20 Essential Movie Performances That Will Define 2016
8. Michael Keaton - Ray Kroc (The Founder)
Release Date: August 5
The Role: Illinois salesman Ray Kroc, who became business partners with McDonald's inventors Mac (John Carroll Lynch) and Dick McDonald (Nick Offerman), only to slyly move in and expand their business enterprise into the global giant it is today.
Why It'll Define 2016: This looks like another slam dunk performance from Michael Keaton after some fantastic showings recently in the unforgettable Birdman and Spotlight. It could very well be The Social Network for fast food, as the first trailer hints at the dark beginnings of the McDonald's empire, shot through by Keaton's slick, smarmy businessman.
Though it doesn't have an Oscar-friendly release date as such, if Keaton's performance is strong enough, he could easily remain a contender all the way to the finish line. It certainly looks he's having a blast in the part, and considering how easy Keaton is to like, playing a douchebag (albeit an admirably ambitious one) takes more than a little effort from him.