Gina Rodriguez Really Shined In 2016

Oh, Gina Rodriguez, how I love thee. Let me count the ways. Not only is the actress gorgeous and talented, but she's gracious, hilarious, and humble. I think we all need to take a minute to praise the 32-year-old's hustle, which is one of the things I admire most about her. It should not be overlooked, especially not in 2016. She killed it. Don't think her 2015 Golden Globe win from her first year starring in Jane the Virgin interrupted the star's grind. While balancing all that is the amazing Jane, Rodriguez made a splash on the big screen this year, and I have a feeling this is just the beginning.

It's hard to believe, but, prior to this year, Rodriguez's repertoire consisted mostly of TV films, shorts, and appearances in TV series. Bigger things were in store for her in 2016. In the works since 2014, Rodriguez starred in the indie film Sticky Notes alongside Justin Bartha and Rose Leslie, which had limited release earlier this year. And, later, the star propelled herself to big-time status by starring in the film Deepwater Horizon with big dogs Mark Wahlberg, Kate Hudson, and Kurt Russell. To no surprise, she totally held her own in the drama.

That photo alone guts me. The biopic is based on the fatal Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, and Rodriguez really sunk her teeth into her role. Based on the real-life, 23-year-old Andrea Fleytas, Rodriguez's character of the same name is hired to work the rig's complicated machinery and safety systems as the only woman of the crew. As her character fratically attempts to contact the Coast Guard during the blowout, Rodriguez gives her all with deep emotion and passion in her performance.

The actress was also a part of two films that are already in post-production and are set to be released in 2017. One is Annihilation, also starring Natalie Portman and Tessa Thompson. Described by Collider as "enviro-horror fiction," the film chronicles four women who are sent to understand a mysterious area of the U.S. ridden with abnormal activity. Bound to have girl power of epic proportions, these ladies are on a mission previously failed by all others who attempted to tackle it due to frightening and inexplicable causes. Besides a stellar cast, the film is directed by Alex Garland (Ex Machina) and looks to be promising. Her other upcoming film is Sharon 1.2.3. , an indie romance film about a guy stuck in an unforseeable love triangle. Rodriguez won't be playing Sharon 1 or 2 or 3, but, instead, a character named Cindy.

She should inspire you, actress or not. She provides much-needed lightheartedness and makes fans laugh on a weekly basis with Jane the Virgin. Additionally, Rodriguez is a Hollywood trailblazer, shining light on Latina perception and opportunity with her #MovementMondays initiative alone. On top of changing the world and making people feel confident, she's climbing on up in her career, her own way.

I can't wait to see more of her on the big screen, the small screen, and in any other field she might choose to tackle next. I think she's more than proven that she has what it takes to do anything she sets her mind to, and do it well.

Image: Lionsgate