a supporting performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a supporting performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a performance that enhances or complements the main act, often in the context of theater, music, or other artistic presentations. Example: "The lead actor delivered a stunning performance, while the supporting performance by the ensemble cast added depth to the overall production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

As excellent as many of its competitors are — especially "Waitress" — I can't imagine a score like Miranda's, a supporting performance like Goldsberry's (I'm still in recovery from "Satisfied"), or direction as pitch-perfect as Thomas Kail's not earning Tonys.

The New Yorker

Academy rules allow an actor to receive no more than one nomination in a given category; as the Academy nominating process determined that Winslet's work in The Reader would be considered a lead performance unlike the Golden Globes, which considered it a supporting performance—she could not also receive a Best Actress nomination for Revolutionary Road.

Wikipedia

Their questions seemed intended as a supporting performance.

The Washington Post

"It's obscene," says Mark Urman of ThinkFilm, who still plans to send out cassettes of "The Event," which opens next week and features a supporting performance by Olympia Dukakis.

The New York Times

Three years later, she won her first Olivier, for a supporting performance in a musical, as Carrie Pipperidge in the director Nicholas Hytner's Royal National Theater revival of "Carousel".

The New York Times

Despite the star-spangled cast (everyone from Benicio del Toro to Maya Rudolph and even – allegedly – Pynchon himself gets a look in), the clothes are a supporting performance all on their own; Doc dressed as Gold Rush/Harvest-era Neil Young, Owen Wilson's double agent Coy Harlingen channelling Zoot from The Muppets, Martin Short going full Austin Powers as Dr Rudy Blatnoyd.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

At times, a positive course-correction can be practically immediate, as when the 2011 Kenneth Lonergan film "Margaret" — which featured a searing supporting performance by May's daughter, Jeannie Berlin — went from a throwaway release and shrugging reviews to reverential revival within months, not years.

Los Angeles Times

It is lovely to look at, easy to follow and — with the exception of a vivid supporting performance from Judith Ivey — about as full of real life as an Olde New York Christmas window in a department store.

The New York Times

(The Roundabout Theater Company has made this subgenre its specialty). It is lovely to look at, easy to follow and — with the exception of a vivid supporting performance from Judith Ivey — about as full of real life as an Olde New York Christmas window in a department store.

The New York Times

Moisés Kaufman's revival of Ruth and Augustus Goetz's sturdy war horse, starring a one-note Jessica Chastain, is lovely to look at, easy to follow — and aside from a vivid supporting performance from Judith Ivey — about as full of real life as an Olde New York Christmas window in a department store (2 45).

The New York Times

Nicholson's big break finally came with Easy Rider (1969), a seminal counterculture film starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper as drifting, drug-dealing bikers and Nicholson in a scene-stealing, Oscar-nominated superformancerformasce an alcoholiclawyerwyer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing acting, use "a supporting performance" to highlight a role that complements the main character, adding depth and nuance to the story. For example, "The movie was elevated by a nuanced supporting performance."

Common error

Avoid using "a supporting performance" when describing the lead role. This phrase is exclusively for performances that complement, but do not dominate, the narrative. For example, don't say "She gave a supporting performance as the protagonist."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a supporting performance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes the role of an actor or performer who enhances the main act. According to Ludwig AI, it follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a supporting performance" correctly refers to a performance that complements the primary focus, commonly in theater, film, or music. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically sound and acceptable. It is predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific sources. While not extremely common, the phrase effectively conveys the idea of an enhancing, yet secondary, contribution. For alternative phrasing, consider "a secondary portrayal" or "an auxiliary act". Avoid misusing the phrase to describe a lead role. The phrase is best used to illustrate subtle, but meaningful contributions to a story or event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a secondary portrayal

Emphasizes the subordinate nature of the performance.

an auxiliary act

Highlights the helping or supplementary role.

a complementary display

Stresses how the performance enhances the main one.

a collaborative presentation

Focuses on the teamwork aspect of the performance.

a background rendition

Indicates the performance is less prominent.

a minor role interpretation

Specifies the character's significance and the actor's interpretation.

a supplemental contribution

Highlights the added value of the performance.

an assisting execution

Focuses on the technical execution of a supporting role.

an instrumental accompaniment

Implies a musical contribution that supports another performer.

a collaborative effort

Highlights the combined contributions to the main performance.

FAQs

How do you define "a supporting performance" in acting?

A "supporting performance" refers to a role that enhances the main storyline without being the central focus. It adds depth and complexity, complementing the lead's performance. The opposite is a leading role.

What qualities make a great "supporting performance"?

A great "supporting performance" is often characterized by subtlety, nuance, and the ability to create a memorable character even with limited screen time. It enhances the overall narrative and provides valuable context.

What is the difference between "a supporting performance" and "a cameo role"?

A "supporting performance" involves a character who is integral to the plot, while "a cameo role" is usually a brief appearance by a well-known person, often without significantly impacting the story.

In what context might I use "a supporting performance" outside of acting?

While primarily used in film and theater, "a supporting performance" can metaphorically describe anything that assists or enhances a main element. For example, "The data provided a supporting performance to the argument presented."