? In this 1980s-set noir revenge thriller, O’Brian’s role goes beyond mere appearances, bringing depth to a troubled drifter trying to escape her past, only to find herself in an unusual and bloody predicament. – Truitt

Adam Pearson, ‘A Different Man’

Sebastian Stan won a Golden Globe for “A Different Man,” where he plays a resentful, disfigured actor undergoing a transformative facial surgery. However, it’s Pearson who steals the show, entering the story midway as a charming character reminiscent of Austin Powers who captivates everyone around him. This performance allows Pearson’s sharp humor and innate charm to shine, flipping traditional Hollywood representations of disability on its head, portraying a character who is always the coolest person in the room. – Ryan

Margaret Qualley, ‘The Substance’

Demi Moore delivers an Oscar-worthy performance in “The Substance” as Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading star attempting desperate measures to regain her youth. Nonetheless, the film’s audacious horror satire would falter without Qualley, who masterfully balances the role of Elisabeth’s peppy, spoiled alter ego Sue. Qualley effectively captures the film’s deadpan humor and physical demands while infusing a surprising depth and desperation into her character, a woman grappling with self-loathing. She deserves every supporting actress award for her unforgettable third-act earring scene alone. – Ryan

Fernanda Torres, ‘I’m Still Here’

The Brazilian acting star surprised everyone by winning a Golden Globe, outshining A-listers like Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman in the best drama actress category. Her win is no shock to viewers of the Portuguese-language film “I’m Still Here,” where she portrays the unyielding and graceful wife of a kidnapped political dissident. Her performance is less overtly dramatic than many in this year’s competition, but with the Academy’s increasingly diverse voting body, it would be a mistake not to recognize Torres’ subtly impactful work. – Ryan