The Best Creatives and Performances Of 2022
From potential Oscars nominees to underrated gems, there have been so many stand out creatives and performances within the films and TV shows of 2022. As the year comes to a close, Pop Culture Planet is sharing the Best of 2022.
Alba Baptista as Ava in Warrior Nun
Alba Baptista remains a compelling and affecting actress who delivers a dynamic performance as Ava, who has grown significantly since the first season of Warrior Nun in both her powers and emotional depth.
Whether she’s playing an aspiring model in Mrs Harris Goes To Paris or a demon-fighting halo bearer in Warrior Nun, her performances are always dynamic and she really transforms on screen.
Auli’i Cravalho as Capri in Darby and the Dead
Auli’i Cravalho takes on a role like we’ve never seen her in before as queen bee Capri in Darby and the Dead. She is pitch perfect as our “mean girl” who evolves over the course of the film.
At the press conference for the film, Cravalho explained how elements like journaling Capri’s backstory and specific styling pieces really added to the development of her character: “I didn't want to hate her. I have to be her, I must love her, I must understand where she's coming from. I'm not mean, I'm just honest. And then my voice immediately pitched up and then I talk really fast and I talk with my hands because they gave me really beautiful nails. Even working with the hair stylist to see how the hair would change, I remember giving points of I want to feel like I'm going to war and whatever that would mean.”
Bailee Madison as Imogen Adams in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin
At only 23 year old, Bailee Madison has had an illustrious career, growing up alongside fans in projects like Bridge To Terabithia, Once Upon A Time, and Good Witch. It’s exciting to see her take on a new type of role in the more mature slasher series Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. While all of the new Little Liars really shined in this new diverse HBO Max reboot of the original series, Madison kept the show grounded and proved herself as a rising scream queen.
Benjamin Norris as Trent Harrison in Never Have I Ever
Benjamin Norris continues to steal every scene when he’s on screen as Trent Harrison in Netflix’s Never Have I Ever. In the third season, we get to see new sides to the lovable goofball as he finds love and deals with the realities of graduating high school.
Boyd Holbrook as The Corinthian in The Sandman
Boyd Holbrook plays The Corinthian, a nightmare created by Dream who has gone rouge thus creating the modern day serial killer in Netflix’s The Sandman. He delivers a captivating and charismatic performance as the teeth for eyes killer with such dynamic range.
Chloe Hayden as Quinni Gallagher-Jones in Heartbreak High
Chloe Hayden is a revelation as the lovable Quinni Gallagher-Jones in Netflix’s Heartbreak High reboot. We see Quinni’s experience of autism through her own eyes, in the most groundbreaking portrayals of neurodiversity on television. With her bright make-up, interesting hobbies, and romance drama, she explores the quintessential high school experience.
Claudia Forestieri as creator, writer, executive producer of Gordita Chronicles
Claudia Forestieri created one of the most critically acclaimed Latino-led shows of 2022 with Gordita Chronicles. The series tells the refreshingly funny and authentic story of the Castelli family who move from the Dominican Republic to Miami and working to fit into and reimagine the American Dream. While the show was unfortunately cancelled too soon, Forestieri has signed an overall deal with Sony to develop more TV shows.
Daniels as directors, writers, producers of Everything Everywhere All At Once
The directing duo of Daniels, comprised of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, started in music videos and eventually turned to film.
Together, they wrote and directed A24’s highest-grossing film to date with Everything Everywhere All At Once. The film is a true genre-bending wonder with phenomenal performances from the entire cast, stunning visuals, and powerful themes.
Harvey Guillén as Guillermo de la Cruz in What We Do In The Shadows
Four seasons into What We Do In The Shadows and Harvey Guillén continues to be a scene stealer as the glue to his vampire family. It’s so refreshing to see a plus sized actor kicking supernatural butt and taking names every week as Guillermo de la Cruz. Guillén is the Latinx badass we deserve!
Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna in Stranger Things 4
Jamie Campbell Bower changed Stranger Things as we know it when introduced as Vecna. The new villain has deep roots that connect back to the very beginning of the series and a compelling backstory that truly shocked viewers. Bower was equal parts charismatic and terrifying in the role, putting so much depth into the creation of Vecna.
Jenna Ortega as Vada Cavell in The Fallout, Tara Carpenter in Scream, Wednesday Addams in Wednesday
From The Fallout to Scream to Wednesday, Jenna Ortega proves through each role she takes on that she is one of the greatest actresses of our time. Her commitment and attention to detail with every role is truly astounding. Most recently she brought a teenage Wednesday Addams to life, thinking about everything from the way she stands and speaks to the unsettling way she doesn’t blink.
Ortega has solidified herself as the scream queen for the new generation. She consistently delivers nuanced performances that are relatable and authentic.
Jennifer Tilly as Tiffany Valentine in Chucky
The glamorous and hilarious Jennifer Tilly really ups the ante in Chucky season 2. Her meta storyline has her balancing both a fictional version of herself and Tiffany Valentine alongside her identity as a mother.
With over 24 years in the Chucky-verse, Tilly continues to breathe new life into the role, solidifying why she’s a fan favorite.
Joseph Quinn as Eddie Munson in Stranger Things 4
Joseph Quinn delivered a break out performance as Eddie Munson in Stranger Things 4. Initially seen as an “outcast,” Quinn commits to a layered performance with Eddie becoming a fan-favorite character and hero by the end of the season.
Joseph Winter as Shawn Ruddy, director, and writer of Deadstream
Joseph Winter wears multiple hats writing, directing, and starring in Deadstream, a comedy-horror about a cancelled Internet personality who tries to win back his followers while livestreaming in a haunted house.
Shot in a uniquely high-quality dual perspective found footage style, the film boasts excellent effects and an expert balance of humor and horror. Winter also does a great job playing up the larger-than-life stereotypes of influencer culture and has you rooting for him despite all of his goofiness and mistakes.
Ke Huy Quan as Waymond Wang in Everything Everywhere All At Once
Ke Huy Quan started off as a child actor in movies like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies, but found it difficult to book roles as he grew up.
Inspired by the success of Crazy Rich Asians, Quan made his return to acting in Everything Everywhere All At Once. The role of Waymond Wang was perfect for him, allowing him to show off his acting range from the meek Waymond to butt-kicking Alpha-Waymond.
Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Quan Wang in Everything Everywhere All At Once
Michelle Yeoh is one of the best action stars of our time and she gets a chance to show off her huge range of skills in Everything Everywhere All At Once. While it was a no-brainer she’d be able to handle the action, she also carried the film’s dramatic and comedic elements with ease.
Olivia Goncalves as Cucu Castelli in Gordita Chronicles
Olivia Goncalves delivers a break out performance as the bold and aspirational Cucu Castelli in Gordita Chronicles. Each family member gets their own entertaining individual storylines that allow them to grow and support each other, but Cucu keeps you coming back with confidence and spark, as the heart of her family.
Patty Guggeinheim as Madisynn King in She-Hulk: Attorney At Law
Patty Guggeinheim is a certified sene stealer as the hilarious Madisynn King in Marvel’s She-Hulk: Attorney At Law. We couldn’t get enough of the Sopranos-spoiling party girl who was accidentally sent to a hellish dimension (Mephisto, anyone?) by a false magician. Her dynamic with Sorcerer Supreme of the Masters of the Mystic Arts Wong made them a new fan favorite duo.
Pete Davidson as Gary in Meet Cute
It’s no surprise that people find themselves drawn to the hilarious Pete Davidson and you get why in Meet Cute. He brings a sweetness to the role and his chemistry with Kaley Cuoco is undeniable. Funny and poignant in the way it addresses relationships, mental health, and trauma, both Meet Cute and Davison’s performance are surprising in the best way.
Pom Klementieff as Mantis in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Pom Klementieff steps into the Christmas limelight in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. Full of whimsy and heartfelt holiday cheer, the seasonal showpiece puts Mantis at the center of a festive adventure that explores a deeper connection between characters.
Quinta Brunson as Janine, creator, writer, and executive producer of Abbott Elementary
Quinta Brunson has made a name for herself as the queen of the sitcom comedy thanks to the success of Abbott Elementary. Not only does she star in the show, but she created it, even winning the Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series. She brought together the hilarious cast we’ve come to know and love, which led to the legendary Sheryl Lee Ralph winning her first ever Emmy.
Sebastian Chacon as Carlos in Emergency
Sebastian Chacon is a scene stealer as the sweet and caring Carlos in Emergency. Originally a shy gamer with a fanny pack of granola bars, he comes out of his shell when it comes to saving the drunken girl that shows up in his and his housemate’s living room.
Sebastian Stan as Steve in Fresh
Mimi Cave’s directorial debut Fresh explores the dark side of modern dating. Sebastian Stan gives a career best performance as Steve, spanning from awkwardly charming leading man to full on unhinged American Psycho vibes.
Sofia Carson as Cassie Salazar in Purple Hearts
Sofia Carson bares her heart in the Netflix film Purple Hearts. She has magnetic chemistry with her co-star Nicholas Galitzine, tackling the complicated yet satisfying character development and story arcs leading into their romance.
Not only does Carson executive produce for the first time, but she successfully showcases her musicianship, performing multiple covers and original songs that she co-wrote. You can really feel all of the love and care she put into the production across the board.
Sofia Wylie as Gina Porter in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and Agatha in The School For Good and Evil
Between High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and The School For Good and Evil, Sofia Wylie had a stand out 2022. Natural and authentic, she delivers layers to the roles that she portrays. Her character of Gina Porter has evolved so much since the first season of HSMTMTS, while she brings a self-aware and goodhearted nature to her portrayal of the misunderstood Agatha.
Sophia Anne Caruso as Sophie in The School For Good and Evil
Best known for originating the role of Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice on Broadway, Sophia Anne Caruso plays the “princess with a dark edge” Sophie in The School For Good and Evil. She delivers an edgy bite that really works with her character and explores being a villain with her own unique flair.
Stephanie Hsu as Joy Wang in Everything Everywhere All At Once
After originating roles in Broadway’s Be More Chill and The Spongebob Musical, Stephanie Hsu had her big film breakout in Everything Everywhere All At Once.
With extravagant costumes and a flair for the dramatic, she is the biggest threat to the multiverse in the dual role of frustrated daughter Joy Wang and evil dictator Jobu Tupaki.
Sydney Sweeney as Cassie Howard in Euphoria
Sydney Sweeney gives one of her best performances yet in Euphoria season 2. Between secret hookups, girl fights, and Joker-like breakdowns in the bathroom, she took us on quite the emotional rollercoaster. She really delivered a raw authenticity in such intense, rock bottom scenes.
Ti West as director, writer, producer, editor of X and Pearl
Ti West had quite the ambitious 2022, releasing both X and its prequel Pearl to critical acclaim. It isn’t easy to make a classic, but with the talented Mia Goth, the character of Pearl has become a new slasher darling. West is currently working on the next film in the franchise MaXXXine.
Have you checked out all these performances? What were some of your favorites this year? Get more recommendations, here.
