20 Essential Movie Performances That Will Define 2015

9. Will Smith - Dr. Bennet Omalu (Concussion)

Release Date: December 25 (US), January 22, 2016 (UK) The Movie: An examination of the long-term effects of concussions and other head injuries in American football, and how the NFL made pains to cover it up. The Role: Smith plays forensic pathologist and neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu, who discovers brain abnormalities in two NFL players who later commit suicide. This leads him to take up the fight against the NFL to prove a link between concussions and brain damage, while calling for reforms to how the game is played. Why It'll Define 2015: Will Smith has acted in just five movies over the last five years, two of which were bit-parts. He's been long due a meaty, awards-worthy role, and given the incendiary material, perhaps this could be it. Even if not, it'll hopefully be the first time he's stretched himself in quite a while.