breakthrough performance
Career-defining acting moment
A breakthrough performance is one that establishes an artist's reputation or elevates them to a new level of recognition.
The phrase typically describes an actor's role, musician's album, or athlete's showing that transforms them from unknown or underappreciated to celebrated: Her breakthrough performance in that indie film led to major studio offers.
The emphasis is on the performance as a turning point—what came before was obscurity or struggle, what follows is success.
- stellarOf or like celestial bodies
- outstandingExceptionally good or unpaid
- exceptionalNotably above the norm
- triumphResounding, celebrated victory
- tour de forceExceptional feat of skill
standing ovation · standing O · showstopping · scene stealer · dazzling · electrifying · breakout role · acclaim · critical acclaim · revelation · critical darling · unforgettable · captivating · mesmerizing · spotlight · applause · rave reviews · critics
- Acting AwardsOscar, Emmy, Tony, Golden Globe, BAFTA
- awardsaward, awards, winner, winners, prize
- film festivalsfilm festival, film festivals, premieres, screenings, film screenings
breakthrough, through, breakthroughs, breaks, breaking, breakage, breaker, breakers, breakable