20 Best Movie Performances Of 2016

"Charming" is probably the single word that best describes Emma Stone's turn as aspiring actress Mia in Damien Chazelle's immense musical drama.

Stone makes good on the chirpy persona she's honed for herself over the years, but also dares to evolve it thanks to the movie's genuinely compelling drama between herself and Ryan Gosling's Sebastian.

Aided by a script that expertly balances fun and thoughtful, sometimes melancholic reflection, Stone is an effervescent presence and is rightly considered a front-runner for next year's Best Actress Oscar.

Whether she wins or not, though, her enthusiasm is infectious and she continues to show her superbly expansive range with probably her best work to date.