award-winning performance

/əˈwɔːrd ˌwɪnɪŋ pərˈfɔːrməns/

Meaning

This expression describes an actor's, musician's, or dancer's presentation that has won, or is highly likely to win, prestigious awards. It is a common phrase used in reviews, entertainment news, and casual conversations to praise outstanding talent. It carries a strong positive connotation of high quality and critical acclaim.

Examples

  • Her portrayal of the historical figure was truly an award-winning performance.

    Her portrayal of the historical figure was truly an award-winning performance.

  • Critics are already calling his latest role an award-winning performance.

    Critics are already calling his latest role an award-winning performance.

  • The actor delivered an award-winning performance that left the audience in tears.

    The actor delivered an award-winning performance that left the audience in tears.

  • We all knew she would win the Oscar after that award-winning performance.

    We all knew she would win the Oscar after that award-winning performance.

  • The theater production was elevated by his award-winning performance as the villain.

    The theater production was elevated by his award-winning performance as the villain.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ He gave an award-won performance in the drama.

    ✓ He gave an award-winning performance in the drama.

    The compound adjective is always 'award-winning' (using the present participle) to describe the quality of the performance, even if the award was won in the past.

  • ✗ The actress received an award-winning performance.

    ✓ The actress delivered an award-winning performance.

    Actors 'deliver', 'give', or 'put on' a performance; they do not 'receive' a performance.

Related Expressions

critically acclaimed performance stellar performance show-stopping act

Practice

  • The young actor delivered an ___ that surprised everyone in the industry.

    💡 An acting display worthy of a trophy.

    Show answer

    award-winning performance

  • Many believe his role in the biopic was an ___ that deserved more recognition.

    💡 A highly praised acting job.

    Show answer

    award-winning performance