Top 7 Male Actors of the year

As 2017 comes to an end, Pulse Movies has put together seven best performances of the year.

From newcomers to breakthrough performances, check them out.

7. Akah Nnani

He might have a successful vlog, but portraying a sergeant in “Banana Island Ghost”is Nnani's real breakthrough role; a character that made viewers realize the full range of his talent.

His acting feels natural, and while watching a police officer goof around on duty could be unpleasant, in Nnani's hands it becomes super entertaining.

6. Ron Mgbatogu

As The General in Africa Magic's "Battleground," first-time actor Ron Mgbatogu, without trying too hard, perfectly re-establishes the importance of an unforgettable antagonist to a plot.

A well-motivated villain, his eyes effortlessly communicate his intentions. And while we don’t necessarily root for him, the conviction with which he delivers the character makes him one of the finest actors of the year.

5. Shawn Faqua

In "Ojukokoro,"Faqua delivers a hypnotic performance as a roguish criminal. He is funny and dark, understanding the film’s blend of violence and comedy.

His use of language is witty, dubious and entertaining. He brings the needed brutality which defines "Ojukokoro" as an action movie.

As a criminal in the Dare Olaitan movie, Faqua is a revelation with an endearing presence.

4. Enyinna Nwigwe

As Gbolahan in "Hell or High Water", a married pastor who is forced to confront his sexuality, Nwigwe represent hundreds of Nigerian homosexuals, who live with the fear of becoming second-class citizens because of their sexuality.

There's a lot of heart and soul in his interpretation of the character as he intensely guides viewers through an avoided and controversial topic - sexuality and spirituality.

As Nonso in “The Wedding Party 2,” Nwigwe brings to his character a real sense of sweetness and vulnerability.

He is able to give Nonso just the right amount of emotion that makes him relatable.

3. Sambasa Nzeribe

Nzeribe as the villain is one role we have all seen him in before. However, it doesn't take away how perfect he is for the character Tuvi in"Slow Country."

As a drug lord, Nzeribe delivers a mesmeric and bone-deep performance with a ferocity that once again reveals the depth of his acting skills.

The role earned him the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Best Actor award win. And rightfully so.

2. Seun Ajayi

As already established, "Ojukokoro" is a movie with an ensemble that works so well that it’s almost impossible to single out individual outstanding performances.

But, there's Seun Ajayi as Monday, a performance that cannot be ignored.

His interpretation of the role reiterates an already established fact; Ajayi is an outstanding performer. His ability to wring humour from unexpected moments makes his character exciting watch.

There's also his role as Juwon in the Etisalat Prize for Literature short film "Closed."

In just nine minutes, Ajayi takes viewers through a journey that explores the power of illiteracy. He passes tons of messages without speaking even a word.

His ability to effortlessly convey so many emotions with his face is what makes Ajayi one of the finest actors of his generation.

1. Bolanle Ninalowo

With his role as an area boy in "Picture Perfect," Bolanle Ninalowo challenges our perception of him as an actor.

He completely disappears into the mannerism of a typical area boy as he takes viewers on an emotional journey, forcing everyone to admire, love and care for his character.

The growth of his character elicits as much sympathy as it does laughter, mostly because he owns every pivotal moment.

If there was ever a role tailor-made for Bolanle Ninalowo, it's definitely Jobe.