2011 Great Performances: Film and TV Ensembles

Back Stage highlights some of 2011's best ensemble performances in film and television, including "Breaking Bad," "The Help," and more.Film Critic Pick a Few Front-Runners for Best Ensemble Consider "The Help" and "The Descendants," both likely contenders, according to the five film critics we spoke with.The Cast of 'The Artist' Speaks At Last Ironically, this love letter to American cinema was brought to the screen by French filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius, who decided that to pay proper homage to the genre.The Women of 'The Help' Work Together to Bring a Bestseller to Life The film, directed by Tate Taylor, centers on African-American maids in 1960s Mississippi who decide to tell their stories to an ambitious young journalist.'The Descendants' Ensemble on George Clooney, Alexander Payne, and Not Sucking Like all of writer-director Alexander Payne's films, "The Descendants" boasts excellent performances from its cast.John C. Reilly and Christoph Waltz Bring 'Carnage' to the Screen Based on Yasmina Reza's play "God of Carnage," it has only four characters andaside from brief opening and closing shotstakes place entirely in and around one Brooklyn, N.Y., apartment.TV Critics Pick Their Top Ensembles Repeat winners and nominees are the rule of thumb for the prizes recognizing outstanding comedy and drama ensembles.'Breaking Bad' Ensemble on Meth and Method Four seasons and three Emmy wins for Cranston later, "Breaking Bad" has proved to be not only groundbreaking television but also a showcase for one of the best dramatic ensembles on TV.