Worst2First: The Breakout Film Stars of 2019

Worst2First: 

The Breakout Film Stars of 2019

2019 has given us loads of fresh, new talent - and people that we've come to know who've excelled in different fields make their mark on the big screen.  Once again, there's been several outstanding performances by first-time film actors (they might already be known for their roles in television and theater, or music), and here are my personal favorites - those to look out for in the future.

Here are my personal top ten Breakout Film Stars of 2019, worst2first (not based off their overall talent, but on their performances this year).

#10

Louis Ashbourne Serkis

 The son of acclaimed actor Andy Serkis, Louis appeared in small parts in previous films, but he headlined the 2019 surprise hit "The Kid Who Would Be King" as a modern-day King Arthur tale.  While the film itself was lacking in some respects, Serkis' acting was beyond his years, and look for great things for this young actor in the future.

#9

 Viveik Kalra

2019 brought us two films based off the music of famous musicians: "Yesterday" and "Blinded by the Light."  While "Yesterday" had its charms, it didn't really deliver anything along the lines of what Viveik Kalra managed to deliver in "Blinded by the Light," which was based on the true story of a Pakistani family living in London in the 1980s as they faced prejudice, and Kalra's character Javeed struggled with his family values and falling in love with the music of Bruce Springsteen.  This was Kalra's big-screen debut, and he delivered a solid, powerful performance.

#8

 Zack Gottsagen

 "The Peanut Butter Falcon" was the sleeper hit of 2019, a film that hearkened back to the classic river adventures of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn.  In the film, Gottsagen's Zak wants to be a wrestler, but also has Down Syndrome, and manages to escape the home he's placed in so he can achieve his lifelong goal.  The young actor delivered a memorable, strong performance against the likes of seasoned vets Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson, and made his character immediately lovable and one you root for.

#7

 Naomi Scott

 Naomi Scott got her big screen debut in "Power Rangers," but 2019 was her year to shine.  First she appeared as Jasmine in the live-action "Aladdin" remake which grossed over a billion dollars worldwide (as well as showcasing her amazing singing talent, and her original song "Speechless" is on the short list for an Oscar nomination), and then as one of the new Angels in Elizabeth Banks' much-maligned "Charlie's Angels," which fell flat but not due to her performance.

#6

 Shahadi Wright Joseph

 At just fourteen, Shahadi Wright Joseph emerged on the big screen in big ways.  She voiced young Nala in the live action remake of "The Lion King," and most powerfully played the duel roles of Zora and Umbrae in Jordan Peele's unnerving horror masterpiece "Us." 

#5

 Kyliegh Curran

 Another powerful young newcomer is Kyliegh Curran, who made her big-screen debut in the Mike Flanagan-directed horror film "Doctor Sleep," which is a sequel to the iconic "The Shining."  Curran's character showcased power and prowess beyond her years, and Curran gave a stirring performance that'll easily make her a very sought-after actress in the years to come.

#4

 Beanie Feldstein

 Beanie Felstein, the sister of Jonah Hill, has been around Hollywood for awhile, appearing in supporting roles in films like "Neighbors 2" and "Lady Bird," but 2019 saw her step into the spotlight as the lead in the Olivia Wilde-directed comedy "Booksmart," which earned the young actress her first Golden Globe nomination.

#3

 Roman Griffin Davis

 At twelve years old, Roman Griffin Davis took 2019 by storm, making his first appearance in the Taika Waititi-directed satire "Jojo Rabbit," where he plays a young boy who idolizes Adolf Hitler and even uses him as an imaginary friend, until he discovers a young Jewish girl hiding in his house.  The young actor excelled in his performance, and was so memorable it earned the young star a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical against the likes of veterans Daniel Craig, Leonardo DiCaprio, Taron Egerton and Eddie Murphy.

#2

 Noah Jupe

 Noah Jupe has been around Hollywood for awhile, and appeared in films like "A Quiet Place" and "Suburbicon," but 2019 gave the young star his most meatiest roles.  First he played Christian Bale's son in "Ford v Ferrari," and then took center stage as young child star Otis in Shia LaBeouf's pseudo-factual film "Honey Boy," which he gave a tremendous, raw, and undaunted performance.  Look for his stock to rise as he reprises his role as Marcus Abbott in the highly anticipated follow-up to "A Quiet Place" coming out next year.

#1

 Florence Pugh

It's one thing for a relative newcomer to star in one critically acclaimed film.  It's another thing when she does it twice.  But three times in one year?  That's the magic Florence Pugh delivered in 2019, starring in three acclaimed films - "Fighting With My Family," "Midsommar," and "Little Women."  The young actress's stock will only continue to rise as she's set to appear in the MCU next year as assassin Yelena Belova in "Black Widow."