8. Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek: Into Darkness)
Although his character is a little misused and Star Trek: Into Darkness isn't the kind of movie to get much Oscar love (it's both too commercial and too "low-brow,") Benedict Cumberbatch continued his rise to the very top of Hollywood actors with one of the best blockbuster performances of the year. He elevates the mediocre dialogue given to him, and creates a truly compelling, and very nearly sympathetic villain. Although he was held back by the script, Cumberbatch creates one of the most intimidating villains of the year with "John Harrison," and although he won't sniff an Oscar nomination, it was one of the most impressive acting displays of the year. Khan, as he was revealed to be (without too much surprise,) was multi-layered, threatening and imposing, in both physical and mental terms: in his own words he was just better. Of course, the best may be yet to come for the character as there's little reason he can't return for the next instalment, and if the script is a bit better next time around, there's no limit to how good Cumberbatch could be.