Every Best Actor Oscar Movie Winner Of The 21st Century Ranked

Who should have won: Casey Affleck - Manchester by the Sea.

Over the years, Best Actor has often gone to the most showy performances of the year; the one's that often portray a deceased pop culture icon or world leader, and do so in a syrupy, uplifting way.

But that's not the case with Casey Affleck's phenomenal win for Manchester by the Sea, where he plays a haunted janitor forced to confront past trauma following the death of his brother, wearing his depression, regret, and grief on his sleeve whilst his life unfolds around him.

Affleck's performance is a masterclass in minimalism, quiet and sullen, never forced. His work is raw and honest, and his victory feels wonderful given its subtly and lack of obvious Oscar trappings.