Next Big Thing: Three standout performances that didn’t make the Oscar cut

The weekly Next Big Thing column highlights what’s bubbling under the surface in entertainment with a look at rising stars in the world of music, as well as standout TV shows, movies and web series that would be a shame to overlook.

This week, we look at three actors who stood out from the pack but still missed out on Oscar nominations.

Supporting Actor Snub: Abraham Attah

The youngest actors couldn’t catch a break in this year’s Oscar roundup.

Despite critical acclaim for Vancouver’s nine-year-old Jacob Tremblay in the film “Room,” he didn’t grab a nomination.

And neither did Abraham Attah, who has been widely overlooked for his powerful debut playing a child soldier in “Beasts of No Nation.”

Attah was discovered on the streets of Ghana by director Cary Fukunaga, who helped the young actor bring his character to life. The actor did receive the Best Young Actor award at the Venice Film Festival and Best Breakthrough Performance award from the National Board of Review.

You can watch “Beasts of No Nation” on Netflix.

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Best Supporting Actress Snub: Mya Taylor

The Oscars would’ve made history this year if Academy members nominated a performance from actress Mya Taylor in “Tangerine.”

Taylor would’ve been the first transgender performer in Hollywood’s history to make the short list for a golden statue.

Caitlyn Jenner got behind Taylor’s portrayal of Alexandra, a trans sex worker on the streets of Los Angeles who winds up trailing her best friend through the city in pursuit of her cheating pimp boyfriend.

Jenner hosted a screening of “Tangerine” earlier this month and championed the film as an honest portrayal of some members of the trans community.

“Tangerine” is available on disc and digital platforms.

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Best Actress Snub: Kirstin Wiig

This year’s true longshot was a standout performance by Kirstin Wiig in the little-seen “Welcome to Me.”

The dramedy gave the actress an opportunity to reshape her comedic persona by playing a depressed woman who lucks out in the lottery.

But happiness doesn’t come with a winning ticket, as everyone around her quickly discovers.

“Welcome to Me” is an uneven film but is elevated by Wiig’s ability to take her character to both the darkest of places and the most awkward.

“Welcome to Me” is available on disc and digital platforms.

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