9 Queer Actors Who Deserve 2022 Award Cred
When Ariana DeBose won an Oscar last year it was the first time in the Academy's history that an out queer actor won. But what about 2022? Here are pics of queer actors who deserve actor cred.
Last year was the first time an out queer actor won an Oscar—in its 94-year history. Ariana DeBose shattered that stained glass rainbow ceiling for her performance in "West Side Story." One could argue that Ian McKellen should have achieved that milestone in 1999 for his brilliant turn in "Gods and Monsters," alas the Weinstein machinations shoved Roberto Benigni's antics directly into the voter's collective faces—and they sadly succumbed. Now Harvey is where he should be—behind bars. And LGBTQ+ identifying actors are finally being lauded for their wonderful work. But there's still much ground to be broken.
At EDGE, we've compiled a list of Queer Out thesps doing mad-fab work in cinema, who deserve Awards consideration this season. A few are already in the conversation, but most are not, but should be.
Ben Aldridge in 'Spoiler Alert'
I'm not certain why Focus Features isn't promoting director Michael Showalter's loving, bittersweet film, "Spoiler Alert" for awards. Last year, Jessica Chastain won an Oscar for a Showalter film that was a lot messier ("The Eyes of Tammy Faye"), though her performance was fantastic. Based on the true-life experience of TV journo Michael Ausiello, the film follows Ausiello (Jim Parsons, because when you think Italian-American...?) and his relationship with a hot photographer Kit Cowan (Ben Aldridge), who falls ill. Sally Field rocks her mom role, but it's relative unknown Ben Aldridge who proves to be charming, sweet and completely captivating. This out actor is the full package, and deserves some love and attention.
Janelle Monáe in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'
With "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," Rian Johnson succeeds in doing the impossible: Improving on the original film. This film is less a sequel than a new murder mystery to be solved by the bizarre (and confirmed by Johnson to be gay) Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). The movie is clever and hilarious, and features an outstanding ensemble. The standout performance is easily Janelle Monáe, and it's best not to elaborate so as not to spoil the surprises. Suffice to say it's time this wonderful actor ("Hidden Figures") received the attention they deserve. They recently won the National Board of Review Supporting Actress Award. In 2020, Monáe came out as bisexual and pansexual and in 2022 she identified as non-binary.
Ben Whishaw in 'Women Talking'
Sarah Polley's mesmerizing new film, "Women Talking," stars a Who's Who of the best female artists working today, including Jessie Buckley, Claire Foy, Rooney Mara, Frances McDormand, and Judith Ivey, all doing extraordinary work. The lone male cast member, Ben Whishaw, more than holds his own opposite these fab ladies. As August, the docile schoolteacher keeping the meeting minutes, he is supportive, yet challenging when needs be. Whishaw has been fascinating us with his often subversively bold characterizations for over two decades now. He's won an Emmy, BAFTA, and Golden Globe for his TV portrayals. It's time he was recognized for his film work.
Luke McFarlane in 'Bros'
Much has been written about Nicholas Stoller's "Bros," the Billy Eichner-penned, gay studio rom-com. Most of the focus has been on why it tanked at the box office — whether it was the lack of star power or that Eichner is just not very appealing. The real focus should be on how terrifically nuanced Luke McFarlane's performance is as the complicated love interest, Aaron Shepard. Many will remember McFarlane from "Brothers and Sisters." He's come a long way since then, and easily steals every scene he's in. And when he is not onscreen, you long for his return.
David Dawson in 'My Policeman'
He has been working on the UK stage and on British television since 2005, but out actor David Dawson's first real breakout role in film has been opposite Harry Styles in Michael Grandage's "My Policeman," a film that feels like a sweet homage to films from the 1980s about the 1950s. Dawson plays museum curator Patrick Hazlewood, a dandy who meets policeman Tom Burgess (Styles), and the two embark on a passionate affair. Dawson is deeply affecting in the role. Strangely, Dawson made his theatrical debut as understudy to Kevin Spacey in "Richard II" at The Old Vic.
Emma Corrin in 'My Policeman'
She wowed us as Lady Diana in "The Crown," and is now starring in "Lady Chatterley's Lover" on Netflix. In "My Policeman," opposite Harry Styles, Corrin is quite touching as Marion, a woman who slowly discovers her husband may not be the man she thought he was. Marion could have easily been overplayed, but queer actor Corrin gives her just the right amount of confusion and heartache, always holding back just enough.
Tom Prior in 'Firebird'
Gay indie films are never recognized by most awards voting bodies that aren't queer-specific; they're seen as niche films, so many excellent performances get overlooked. This year Tom Prior co-wrote, produced, and starred in the gay-themed Cold War thriller, "Firebird," after it killed at virtually every LGBTQ+ festival in 2021. Prior, probably due to media pressure, came out as queer. What matters most is his impressive, heartbreaking performance as a young private falling in love for the first time.
Jeremy Pope in 'The Inspection'
While I found Elegance Bratton's intense film "The Inspection" quite problematic, the one absolute positive is Jeremy Pope's immersive performance as a gay Marine corps trainee trying to redeem his troubled life. The out actor has conquered stage ("Ain't Too Proud," "Choir Boy") TV ("Pose," "Hollywood"), and now film, and has an exceptional career ahead of him. Pope surprised with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor — Drama, putting him closer to Oscar...
And last, but certainly not least...
Cate Blanchett in 'TÁR'
Whether she's had same-sex relationships in the past (which she admitted to in 2015) or not (she was probably told by her then publicist to walk it back), the ridiculously talented Cate Blanchett has now given us two of the great lesbian screen performances of our time — first in Todd Haynes' masterpiece "Carol," and this year in Todd Field's masterpiece, "TÁR." (Hmmm, something about Todds?) There is no doubt she will, justly, walk away with the lion's share of Best Actress trophies this season for her spectacular portrayal of a brilliant artist whose world begins to crumble because she has abused her position of power. The question is, will she win her third Oscar?