Every year there are a number of stars that breakout and make unexpected comebacks. This year was definitely a huge one with actors that had multiple films and some that with one film were able to seize the spotlight. Here are the five actors that broke out or made comebacks.

1. Alicia Vikander (Breakout) - Before 2015, Vikander had been in many films including "A Royal Affair" and "Anna Karenina," in which she stole each scene from the leading lady Keira Knightley. However, her name was still relatively unknown. Three years later, Vikander had five films in release. She had supporting roles in "Burnt" and "Seventh Son," two films that were critical duds and bombs. Thankfully, that did not stop her from having a great year. It all started with "Ex Machina," in which she played Ava, a sensual and seductive robot with tremendous humanity. Then in the summer, Sony Pictures released "Testament of Youth," a heartbreaking period romance in which she plays Vera Britain. This performance is most likely her finest and the one that unfortunately is not getting the attention it deserves. In the late summer she starred in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E" and in November her performance in "The Danish Girl" showed she could do anything. Her versatility in each role is a testament to what she has in store for the future.

2. Charlotte Rampling (Comeback) - Perhaps one of the most respected actresses in the industry, Rampling has been making movies for years. However, her star power has mostly been seen in foreign films or smaller British films. This year thanks to Andrew Haigh, Rampling obtained what many believe to be one of the best roles of her career in her new film "45 Years." After having won the Silver Lion at the Berlin Film Festival, the actress is now on the verge of obtaining her first Oscar nomination as well as a BAFTA nomination.

3. Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez (Breakout) - For directors it is hard to find unknown actors and get good performances out of them. However, for Sean Baker, it seems like he hit the jackpot. Taylor and Rodriguez are incredible in this raunchy comedy and they create a natural chemistry unlike any this year. Their unhinged characters come to life in the most realistic of manners that audiences would think this not their acting debuts. It is for this reason that Magnolia has stepped up its game and has launched the first Oscar campaign for two trans actors.

4. Lily Tomlin (Comeback) - Tomlin has been around for many years but for some reason her star suddenly disappeared, leaving a void for her fans. However, this year was a great year; with her work on the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie" and her Golden Globe-nominated performance in "Grandma" Tomlin is back on top. In "Grandma," Tomlin really demonstrated her comedic powers but also created a dynamic character that combined the hilarious with the dramatic. In "Grace and Frankie," she made a dynamic duo with Jane Fonda, who also had a terrific year with "Youth."

5. Jacob Tremblay (Breakout) - While all the praise is going to Brie Larson for her role in "Room," it is Tremblay who should get some of the credit for his work in Lenny Abrahamson's drama. Tremblay carries virtually the entire film as he is in every scene and has to show a range of emotions that are so hard for a young actor to do. It is an astonishing performance and one that merits the SAG nomination he recently obtained.

Honorable Mentions:

- Daisey Ridley came out of nowhere to carry the biggest film of the year -- and, quite possibly, the decade -- with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Also worthy of some praise is her co-star John Boyega.

- Speaking of "Star Wars" actors, Domhnall Gleeson had a year to remember with four films -- "Star Wars," "Ex-Machina," "Brooklyn" and "The Revenant." He was strong in each movie, but really shone in "Brooklyn."

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