17. Michael B. Jordan: Best Actor

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRlu1Dsc39I&w=584&h=390]

Fruitvale Station, one of the year’s best movies, is getting left behind in the Best Picture race, despite looking like a sure thing after it rocked Sundance. It’s getting forced out by the more conventionally Oscar-y The Butler and 12 Years a Slave. However, Michael B. Jordan is quickly becoming a star after his breakout performance here, now attached to every other project in Hollywood, and I’d like to see him sneak in the Best Actor race. It’s rare to see a star born so quickly, but after his transformative work here, Jordan’s earned it.