tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371635852024-03-12T22:15:50.723-07:00Alex in MovielandAlex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-40080515180596116832017-03-28T15:26:00.003-07:002017-03-28T15:29:31.587-07:00<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> My vote - Best Actress 1999</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For years I had stayed away from Boys Don’t Cry, fearing that
the drama level is gonna make it really uncomfortable to watch. As I was
contemplating what year from the 1990s to select, this felt attractive, as I
hadn’t seen any of the films in a long time. I knew it wasn’t gonna be an
excellent year, but that it had easy films to go through (other than Boys).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So the mostly unknown Hilary Swank won for a <i>very</i> independent film, beating out what
would’ve been the safe choice: Annette Bening, the more experienced, Hollywood
based actress, pregnant while campaigning, married to Warren Beatty and acting
in the Best Picture winner. I think I also chose ’99 to prove that my love for
Meryl Streep is objective enough in order to call her out for her worst Oscar-nominated
performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Here is how I would have voted:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwMTbW1t5oFPSfAgwROcx-jjJjCa4rvvEHbj15pZC-Hs9B-PpFq03RzVlG-Z0A6fOL5jOWXfsJkU5rEKvIIdUOg1FIji0a0I61PPBU3BTjN6WSOIKGL4Q0gchZHYFpHvP-QkK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwMTbW1t5oFPSfAgwROcx-jjJjCa4rvvEHbj15pZC-Hs9B-PpFq03RzVlG-Z0A6fOL5jOWXfsJkU5rEKvIIdUOg1FIji0a0I61PPBU3BTjN6WSOIKGL4Q0gchZHYFpHvP-QkK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. Hilary Swank, in <i>Boys
Don’t Cry</i></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Hilary
plays Brandon Teena, a female-born transgender trying to find love as a man and
risking his life by hanging around with the wrong kind of people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: It’s
important, but selective in what it decides to show, heavily dramatized and a
bit exploitive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: People have been building up this performance as being
something amazing and a game changer for this category. I don’t know if it came
down to expectations, but I found it to be great and strong, yet not
mind-blowing. While you can’t deny Hilary’s commitment and dedication to the
role, my first problem was the believability: to me there was no way Brandon
would’ve passed as a man. Putting this <i>technical</i>
issue aside, I didn’t always connect with the character or understand his
actions. It wasn’t until the more dramatic scenes that I found the richness of
the performance: the police interrogation scene is strong and Hilary’s acting
in the medical checkup scene is heartbreaking. While the performance has
difficulty in finding a balance between trying too hard and unconvincing
moments, it’s impossible to deny A) the extreme difficulty level and B) that
she mostly pulls it out. A performance I can respect and support, but not love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UNQnJPpxV6OX3L2XLwsybhaVQA6cCk3vyVLu-4xc-TQArpFRYP2EgmIVM1e1OGZhWPWqd-3yj2BcQP55QjHJj42OZcKsureBSeiB90qYiG6PmPBzD3puEStd8p9YAKZSJE0D/s1600/B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UNQnJPpxV6OX3L2XLwsybhaVQA6cCk3vyVLu-4xc-TQArpFRYP2EgmIVM1e1OGZhWPWqd-3yj2BcQP55QjHJj42OZcKsureBSeiB90qYiG6PmPBzD3puEStd8p9YAKZSJE0D/s400/B3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwMTbW1t5oFPSfAgwROcx-jjJjCa4rvvEHbj15pZC-Hs9B-PpFq03RzVlG-Z0A6fOL5jOWXfsJkU5rEKvIIdUOg1FIji0a0I61PPBU3BTjN6WSOIKGL4Q0gchZHYFpHvP-QkK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwMTbW1t5oFPSfAgwROcx-jjJjCa4rvvEHbj15pZC-Hs9B-PpFq03RzVlG-Z0A6fOL5jOWXfsJkU5rEKvIIdUOg1FIji0a0I61PPBU3BTjN6WSOIKGL4Q0gchZHYFpHvP-QkK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Julianne Moore, in <i>The
End of the Affair</i></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Julianne
plays Sarah Miles, a married woman who has a passionate affair with a
possessive writer, but chooses to suddenly end the romance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: It takes
itself a bit too seriously. It’s very watchable and I loved the subtle twist,
but not a film I could care too much about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: I am not objective enough as to not give bonus points for
the coolness of the performance. Never had Julianne looked better on screen:
she is sensual, sexual and eventually a tragic figure. There are scenes where
she just looks away silently and I am mesmerized and a bit fascinated, just
like the jealous lover. The emotional scenes are properly played and sold to
the viewers, but as I hinted it’s mostly about the mood her acting and her
presence create. The performance is believable despite the lack of a real
backstory and she is the only touch of interesting in quite of a boring film. I
approved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zje_DEbIguFBHo0nXLV2A_gCxE0tiQuNphvLl-KgG9_7ocdm6lzIj3GCyP8zYz0nduFs1e4hT36_OoJ6ae-NvzfmGof2ImrwYo1INJskosbTke44BFjVBCPT2NiCupgH9BCt/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zje_DEbIguFBHo0nXLV2A_gCxE0tiQuNphvLl-KgG9_7ocdm6lzIj3GCyP8zYz0nduFs1e4hT36_OoJ6ae-NvzfmGof2ImrwYo1INJskosbTke44BFjVBCPT2NiCupgH9BCt/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Annette Bening, in <i>American
Beauty</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Annette
plays Carolyn Burnham, a highly ambitious real-estate agent with professional
problems and an unhappy marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: I was a
bit doubtful about watching it again after 15+ years, but I enjoyed it quite a
lot. The screenplay does the job and it’s beautifully directed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: It’s no easy task playing the <i>bad cop</i> in a relationship, especially when the film is focused on
your male co-star. Adding to the problem, the character is quite uncool,
uptight and not very likeable. So while I can’t love the performance, I like
the comedic route that Annette is going for – sure, there are dramatic facts
and scenes to care about, and they’re played quite well, but what I appreciated
the most were the unintentional comedic tones she chose for the character, that
it all fits the film’s requirements and that it’s quite the solid work. But
this is not a scene-stealing performance and her co-star steals the spotlight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsAjSb5UcbJgJqXtz8QDRWHyiKEV0i3AN9vIVmRW2GmFsWvNv-cajkDvbby1Msk023QAxfoaBRKg9nE6BS9tz0IIe5ZyTKWfCWdb_ZsEdvtt5HbO67sK8TAL3226yyNh6ogKH/s1600/D3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsAjSb5UcbJgJqXtz8QDRWHyiKEV0i3AN9vIVmRW2GmFsWvNv-cajkDvbby1Msk023QAxfoaBRKg9nE6BS9tz0IIe5ZyTKWfCWdb_ZsEdvtt5HbO67sK8TAL3226yyNh6ogKH/s400/D3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgPwRamDYhvJ5GpQn_8TmH8bQnNo0AdDXo0iLOqxiKUzeu8HFisrHZa686c-vwbkJhGa5eATAzbaMfqh4b9H9VakrZAf2odSiVh_HCpHAhkJ0wSsMRcUcs6bEhRgPfHCG091q/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgPwRamDYhvJ5GpQn_8TmH8bQnNo0AdDXo0iLOqxiKUzeu8HFisrHZa686c-vwbkJhGa5eATAzbaMfqh4b9H9VakrZAf2odSiVh_HCpHAhkJ0wSsMRcUcs6bEhRgPfHCG091q/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Janet McTeer, in <i>Tumbleweeds</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Janet
plays Mary Jo Walker, a woman going from one town and bad relationship to another,
bringing her teenage daughter along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Very
simple, very basic, kind of forgettable. Not much to it beyond the leading
performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: There’s at least half a star bonus for the fact that Janet,
an English actress, is playing the most distinctive type of American: a
Southern woman; who’s also a bit trashy – so as far from Shakespeare as it
gets. I had no problem in finding the performance to be convincing, but was put
off a bit by the quality of the film and the lack of too many meaningful
scenes. Specifically, there is just one scene (when the daughter runs away)
that justifies the ranking, which happens to be one of the least loud of the
character’s, but it’s one where I could find an emotional connection to Mary
Jo. The overall loudness of the character didn’t bother me, it’s just something
that I expected. An almost 3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_skxldJjtLVEaGiEx0Q88_jtkiGX-Jr4VnPJlqVq_Lti9pzW5hKLtUXcTtxN8GFVLm1YueKF9IkNXbQZul27R4OQOqnUYQS6EdXR3LVftUDonIwmf8_PW2Lvz9tNcXaw_B6uv/s1600/E3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_skxldJjtLVEaGiEx0Q88_jtkiGX-Jr4VnPJlqVq_Lti9pzW5hKLtUXcTtxN8GFVLm1YueKF9IkNXbQZul27R4OQOqnUYQS6EdXR3LVftUDonIwmf8_PW2Lvz9tNcXaw_B6uv/s400/E3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3JTvsEp5r2VPHCjUO9dwlt8nuibnsz3u4eub3baLOZIKIYtWC-m3nfddlaaEtH02GtfYlso9oQCtbIYSARDGZHYaAm5IjK7d_pD0lxs7xQ4YCqUA2046ZfircI2DflmuZCZV/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3JTvsEp5r2VPHCjUO9dwlt8nuibnsz3u4eub3baLOZIKIYtWC-m3nfddlaaEtH02GtfYlso9oQCtbIYSARDGZHYaAm5IjK7d_pD0lxs7xQ4YCqUA2046ZfircI2DflmuZCZV/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Meryl Streep, in <i>Music
of the Heart</i></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Meryl
plays Roberta Guaspari, a single mother who starts teaching violin to children
from a rough neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: It’s
totally boring and predictable. You’d think that if Wes Craven finally directed
a family film, it would have some edge to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: It’s one of the few situations where one could say I am
sorry they cast Meryl Streep in this, and not Madonna, as originally intended. No
one is immune to my critique, not even Meryl, who is quite bad in this. First,
there’s the questionable casting, with 49 year old Meryl playing an early 30s
Roberta for half of the film. Even beyond the age, it truly feels like a bad
call – Meryl is too pompous, too precious, too loud here for the part. And it
ends up with a fake feel to it. It’s where Meryl’s overacting doesn’t work the
right way – every reaction, every look she gives is <i>SO</i> dramatic, so obvious, so overcooked. The intention of youthful
energy translates as the edge of hysterical. Sad to report it’s one of the
worst 2’s I’ve ever given. We can’t hand out nominations for just learning the
violin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>Conclusion:</i> The race for my #1 was closer than I expected,
but I tried to stay objective. I thought Hilary would win by a landslide, but
hard not to get lost in Julianne’s looks and sensibility. From then on, it was
quite clear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>How the voting went: </i>I am sure Annette gave Hilary quite a
run for it. I am also convinced that the two of them gathered about 80% of the
votes and there was no real chance for any of the other three to win. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Funny enough, the only actress who stole some critics’ awards
from Hilary was Reese Witherspoon, whose performance in <i>Election</i> must’ve been too <i>young</i>-ish
in tone for the Academy to nominate. But undoubtedly she was 6<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>What’s next:</i> Not fully decided yet. Maybe 2004. I haven’t
seen <i>Maria Full of Cocaine</i>… I mean <i>Grace</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-30145843307423235812017-03-11T10:25:00.002-08:002017-03-11T10:25:25.924-08:00<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> My vote - Best Actress 1962</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhC0wMLswjIhX7G2LtPRXzg1BMhASPHuzRbTv2-7W7G-Ks92rLML6ynYx1UKewyzmyzicqV9iV7wRByeulyajFtvyh98v2Fhe5KU3yyvhBwTWNBskO9VoUI1x_X9vTy22468Y/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhC0wMLswjIhX7G2LtPRXzg1BMhASPHuzRbTv2-7W7G-Ks92rLML6ynYx1UKewyzmyzicqV9iV7wRByeulyajFtvyh98v2Fhe5KU3yyvhBwTWNBskO9VoUI1x_X9vTy22468Y/s200/oscar.jpg" width="76" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Following my take on the rather dull 2016 Best Actress race,
there was a real need to sink my teeth into a juicier Best Actress lineup, so I
went for one that tends to be considered among the all-time best, with some
urban legends and colorful roles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Anne Bancroft won for recreating her Tony-winning stage role.
Bette Davis later claimed that Joan Crawford sabotaged her potential win, but I
suspect the race was closer than imagined with any of the 5 ladies having a
decent shot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Here is how I would have voted:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7HN4N9Xh4fvjoWh3f7PpgBkOGmNfXmkZDOB9_ogoPfhmKibNQ21CQGfS0qqrfkWWqa7fuf3K-2LF28xmo3b-NbTv1QvI2Ugs7OK8NVWszpgbjy9qdW24H0XpyPRt4WRfL9KC/s1600/5+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7HN4N9Xh4fvjoWh3f7PpgBkOGmNfXmkZDOB9_ogoPfhmKibNQ21CQGfS0qqrfkWWqa7fuf3K-2LF28xmo3b-NbTv1QvI2Ugs7OK8NVWszpgbjy9qdW24H0XpyPRt4WRfL9KC/s1600/5+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Katharine Hepburn, in <i>Long
Day’s Journey into Night</i></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Katharine
plays Mary Tyrone, a drug addicted matriarch who over the course of a day
relives the dark moments of her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Eugene
O'Neill’s semi-autobiographical (and most acclaimed) play is adapted in a very <i>stagey</i> fashion. It works at times; at
other times it really needs some editing. Mostly excellent acting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: I went into this race having already seen this performance
many years ago, but I was surprised to discover I didn’t remember this level of
excellence. As far as I can say, this is a career best for Hepburn, which means
a lot, and one of the best performances to ever grace the screen. It’s to be
seen to be believed – the role offers a lot, but Kate surprised me with her
complete dedication to the character’s vulnerability and mental state. The
grandeur Kate sometimes carries to her performances is completely gone here –
she perfectly captures the tragedy of the character, the struggle with addiction,
the frustration of her clinical depression, in such a manner that completely
dominates the screen without it feeling intentional. It’s acting magic and Top
5 best performances I’ve ever reviewed here. The camera is fascinated with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAb-DlD9sYps-AVTCLbNDgBV1euEK07dZlBT0mlcTCSdhWHUz7kQ0gd-L9gDuetOh-EgO99bm4qyXzoePOD2hVO8SalfBB_XZ-w8RsIqECOirxfwK2ftJ0A8BkP9fsjPqqDokm/s1600/B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAb-DlD9sYps-AVTCLbNDgBV1euEK07dZlBT0mlcTCSdhWHUz7kQ0gd-L9gDuetOh-EgO99bm4qyXzoePOD2hVO8SalfBB_XZ-w8RsIqECOirxfwK2ftJ0A8BkP9fsjPqqDokm/s400/B1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GkjOHCwpDYSnhGK9s1pVPPiZTqzNzrz2qOAtIvBLA-XH6DVODIXymgQsMhNCfOP0NEC_Tav-z5zf_GeIo4idjdqZy7c885yv2jk_uXn1EomDbebiaq3mGTVPOpnRD1DMWMZH/s1600/B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GkjOHCwpDYSnhGK9s1pVPPiZTqzNzrz2qOAtIvBLA-XH6DVODIXymgQsMhNCfOP0NEC_Tav-z5zf_GeIo4idjdqZy7c885yv2jk_uXn1EomDbebiaq3mGTVPOpnRD1DMWMZH/s400/B3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7HN4N9Xh4fvjoWh3f7PpgBkOGmNfXmkZDOB9_ogoPfhmKibNQ21CQGfS0qqrfkWWqa7fuf3K-2LF28xmo3b-NbTv1QvI2Ugs7OK8NVWszpgbjy9qdW24H0XpyPRt4WRfL9KC/s1600/5+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7HN4N9Xh4fvjoWh3f7PpgBkOGmNfXmkZDOB9_ogoPfhmKibNQ21CQGfS0qqrfkWWqa7fuf3K-2LF28xmo3b-NbTv1QvI2Ugs7OK8NVWszpgbjy9qdW24H0XpyPRt4WRfL9KC/s1600/5+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Bette Davis, in <i>What
Ever Happened to Baby Jane?</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Bette
plays Baby Jane Hudson, a former child star with deep emotional issues, who now
takes care of (and tortures) her invalid sister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: For the first
half it feels like a juicy B-movie, but Bette’s acting just keeps getting better
and the film makes some bold choices. Hard not to like.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Just like Kate’s performance, this one’s also about
dropping the vanity. This performance goes beyond the crazy makeup and the loud
line-readings. As the last chapter of the film proves, Bette digs deep into
finding the character and providing humanity beyond the big laughter and the
cruelty. Sure, the superficial stuff is delicious and very few American
actresses of that age and from that era would’ve had such fun with the role, without
any intention of taking themselves seriously. But the fact that she also brings
emotion and vulnerability and sells the backstory is a wonderful bonus and
takes the performance to the next level. They’ll be talking about <i>I’ve written a letter to daddy</i> even 50
years from now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDdYppCcXSxuQfpuWasF6yiBjfXI1pgTJQEoWORxm4b1gtBYLnfPthDfkaJmgGqojqC89OJofyi2uIr-3uYyDCEMCV1DTVWTMidWiEZ6q6MNs_fpplGuJ4TpUHW7BvlcvOVDH/s1600/C3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDdYppCcXSxuQfpuWasF6yiBjfXI1pgTJQEoWORxm4b1gtBYLnfPthDfkaJmgGqojqC89OJofyi2uIr-3uYyDCEMCV1DTVWTMidWiEZ6q6MNs_fpplGuJ4TpUHW7BvlcvOVDH/s400/C3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwMTbW1t5oFPSfAgwROcx-jjJjCa4rvvEHbj15pZC-Hs9B-PpFq03RzVlG-Z0A6fOL5jOWXfsJkU5rEKvIIdUOg1FIji0a0I61PPBU3BTjN6WSOIKGL4Q0gchZHYFpHvP-QkK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwMTbW1t5oFPSfAgwROcx-jjJjCa4rvvEHbj15pZC-Hs9B-PpFq03RzVlG-Z0A6fOL5jOWXfsJkU5rEKvIIdUOg1FIji0a0I61PPBU3BTjN6WSOIKGL4Q0gchZHYFpHvP-QkK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Anne Bancroft, in <i>The
Miracle Worker</i></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Anne
plays Annie Sullivan, the real-life <i>miracle
worker </i>who teaches a girl who is deaf and blind to communicate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: It was
the first time I saw this film and I was very pleasantly surprised. It’s aged
well and there’s something really special about the direction. Patty Duke
rules. The ending made me cry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: There are a couple of key elements that make this a great
performance. The emotion, the empathy and the passion are there, as you’d
expect. But there is also wonderful charisma and Anne brings plenty of
likeability to a character that can sometimes act a bit edgy. It’s easy to
cheer for her and her journey, because Anne makes it believable and you do get caught
in the character’s life and mission. It’s an intelligent performance, but
subtly so, and also very energetic. Which takes me to the final but essential
element of success: the physicality of the role. I was more than impressed with
the interaction of the two leads, and there is a lot of sign communication, but
also fighting, pushing, attacking that must’ve required a special choreography
that both actresses perfectly deliver. It’s a dynamic and convincing
performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwMTbW1t5oFPSfAgwROcx-jjJjCa4rvvEHbj15pZC-Hs9B-PpFq03RzVlG-Z0A6fOL5jOWXfsJkU5rEKvIIdUOg1FIji0a0I61PPBU3BTjN6WSOIKGL4Q0gchZHYFpHvP-QkK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwMTbW1t5oFPSfAgwROcx-jjJjCa4rvvEHbj15pZC-Hs9B-PpFq03RzVlG-Z0A6fOL5jOWXfsJkU5rEKvIIdUOg1FIji0a0I61PPBU3BTjN6WSOIKGL4Q0gchZHYFpHvP-QkK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Geraldine Page, in <i>Sweet
Bird of Youth</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Geraldine
plays Alexandra Del Lago, a movie star whose career is on the rocks who ends up
entangled in the personal and career ambitions of a young hustler. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: I am not
its biggest fan because it doesn’t always land as interesting. Some
performances are good, some ideas too familiar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: How does such a delicious, playful performance end up only
as my #4?! Speaks a lot about the level of this field. In a way, I have an
instinctive unjustified love for this performance. Just listen to that name: <i>Alexandra Del Lago</i>. What could be
cooler? And she’s drunk and smokes pot and acts like a horny cat. And she’s
theatrical and excellent at it. The personal struggles of the character fade by
comparison to the others’, but there are two aspects to look out for: the movie
star worried about ageing – and Geraldine nails this so-called worry – and the
fun she is having with the performance. Nobody plays <i>hysteria</i> the way Geraldine does: the big reveal towards the end and
the amused, vulnerable, playful reactions over the phone are played with great
precision and even a comedic timing. It’s a juicy diva role done really well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Lee Remick, in <i>Days
of Wine and Roses</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Lee plays
Kirsten, a woman who marries an alcoholic and who starts losing control of her
life as he pressures her to join his drinking habits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: It’s a
real drama, hard to enjoy because I found Lemmon’s character to be kind of
disgusting, so sitting through the film was not a pleasant experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: I feel
like I am being somewhat unjust with this rating, but I guess it’s impossible
not to compare it a bit with what the actresses ranked higher here got. Lee is
good, but not distinctively good, meaning the potential stands in the role and the
scenes (the big drunk scene in the hotel, the character’s last scene, etc),
with opportunities coming from the page - and that she delivers. Her acting in
such important scenes is good to great – especially the hotel scene, which is
the <i>Oscar</i> one, but you don’t
necessarily feel it’s something that another good actress from her generation
couldn’t have delivered. It’s a solid, dependable performance that wins a lot
even through its silent scenes. She brings some likeability to the film, but I
feel there could’ve been even more. A very strong 3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Conclusion: My #1 was easy to choose, also my #2. Anne and
Geraldine feel on the same level to me, with Anne getting the edge for the
difficulty factor of the role. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">How the voting went: Maybe the 1<sup>st</sup> time I am
avoiding to assume a ranking here. I really do think it was close, and that
even Remick was a contender. There are arguments both for and against each
one’s chances of winning. So I have no idea, anyone’s game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What’s
next: 1999 I guess, since I’ve already watched again 4 of the 5 films. I’ll
finally see <i>Boys Don’t Cry </i>for the
first time. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-64461638453550012762017-02-26T00:52:00.000-08:002017-02-26T00:56:10.586-08:00<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> My vote - Best Actress 2016</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am a bit angry at the lineup we got and in some ways my
ranking is a bit of a <i>fuck it, I am going
with what I enjoyed most</i>. Because it needs to be said, that with the
exception of Jennifer Lawrence, any/all the other 4 nominees from last year’s
Best Actress (Rampling, Blanchett, Ronan and Brie Larson) would easily win this
category for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ28qEVBw_cmuuBD1b_A3pqw_VRAIWZwTgonLomW9jnfpSJzYKmtCSmzq1PXxsnVAjf6GVto65zYt3XWwLtVjkKX8pzGwVNuRWYHjHUbV1i9D-uxDA29FA4sgC99vQOBlGh7B/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ28qEVBw_cmuuBD1b_A3pqw_VRAIWZwTgonLomW9jnfpSJzYKmtCSmzq1PXxsnVAjf6GVto65zYt3XWwLtVjkKX8pzGwVNuRWYHjHUbV1i9D-uxDA29FA4sgC99vQOBlGh7B/s200/oscar.jpg" width="76" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In a rich field that could’ve given us Amy Adams (perfect, 5
stars & almost career best in <i>Arrival</i>),
Annette Bening (a performance of profound intelligence and wisdom in <i>20<sup>th</sup> Century Women</i>) and… get
ready for it… Emily Blunt (haters will hate all they want; <i>Girl on the Train</i> is awful – not as awful as <i>Jackie</i> though – but she is superb & mesmerizing playing a
troubled alcoholic), we ended up with this group. I couldn’t get excited: Meryl
is wonderful, but she’s lucky her <i>Meryl
tricks</i> really work here. The others don’t stretch too much either: Emma
plays a young actress auditioning and being A smart-ass, Isabelle plays a cold
distant bitch, Ruth plays a nicely behaved, soft spoken housewife and Natalie…
bless her heart, she tries, but no point when you’re so wrong for the part and the
director is so wrong for the film and the screenplay is crap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">With an open heart and mind, I mostly gave them another go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Here is how I would have voted:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cfkM4SjxnxhemFfuOq8J6aoUjY8OwoBIyQUBbj1uqnzuu-m0bC39D-KzSZT7Ul9ftWQ0ZUNyKzaRmpZGDRT_7Kkn79fen07UTbt070z3F1a2z4F6Guqpi38d_bcnobg0NZjn/s1600/A3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cfkM4SjxnxhemFfuOq8J6aoUjY8OwoBIyQUBbj1uqnzuu-m0bC39D-KzSZT7Ul9ftWQ0ZUNyKzaRmpZGDRT_7Kkn79fen07UTbt070z3F1a2z4F6Guqpi38d_bcnobg0NZjn/s400/A3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwMTbW1t5oFPSfAgwROcx-jjJjCa4rvvEHbj15pZC-Hs9B-PpFq03RzVlG-Z0A6fOL5jOWXfsJkU5rEKvIIdUOg1FIji0a0I61PPBU3BTjN6WSOIKGL4Q0gchZHYFpHvP-QkK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwMTbW1t5oFPSfAgwROcx-jjJjCa4rvvEHbj15pZC-Hs9B-PpFq03RzVlG-Z0A6fOL5jOWXfsJkU5rEKvIIdUOg1FIji0a0I61PPBU3BTjN6WSOIKGL4Q0gchZHYFpHvP-QkK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>1. Meryl Streep, in <i>Florence
Foster Jenkins</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Meryl
plays Florence, a socialite with a kind heart and many unfulfilled aspirations,
who decides to give it a go as an opera singer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: I liked
it just a bit better now, because it’s indeed funny and catchy. Nothing
groundbreaking, but strong performances and appropriate directing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: It would
be easy to underestimate this performance and I needed a second view to be
remembered of the dramatic layers. It’s not all about bad singing and
eye-rolling (which are indeed very effective). Look at it carefully, there’s
real character construction here. Surprisingly, the screenplay helps, as it
alternates the comedy with stories of the character’s sad past – the scene with
the doctor is heartbreaking, just like all the other scenes that deal with
trauma and regret. Meryl brings much needed vulnerability which works to
reflect emotion and empathy towards Florence; and also to give credibility to
the giggly almost-teenagerish personality she has. The comedy itself is perfect
– yes, with Meryl’s trademarks – but her <i>divaness</i>
& extra gesturing really do work here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Land</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Emma plays
Mia, an aspiring actress in Hollywood, who falls for a good-looking jazz player
and they sing and dance and play out their relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: It works
better on the big screen, because when I also checked it on my laptop and some
of the magic was lost. I like its ambition, the songs are a plus, I salute the
charismatic actors, while the director is clearly the star.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: I almost gave it the win and I almost ranked it higher, but
I won’t hide around the obvious: it’s not just the character’s description, but
the role is not the biggest stretch. For what she has to do, Emma succeeds –
she is charming, down to Earth (much needed for the role to function), has a
beautiful voice and those expressive eyes. The film wouldn’t work without her; yet
putting the technical aspects aside, the character is only this deep. She is so
damn charming and uses this gift wisely. I respect the performance more than
actually loving it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zje_DEbIguFBHo0nXLV2A_gCxE0tiQuNphvLl-KgG9_7ocdm6lzIj3GCyP8zYz0nduFs1e4hT36_OoJ6ae-NvzfmGof2ImrwYo1INJskosbTke44BFjVBCPT2NiCupgH9BCt/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zje_DEbIguFBHo0nXLV2A_gCxE0tiQuNphvLl-KgG9_7ocdm6lzIj3GCyP8zYz0nduFs1e4hT36_OoJ6ae-NvzfmGof2ImrwYo1INJskosbTke44BFjVBCPT2NiCupgH9BCt/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Isabelle Huppert, in <i>Elle</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Isabelle
plays Michèle, a strong independent very tough woman, who won’t allow her life
to change after being the victim of rape. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: I still
think it’s quite offensive in the way it handles the topic of rape, but even so
I can’t deny the power of some secondary storylines and it’s especially well
directed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: I looked at it again and I don’t get it – this insane buzz
around a performance that Huppert could play in her sleep; and not just that, but
also the stubbornness against a touch more emotion or something impactful or a
bit of an arc or something new or… something believable. It’s not a performance
that moves me or that I can really feel empathy towards; it doesn’t impress me,
it’s just flat. <u>Of course</u>, she’s Isabelle Huppert and even a simple line
reading comes with some intelligence, elegance, determination, class, but why
do I feel like she keeps holding back on the good stuff or no interest in
putting that much effort. Where I found the performance to work best was in the
mother-daughter, father-daughter and even mother-son relationships, which were
interesting from the character’s perspective and had a bit more life in them,
which is why I didn’t rank it lower.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Ruth
plays Mildred, a black woman who marries a white man and suffers the legal
consequences for it in 1960s America.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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it has a certain charm to it, being almost poetic, if not a bit too slow and
slightly boring at times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: …Which relates in many ways to the performance, as I wonder
if the director somehow killed any intention of energy that Ruth would’ve
injected in the character. Ruth has a very beautiful face and very expressive
eyes and that helped a lot in a couple of scenes (two of them with her talking
on the phone) where she gets to react in a more emotional way. The quietness of
the performance can leave the impression we are not seeing enough, but also
creates this aura of mystery around Mildred and if sensibility is something she
was trying to convey, we get the message.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Natalie Portman, in <i>Jackie</i></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Natalie
plays Jackie Kennedy, the First Lady, in the hours and days following her
husband’s violent death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Hated it.
Not much to add. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Just because there are tears and big, <i>important</i> scenes doesn’t mean I automatically fall for it. First,
she’s insanely miscast; I’m not talking about the voice or accent (though that
pronunciation of <i>Camelot</i> is now stuck
in my brain to bring back the bad memories), but just the kindness and
sensibility that Natalie should show us and it’s just not there the way it
should be – in a relatable way. No believable warmth, nothing <i>human</i> enough to grab on. From her own
acting choices to the direction she’s given, it’s all pompous, pretentious, it
lands as fake. So let’s just say I wasn’t moved; but this is not a 1 star
because it’s clear the director’s the first one to blame (and I want to leave
Anne Bancroft the exclusivity of being the only performer so far, for <i>Agnes of God</i>, to get the abysmal 1 star
from me) for stirring her on this unfortunate path. And she does try try try,
but I am not impressed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>Conclusion:</i> My first reaction was that I don’t want to pick a
winner, since I feel none of them deserves that Oscar, but I feel very
confident now by going with Meryl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>How the voting will go: </i>Emma will win, and Isabelle is the
potential spoiler, with all the campaigning and buzz and fake buzz that have
been going around. Meryl is 3<sup>rd</sup> because she gives great speeches.
Natalie must be 4<sup>th</sup> and maybe Ruth last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>What’s next: </i>Probably 1962, since I’ve already started seeing
the films. And I need a GREAT year to make me forget about 2016’s lineup.</span></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-61612204237929664652017-02-11T15:57:00.003-08:002017-02-11T16:01:11.252-08:00<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> My vote - Best Actress 1940</b><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">I would say this is widely regarded as the most
prestigious Best Actress race of the 1940s. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I chose this year having seen 3 of
the 5 films and knowing, and in some case hoping, they will be pleasant to
sit-through. And so they were, with the monumental exception of </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Town</i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">, which was quite bad. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Ginger Rogers surprisingly won the race against two
previous winners and one remarkable breakthrough performance in a Best Picture
winner. I expect fellow readers familiar with these performances will quite
disagree with the following ranking. :)</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is how I would have voted:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8_SoLWSGuuf40RJP_yO9QQoMi1IyB0iIMK5BahnYWfXln-A5I761SzQykPhGSWPfNASxVBc552JAlrSzC63AHK-gxoMsi3-bfyPcJqPG_teT9BkxO5W17iJL41QjQH04QYwr/s1600/A3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8_SoLWSGuuf40RJP_yO9QQoMi1IyB0iIMK5BahnYWfXln-A5I761SzQykPhGSWPfNASxVBc552JAlrSzC63AHK-gxoMsi3-bfyPcJqPG_teT9BkxO5W17iJL41QjQH04QYwr/s400/A3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgjBSrJzwyRdG58T0xHr3UUTwQAwzbBMq5dYAQNM2ruI5o_4HyDtrOvJYun8YrDeOD5pCrrPbZ0lsPkAUZgMf9LSBurfQl60nTs_Eg0SY7MM4jflPEhyMVkl5jGkewnjh9UXB/s1600/5+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgjBSrJzwyRdG58T0xHr3UUTwQAwzbBMq5dYAQNM2ruI5o_4HyDtrOvJYun8YrDeOD5pCrrPbZ0lsPkAUZgMf9LSBurfQl60nTs_Eg0SY7MM4jflPEhyMVkl5jGkewnjh9UXB/s1600/5+stars.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. Bette Davis, in <i>The
Letter</i></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">:
Bette plays Leslie Crosbie , the wife of a 1920s plantation owner in Indonesia,
who shoots her lover in a moment of rage and tries to escape the consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">:
I like it because it’s so well directed, never boring, and captivating through
its performances. Let me say again what a subtle achievement this is for
William Wyler, a director too often forgotten nowadays.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Bette delivers in a film that is mostly a vehicle
for her amazing talent and consistent run of remarkable performances. Maybe I
am a touch subjective, but there is no wrong note, nothing false, no
hesitation: she manages to blend her experience of owning a scene with touches
of sensibility and vulnerability. When the camera is on her, she is
breathtaking and always captivating. Those expressive eyes bring extra layers
of depth to the character, who could have simply been a delicious slightly
crazy diva. This ranks easily as one of my favourite performances of hers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKtdKKEdQi55RhIJbFpNjLBkK4mV1SfH9fynrTw2oymDTz4T0M5ejrJDu90QE3A7Z9noAn7XLsyQhBQQRHmKFeyxgj_GGWmY5HlIahhUceopxcX-xwFcdpgIIfXqNZOBhfyB8/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKtdKKEdQi55RhIJbFpNjLBkK4mV1SfH9fynrTw2oymDTz4T0M5ejrJDu90QE3A7Z9noAn7XLsyQhBQQRHmKFeyxgj_GGWmY5HlIahhUceopxcX-xwFcdpgIIfXqNZOBhfyB8/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Katharine Hepburn, in <i>The Philadelphia Story</i></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">:
Kate plays Tracy Lord, a socialite whose upcoming wedding is <i>crushed</i> by her ex-husband, two reporters
and some romantic entanglements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">:
While the film lacks a clear direction in the second half, it’s considered
something of a classic today, also because of its rich group of actors. I like
it when it’s funny, but don’t worship it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: First, it needs to be stated that it’s a strong performance
throughout the film, covering both of its <i>aspects</i>.
The comedic first half is handled in a relaxed way, but with that specific
Hepburn touch of intelligence and independence even when the screenplay is
being a bit silly. The few more profound (<i>dramatic</i>
doesn’t feel right) scenes in the second half somehow work against the film as
they throw it a bit off balance, but they take the performance to a different
level, giving Kate a chance to show vulnerability and to stand out from her
fellow cast mates. Jimmy Stewart might have (undeservedly) won the Oscar, but
she is the star of the film. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3t05UVLTwcAsT4Wzz60l7OI5k3_WjWIp1Eu3klkSIXRmeXwpkDsq5sW0rTcGmsre49RcpZtlRDax5TjDtFEHJHiTiTWbEC4O2qPniF_Qj01FZ4Q9w05zPhV_yOAgRJ8PIlSW/s1600/C3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3t05UVLTwcAsT4Wzz60l7OI5k3_WjWIp1Eu3klkSIXRmeXwpkDsq5sW0rTcGmsre49RcpZtlRDax5TjDtFEHJHiTiTWbEC4O2qPniF_Qj01FZ4Q9w05zPhV_yOAgRJ8PIlSW/s400/C3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgPwRamDYhvJ5GpQn_8TmH8bQnNo0AdDXo0iLOqxiKUzeu8HFisrHZa686c-vwbkJhGa5eATAzbaMfqh4b9H9VakrZAf2odSiVh_HCpHAhkJ0wSsMRcUcs6bEhRgPfHCG091q/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgPwRamDYhvJ5GpQn_8TmH8bQnNo0AdDXo0iLOqxiKUzeu8HFisrHZa686c-vwbkJhGa5eATAzbaMfqh4b9H9VakrZAf2odSiVh_HCpHAhkJ0wSsMRcUcs6bEhRgPfHCG091q/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Ginger Rogers, in <i>Kitty Foyle</i></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">:
Ginger plays the title character, a woman from a modest background who, through
a series of experiences, comes out as an example of the modern woman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">:
Nothing remarkable, really, but not awful. Some choices in the story feel kind
of fresh for that era, but the film ends up forgettable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: This has to rank as one of the most forgotten Best
Actress wins in Oscar’s history and also one of the less seen. Given how it
must’ve been voting nostalgia for the Ginger Rogers – Fred Astaire days of her
career, I expected it to be bad. Actually, it wasn’t. What stops it from being
a great one is the film itself; it offers a platform for a strong performance,
and, while it’s not dull acting we are seeing, there is nothing too memorable
either. There is honesty in the way Ginger creates the character, and also
smartness, and also sentiment. But doesn’t feel like an exciting winner (or
performance).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESYzySg4WEqQ0Vzj083hqZ6aeObUbYfdpW3DOv-OdhF_yFSHv0FZl8_q-gABQ8krq6hZl0heYCpN2V2Tey5g9zQ4xovMIFSVAmec50K3zD8hkdvxmWBYar_Q2hR4yV8KPcoO_/s1600/D3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESYzySg4WEqQ0Vzj083hqZ6aeObUbYfdpW3DOv-OdhF_yFSHv0FZl8_q-gABQ8krq6hZl0heYCpN2V2Tey5g9zQ4xovMIFSVAmec50K3zD8hkdvxmWBYar_Q2hR4yV8KPcoO_/s400/D3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVUPs8ck6tCwLtz7Q5VDZ4tWJOcmeEEI4DWowfBrQee7NZZqgu1h5svgrKYnrUr_RLmi-D6QsY9U4f2HJhDABJaaSnSA6JHcru6IBaIigIBH2C7Na1pFp91jl8oAJgIqJtvwh/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVUPs8ck6tCwLtz7Q5VDZ4tWJOcmeEEI4DWowfBrQee7NZZqgu1h5svgrKYnrUr_RLmi-D6QsY9U4f2HJhDABJaaSnSA6JHcru6IBaIigIBH2C7Na1pFp91jl8oAJgIqJtvwh/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. Joan Fontaine, in <i>Rebecca</i></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">T</span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">he role</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">:
Joan plays the Second Mrs. de Winter (unnamed), a young naïve woman, who
marries a mysterious widower, with a complicated past.</span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">:
It’s arguably my favourite Hitchock film: a great combination of a haunting
story, remarkable characters, an incredible sense of <i>noir</i> and at least a scene that ranks high among the best in world
cinema.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: …and still, with all this love I have for the film,
I can’t embrace Joan’s much-acclaimed performance. Clearly, she was a favorite
to win the Oscar and I know at least one blogger who would rank this as being
remarkable, but Joan’s style of acting (that I also <i>penalized</i> in 1941’s ranking with <i>Suspicion</i>) is too visible for me, too obvious and predictable. So
many <i>uh</i>’s and <i>ah</i>’s on her face in each damn scene. No subtlety and a dated style
of acting. I feel generous with my ranking. The scenes where all this
exacerbated ingenuity works are the ones in Rebecca’s room, with the help of
the director. Her ability to show tears and fear as she succumbs to dark
thoughts is appreciated even by me. Beyond that, I was mostly unimpressed. A
2.5.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3JTvsEp5r2VPHCjUO9dwlt8nuibnsz3u4eub3baLOZIKIYtWC-m3nfddlaaEtH02GtfYlso9oQCtbIYSARDGZHYaAm5IjK7d_pD0lxs7xQ4YCqUA2046ZfircI2DflmuZCZV/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3JTvsEp5r2VPHCjUO9dwlt8nuibnsz3u4eub3baLOZIKIYtWC-m3nfddlaaEtH02GtfYlso9oQCtbIYSARDGZHYaAm5IjK7d_pD0lxs7xQ4YCqUA2046ZfircI2DflmuZCZV/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Martha Scott, in <i>Our Town</i></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The role</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">:
Martha plays Emily Webb, a character we follow from her teenage years to
adulthood, throughout her normal life in a small town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">:
I can only imagine the play must be just as bad. It’s a boring, uneventful film
that suddenly turns <i>what the fuck</i> and
then boring again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
performance</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: Only once has it happened for me to give a 1 start
ranking to a performance and up to the last 20 minutes or so I was convinced I
was about to do that again. But something happened plot-wise that showed
potential, it was unexpected and gave Martha something to work with. Gone were the
silly affectations of a woman playing a teenager and we were discovering
something dramatic, tragic, a life and death situation. But that lasted only a
few minutes and while aptly delivered, it didn’t change my overall take on the
performance drastically. We could still do without such a nominee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Conclusion:</b> It was easy for me to pick a winner here.
The performances by Hepburn & Fontaine and even Bette’s (though she’s the
best) have taken somewhat of an iconic status over time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>How the voting went:</b> It must have been insanely close.
I am sure Rogers winning must’ve had something to do with all the love &
popularity gained during her dancing on screen years. But Fontaine was a
shoo-in for the win, hit all the right Oscar notes. So she was definitely 2<sup>nd</sup>.
And Hepburn a close 3<sup>rd</sup>. My darling Bette had won 2 Oscars in the
previous 6 years so they weren’t willing to consider her for another win.
Martha 5<sup>th</sup>, I imagine (and hope).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>What’s
next:</b> Best Actress 2016, of course. :)</span></div>
Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-56301245317008727992016-11-30T15:12:00.005-08:002016-11-30T15:14:51.928-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> My vote - Best
Actress 1934</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I had to go as far as the official Oscars website to confirm
to myself that the Academy is indeed finally acknowledging Bette Davis’
nomination as a valid one. Because I remember a time when it didn’t. Officially
there were only 3 nominees and then Bette got in as a write-in <o:p></o:p></div>
nominee and...
well imdb says it better:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ28qEVBw_cmuuBD1b_A3pqw_VRAIWZwTgonLomW9jnfpSJzYKmtCSmzq1PXxsnVAjf6GVto65zYt3XWwLtVjkKX8pzGwVNuRWYHjHUbV1i9D-uxDA29FA4sgC99vQOBlGh7B/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ28qEVBw_cmuuBD1b_A3pqw_VRAIWZwTgonLomW9jnfpSJzYKmtCSmzq1PXxsnVAjf6GVto65zYt3XWwLtVjkKX8pzGwVNuRWYHjHUbV1i9D-uxDA29FA4sgC99vQOBlGh7B/s200/oscar.jpg" width="76" /></a><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Bette Davis
wanted the role of Mildred Rodgers because she thought it would be her breakout
role after years of starring in films that were getting her nowhere. She begged
Warner Brothers studio chief Jack L. Warner to let her out of her contract so
she could make the film. He relented because he was sure she would fail; but,
when her performance sparked talk of an Oscar, Warner began a spite campaign by
encouraging academy members not to vote for her. At the time, the voting
campaigns and the tabulation of the results were handled by the heads of the
academy (of which Warner had a membership) and it worked in his favor when
Davis was left out of the Best Actress competition. Supporters of Davis,
shocked by her omission, petitioned the academy for a write-in vote. She was
added to the nominees as a write-in but she lost to Claudette Colbert for her
performance in It Happened One Night (1934). As a result of this incident,
write-in votes were henceforth disallowed. Also, as a result of Warner's coup,
the academy decided to change its voting practices and hand over the counting
of the results to the independent accounting firm of PriceWaterhouse, who still
does the official counting to this day.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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So therefor I gladly included Bette’s nomination in the
rankings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s how I would’ve voted:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbV6PWfm-7h2afzR7BoS7Pqm-JfkN5dbvKoKfAfqzuTmwy9NDmJO8iVKbv2gdBSefkOodstI-D74BeV5SnUF9gqZdwDX4E-WHtYTjZeOypd3aQ-eWludl1-d7vIvKh5jTD57P/s1600/A3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbV6PWfm-7h2afzR7BoS7Pqm-JfkN5dbvKoKfAfqzuTmwy9NDmJO8iVKbv2gdBSefkOodstI-D74BeV5SnUF9gqZdwDX4E-WHtYTjZeOypd3aQ-eWludl1-d7vIvKh5jTD57P/s400/A3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCN9IdEBDds0ULz24cRYNe0Ku3flUnixi3ZxwcTkzCFFFksjCEnyjnaxuTz9gssk69E0kp2cme_tPlOgNn1cv2Js_U5N2XGlR14KpQF2ge9WIqW9TVzz73ywcrk1C2NfO0Puh/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCN9IdEBDds0ULz24cRYNe0Ku3flUnixi3ZxwcTkzCFFFksjCEnyjnaxuTz9gssk69E0kp2cme_tPlOgNn1cv2Js_U5N2XGlR14KpQF2ge9WIqW9TVzz73ywcrk1C2NfO0Puh/s1600/3.jpg" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>1. Claudette Colbert</b>
in <i>It Happened One Night</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Claudette plays Ellie, a spoiled rich woman who
discovers true love during a long journey to reunite with a man whom she
married only to spite her father.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film:</b> I feel it’s a bit overrated because of its
reputations and for winning all those Oscars, but at the end of the day it’s a
good, simple comedy and I had a few laughs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance: </b>I must mention that although I’m giving the
performance only 3 stars, it’s a strong 3. Because of the basic nature of the
film, with a simple plot and a simple direction and rather natural acting
style, the role doesn’t seem much; the difficulty level is quite low on paper,
as if for the typical screwball comedy, so I can’t get carried away. But here’s
to Claudette’s credit that she elevates the role herself and brings it
something extra that makes me appreciate it more: her expressive face works not
only for the average comedic scenes, but she also nails the sensibility of the
character, the longing for real feelings. In scenes that require less, she
gives us more, especially with stunning teary eyes. Is it an unmatched
performance in some way? No, and we have Irene Dunne to prove it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aOZr0oLxJtgLLjFhf7DPDOh7kf0aOKObIowvuR7MhEI5nkLVrVGCPSxnanTPql_IJoICfUCoBF_ZVseFaOTqMfAIs8-eqZ0KmvaqKfFPg3BezbEsUWQRGXVKAFuy9U16yfgm/s1600/B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aOZr0oLxJtgLLjFhf7DPDOh7kf0aOKObIowvuR7MhEI5nkLVrVGCPSxnanTPql_IJoICfUCoBF_ZVseFaOTqMfAIs8-eqZ0KmvaqKfFPg3BezbEsUWQRGXVKAFuy9U16yfgm/s400/B3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCN9IdEBDds0ULz24cRYNe0Ku3flUnixi3ZxwcTkzCFFFksjCEnyjnaxuTz9gssk69E0kp2cme_tPlOgNn1cv2Js_U5N2XGlR14KpQF2ge9WIqW9TVzz73ywcrk1C2NfO0Puh/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCN9IdEBDds0ULz24cRYNe0Ku3flUnixi3ZxwcTkzCFFFksjCEnyjnaxuTz9gssk69E0kp2cme_tPlOgNn1cv2Js_U5N2XGlR14KpQF2ge9WIqW9TVzz73ywcrk1C2NfO0Puh/s1600/3.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Bette Davis</b> in
<i>Of Human Bondage</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Bette plays Mildred, a trashy waitress who takes
advantage of the kindness and attention of a man who was foolish enough to fall
in love with her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film:</b> Nothing exciting here. Leslie Howard is the true
lead and he is very forgettable. The film works only when Bette’s character
storms in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance:</b> The
fact that the performance stands out like it does is directly connected to the
film’s low quality. Bette is all energy, sometimes too much energy, she’s like
a hurricane that shakes things off every time she’s on screen. Her talent is
still too raw and you can tell the lack of high-level experience, but she’s
juicy and convincing and manages to create <i>something</i>
despite the screenplay not being much. It’s quite a remarkable breakthrough
performances, with some key elements that Bette would end up playing throughout
her career: larger than life, loud, full of energy and willing to command the
screen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxNfZZNKUd7sZQCEmHUXyPYkBqKV6fQSDr9IHJOwW8j_DcL8iwbVbXuOOZPaNYS9jBo9kbfxkTDCZsp8qJm5XADy0Te7Mbi_xNTis-UH0EMpAwVXGFcoKjns6cUFSKHOuce13/s1600/C3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxNfZZNKUd7sZQCEmHUXyPYkBqKV6fQSDr9IHJOwW8j_DcL8iwbVbXuOOZPaNYS9jBo9kbfxkTDCZsp8qJm5XADy0Te7Mbi_xNTis-UH0EMpAwVXGFcoKjns6cUFSKHOuce13/s400/C3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOGdmYonZTUJuCE2m9JgB1CrGosdGM0PxYeRPF787SBe9F61uzqXooNWquopPd-KC-_bG9_YmpyrdEdFF_YOASTsOBIol1q0ycjE9mubX7y6O5LgkXRuecwu9jMUkQgZd7Ruq/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOGdmYonZTUJuCE2m9JgB1CrGosdGM0PxYeRPF787SBe9F61uzqXooNWquopPd-KC-_bG9_YmpyrdEdFF_YOASTsOBIol1q0ycjE9mubX7y6O5LgkXRuecwu9jMUkQgZd7Ruq/s1600/2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Norma Shearer</b>
in <i>The Barretts of Wimpole Street</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Norma plays soon-to-be renowned poet Elizabeth
Barrett, portrayed here during her youth, as the vulnerable daughter of a tyrannical
father.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film: </b>A completely boring and useless experience, filled
with grandiose dialogue that would bore anyone. One or two scenes at the end
stand out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance:</b> Such is the mystical power of Norma for me
(although I’ve seen her only in 2-3 films) that she almost convinced me to give
her a better rating based on one single scene that she impressed me with at the
end of the film. Through some smart but not so subtle editing, she gets a
couple of close-ups with her eyes all teary where she does strike a chord and
her performance <u>is</u> effective. But for the rest of it she barely
navigates through the muddy dialogue, with all those grandiose words and noble
feelings. It’s the case of a good actress that overall doesn’t rise above the
crappy material.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOGdmYonZTUJuCE2m9JgB1CrGosdGM0PxYeRPF787SBe9F61uzqXooNWquopPd-KC-_bG9_YmpyrdEdFF_YOASTsOBIol1q0ycjE9mubX7y6O5LgkXRuecwu9jMUkQgZd7Ruq/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOGdmYonZTUJuCE2m9JgB1CrGosdGM0PxYeRPF787SBe9F61uzqXooNWquopPd-KC-_bG9_YmpyrdEdFF_YOASTsOBIol1q0ycjE9mubX7y6O5LgkXRuecwu9jMUkQgZd7Ruq/s1600/2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Grace Moore</b> in
<i>One Night of Love</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role: </b>Grace plays Mary Barrett, an aspiring Opera singer
who finds success and love with the help of her mentor, a stubborn operatic
maestro.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film:</b> It’s a typical simplistic film of the early 30s,
with superficial dialogue, direction, improved only by some lovely opera pieces
of music.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance:</b> This is a 2 and not a 1 because I enjoyed
her singing. I am not an expert on opera music, but I guess they all (the
voters) liked her voice, they got all soft and gave her the nomination. There
isn’t much on the acting front, with no big mistakes either, it’s true. But if
you take the lovely music away, there’s very little to judge beyond a pretty
face and some almost-youthful energy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Conclusion:</b> Initially, after seeing the performances again,
I thought it’d be a bit more difficult for me to choose my winner, given how
different these two performances are. But the more I thought of it, it became
easier. Claudette creates a more <i>complete</i>
character, nothing ground-breaking, but without mistakes or false notes. You
can tell she was a pro.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How the Oscar voting went: </b>We actually have official data on this; it’s
the last Oscar year for which we have some kind of an idea on the ranking. It
seems Norma was 2<sup>nd</sup> and Bette was 3<sup>rd</sup>, despite all the
buzz and controversy that you’d think would’ve given her the win or at least
the runner-up status.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Actresses that almost got nominated:</b> The most obvious
omission is Myrna Loy for <i>The Thin Man</i>.
I don’t remember the performance much, but I bet she was better than Grace
Moore :D and they liked their Myrna Loy and <i>The
Thin Man </i>was such a success both with the audiences AND the Academy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not sure if by 1934 they had stopped allowing multiple
nominations in the same category for one person, but this was a big year for
Claudette, she also had <i>Cleopatra</i> and
<i>Imitation of Life</i>. There was Ginger
Rogers in <i>The Gay Divorcee</i>, Loretta
Young had a couple of films herself, so did Miriam Hopkins and Constance
Bennett was in <i>The Affairs of Cellini</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For previous Best Actress years and rankings, just look over
on the right, for a column with past years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-46837535205967469482016-11-26T13:46:00.002-08:002016-11-26T13:48:49.553-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;"> My vote - Best Actress 2001</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEMDBpidylQEw_DD4b173Vo4prCjdeRBcNFK4WmeKR6pq34dFF5lRCMYfjtQw_-fH-GBysYIiF-FMCA_T4e3oriQw674cKwcU5w7ZiBCHWx7bqCCAdP2TOtYtqEI2GBibocFU/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEMDBpidylQEw_DD4b173Vo4prCjdeRBcNFK4WmeKR6pq34dFF5lRCMYfjtQw_-fH-GBysYIiF-FMCA_T4e3oriQw674cKwcU5w7ZiBCHWx7bqCCAdP2TOtYtqEI2GBibocFU/s1600/oscar.jpg" /></a>It was my honest desire to see again all of these 5 films –
with the exception of <i>Bridget Jones</i>,
I hadn’t seen any of them in about 15 years. The results were mixed, as some <o:p></o:p></div>
haven’t
aged that well. But in the end it completed the purpose of this blog series:
figuring out what performance I prefer. It was a really tight 3-way race, but I
will follow my instinct.<br />
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Of course, Halle won the Oscar and it was historical (first
black actress to win in this category) and maybe I would’ve voted for her as
well, but let’s not kid ourselves. I would say that the performances are
remarkable as a group, but Halle is not the best of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s my ranking:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8APnXVmask2VMGZZt_bHNgM24bkKIXUveCeLT2FXqWU-zjQcUyWP54WVH535gWc-3HjKP4ILqvnHL33tNXDPI6TnRQQxx4AYkWvs0ODXTRm9Kcjd22E_ytsSrNK2Oxz5BBVt/s1600/A3+-+Copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8APnXVmask2VMGZZt_bHNgM24bkKIXUveCeLT2FXqWU-zjQcUyWP54WVH535gWc-3HjKP4ILqvnHL33tNXDPI6TnRQQxx4AYkWvs0ODXTRm9Kcjd22E_ytsSrNK2Oxz5BBVt/s400/A3+-+Copy.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKtdKKEdQi55RhIJbFpNjLBkK4mV1SfH9fynrTw2oymDTz4T0M5ejrJDu90QE3A7Z9noAn7XLsyQhBQQRHmKFeyxgj_GGWmY5HlIahhUceopxcX-xwFcdpgIIfXqNZOBhfyB8/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKtdKKEdQi55RhIJbFpNjLBkK4mV1SfH9fynrTw2oymDTz4T0M5ejrJDu90QE3A7Z9noAn7XLsyQhBQQRHmKFeyxgj_GGWmY5HlIahhUceopxcX-xwFcdpgIIfXqNZOBhfyB8/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>1. Nicole Kidman</b>
in <i>Moulin Rouge!</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Nicole plays Satine, a beautiful courtesan who
falls in love with a young writer, in this musical / doomed love story.</div>
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<b>The film: </b>It’s basically a nice musical on steroids. Using
familiar songs helps a lot and, when it’s not very tiring, the colourful nature
makes it really special.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance:</b> When you can’t make up your mind on what
performance was the best, always go with the actress who had the most difficult
task. Nicole did. Choosing her as my #1 is as surprising to me. I looked down
on this performance for many years saying it’s a mix of silly comedy and some
singing and some good looks – and while all of these still stand, there’s more.
While the film lacks depth and subtlety, and so does this role on paper, Nicole
elevates it by a) checking the boxes for all the superficial elements: looks,
voice, dance, having fun with the “comedic” seduction scenes and b) nailing it
and killing it towards the end when it came to tears, tragedy and death. The
role isn’t much, but it takes a versatile and talented actress to go from
absurd playing-around to heart-breaking with such ease and with such
dedication. Though not visible at first, I was charmed and surprised by the
lack of vanity (I mean that!) and the level of commitment Nicole displays here,
where no scene is too small to be taken seriously and she’s really putting in
the work.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVIPplZM4ZYFZAT3UijW3tcdSiSIcjsQz55qp2QpnfH02cqPX2xPVM3F8LP3_Ea9s7EgreE51GXfjyMHfCprSExrHH_oZjgaeprF2mO1J8bZl4igc52G_L6YrmV7nYkYI-nOY/s1600/B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVIPplZM4ZYFZAT3UijW3tcdSiSIcjsQz55qp2QpnfH02cqPX2xPVM3F8LP3_Ea9s7EgreE51GXfjyMHfCprSExrHH_oZjgaeprF2mO1J8bZl4igc52G_L6YrmV7nYkYI-nOY/s400/B3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKtdKKEdQi55RhIJbFpNjLBkK4mV1SfH9fynrTw2oymDTz4T0M5ejrJDu90QE3A7Z9noAn7XLsyQhBQQRHmKFeyxgj_GGWmY5HlIahhUceopxcX-xwFcdpgIIfXqNZOBhfyB8/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKtdKKEdQi55RhIJbFpNjLBkK4mV1SfH9fynrTw2oymDTz4T0M5ejrJDu90QE3A7Z9noAn7XLsyQhBQQRHmKFeyxgj_GGWmY5HlIahhUceopxcX-xwFcdpgIIfXqNZOBhfyB8/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Renee Zellweger</b>
in <i>Bridget Jones’s Diary</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Renee plays Bridget, a single woman in her 30s,
dealing with family and career and especially with finding the right guy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film:</b> I LOVE it!! It’s such a funny romantic comedy,
well-acted all around (great ensemble!), well written and just special.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance:</b> Of course my entire being was telling me to
choose Renee, because I adore the film and the role so much. :) But I stepped
back (it’s all about hard choices here!) and figured she gets plenty of help
from the wonderful screenplay (something Nicole doesn’t benefit from). This is
a really fun and romantic and charming (!!) and lovable and sweet performance
and I love the Academy for nominating her, since they rarely go for this genre
in lead. The line readings are perfect, the emotional scenes are balanced just
right – she understands the tone of the film and carries it with dedication and
also having fun, which you can tell. It’s the sunny optimistic performance that
brings a smile to my face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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in <i>In the Bedroom</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Sissy plays Ruth, a music teacher who must deal
with grief and anger following the death of her only son.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film:</b> It’s a strong drama about loss, anger and revenge.
I had no problem with the slow parts, since it’s so well directed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance:</b> Here is another performance that could’ve
also been my winner. Such is the subtlety of Sissy Spacek that I actually wished
she would’ve pushed harder and a bit flashier on the drama side and give us
juuuuust a bit more especially in a key confrontation scene with her husband.
That would’ve gained my win, but let’s be clear: it’s a solid performance about
grief that is not whinny (clearly the director didn’t want that) and is not
looking to make a statement. It’s just solid work from an experienced actress
that deeply understands the character, respects its moral and personality boundaries
and delivers her work to what is a very interesting, successful film.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVWbxGPTbXljHn7_MEIdxSIRM5nA1YkryS1DBNotm8coLDQF-7kaFS2mOgkykbNvkCWKjktnB6nLlQtP0oxSjMarQFLVrDHrVFPt4-aoDf8WGAj_N_BzqY_dwKvfPNjie428x/s1600/D3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVWbxGPTbXljHn7_MEIdxSIRM5nA1YkryS1DBNotm8coLDQF-7kaFS2mOgkykbNvkCWKjktnB6nLlQtP0oxSjMarQFLVrDHrVFPt4-aoDf8WGAj_N_BzqY_dwKvfPNjie428x/s400/D3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zje_DEbIguFBHo0nXLV2A_gCxE0tiQuNphvLl-KgG9_7ocdm6lzIj3GCyP8zYz0nduFs1e4hT36_OoJ6ae-NvzfmGof2ImrwYo1INJskosbTke44BFjVBCPT2NiCupgH9BCt/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zje_DEbIguFBHo0nXLV2A_gCxE0tiQuNphvLl-KgG9_7ocdm6lzIj3GCyP8zYz0nduFs1e4hT36_OoJ6ae-NvzfmGof2ImrwYo1INJskosbTke44BFjVBCPT2NiCupgH9BCt/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Judi Dench</b> in <i>Iris</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role: </b>Judi plays writer Iris Murdoch, a famous British
novelist whose health deteriorates after getting diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film: </b>It’s kind of boring at times, but luckily it’s not
too long and Winslet’s charisma pulls it through, though there isn’t much
happening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance:</b> The dullness of the film contaminates the
performance. While Judi is always remarkable, there is little diversity in the performance;
and this comes mostly from the screenplay. The best parts are when the disease
starts crippling in and we are served plenty of close-ups where Judi does her
best to expose the internal struggle of her character. As expected, she makes
the right choices in the <i>technical</i>
aspects of the performance and there aren’t any false notes. But beyond the
sadness (or blankness) in her eyes, what is there to get excited from an acting
perspective? An intelligent performance, but not remarkable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFYKnK1xV_n31nTkWzvDx4RHaW0BJwb91m3F8Y_IpECm8QCiKzm69EA-PRgwx8UYb3C8te0AIEd2orssG_U8cOoeQAsajw-8O8MjmPXMsGZz_G27CV-yhGl_wNkb_Mu9c0Hqp/s1600/E3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFYKnK1xV_n31nTkWzvDx4RHaW0BJwb91m3F8Y_IpECm8QCiKzm69EA-PRgwx8UYb3C8te0AIEd2orssG_U8cOoeQAsajw-8O8MjmPXMsGZz_G27CV-yhGl_wNkb_Mu9c0Hqp/s400/E3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zje_DEbIguFBHo0nXLV2A_gCxE0tiQuNphvLl-KgG9_7ocdm6lzIj3GCyP8zYz0nduFs1e4hT36_OoJ6ae-NvzfmGof2ImrwYo1INJskosbTke44BFjVBCPT2NiCupgH9BCt/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zje_DEbIguFBHo0nXLV2A_gCxE0tiQuNphvLl-KgG9_7ocdm6lzIj3GCyP8zYz0nduFs1e4hT36_OoJ6ae-NvzfmGof2ImrwYo1INJskosbTke44BFjVBCPT2NiCupgH9BCt/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Halle Berry</b> in
<i>Monster’s Ball</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Halle plays Leticia, a woman whose husband gets
executed and must deal with additional tragedy but also with an unexpected
romance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film:</b> I liked less than I did 15 years ago. It has some
unnecessary nudity, some unusual editing, but it works better towards the end.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance: </b>The ups and downs in the performance are
most visible when the director is stubborn enough to choose very long shots
that require emotional depth plus contextual work (playing drunk) PLUS sexual
choreography. Confronted with all these demands, Halle gets lost a couple of
times. The highs are high (we know she’s a great crier) and the lows are not
that low but mediocre enough (scenes where she makes it either too obvious,
playing too much for the camera or not sure on the emotional context of the
character). I applaud the risks she took in accepting the role itself, but the
competition was high that year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Conclusion:</b> I explained in Nicole’s segment why she was my
choice. Renee and Sissy were right behind and indeed they felt like the
front-runners in terms of my love and devotion. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How the Oscar voting went:</b> I trust the voting was decisively in favour of
Halle, despite the film being small and quite controversial. The story of her
win had to happen. Normally I would say Nicole was 2<sup>nd</sup>, but no love
from BAFTA and SAG confuses me deeply; she barely got nominated for the Oscars
it seems. But she was Nicole Kidman (and also benefitted from some love for <i>The Others</i>) and had a lot of buzz also
in her personal life (Nicole is single! Who is Nicole dating? Look how pretty
Nicole is!) that maybe she was 2<sup>nd</sup> indeed in terms of chances of
winning. From then on, I’d say Sissy was 3<sup>rd</sup>. And Renee and Judi
distant 4<sup>th</sup> and 5<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Actresses that almost got nominated:</b> I immediately go to
Naomi Watts for <i>Mulholland Drive</i> (who
would’ve probably ended up being my winner) and Audrey Tautou for <i>Amelie</i> (yes, I believe she really was
that close – the BAFTA nomination says a lot). Nicole was competing against
herself for <i>The Others</i> (but the film
didn’t land with the Oscars) and maybe Tilda Swinton also got a few votes for <i>The Deep End</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For previous Best Actress years/rankings, just look over on
the right, for a column with various years.<o:p></o:p></div>
Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-42542126492800090172016-11-05T13:39:00.005-07:002016-11-05T13:41:55.739-07:00<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;"> My vote - Best Actress 1970</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhC0wMLswjIhX7G2LtPRXzg1BMhASPHuzRbTv2-7W7G-Ks92rLML6ynYx1UKewyzmyzicqV9iV7wRByeulyajFtvyh98v2Fhe5KU3yyvhBwTWNBskO9VoUI1x_X9vTy22468Y/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhC0wMLswjIhX7G2LtPRXzg1BMhASPHuzRbTv2-7W7G-Ks92rLML6ynYx1UKewyzmyzicqV9iV7wRByeulyajFtvyh98v2Fhe5KU3yyvhBwTWNBskO9VoUI1x_X9vTy22468Y/s200/oscar.jpg" width="76" /></a>I chose to do 1970’s Best Actress race because I had no
clear winner selected for it (as I had seen only 2 of the 5 films prior), and I
wanted to see <i>Love Story</i> again
:P and because it just seemed like a
strange race. And a strange race it was, with quite a weak line-up. I don’t
recall ever NOT giving at least one “4 stars” to a performance.</div>
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Which doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy seeing them. I do these
rankings for the pleasure of the discovery, of knowledge and having an informed
opinion. <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
So happy I cleared this up for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Glenda Jackson won for one of the most unusual performances
to ever conquer this category. She had the critics behind her and some weak
competition.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s my ranking:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf-wvoIXyKKrIzM3biV5vhrU5XaxCOFBgSbkXf1UULPSNL_2ERSSfWpl7po77iVQ2OBDh15-mq_lQnJFtmmUgWssOiBYFFRLVcdjf_F1M3NSRon7kRZNAv3qDrVcg7iXk7BtY/s1600/A3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf-wvoIXyKKrIzM3biV5vhrU5XaxCOFBgSbkXf1UULPSNL_2ERSSfWpl7po77iVQ2OBDh15-mq_lQnJFtmmUgWssOiBYFFRLVcdjf_F1M3NSRon7kRZNAv3qDrVcg7iXk7BtY/s400/A3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVUPs8ck6tCwLtz7Q5VDZ4tWJOcmeEEI4DWowfBrQee7NZZqgu1h5svgrKYnrUr_RLmi-D6QsY9U4f2HJhDABJaaSnSA6JHcru6IBaIigIBH2C7Na1pFp91jl8oAJgIqJtvwh/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVUPs8ck6tCwLtz7Q5VDZ4tWJOcmeEEI4DWowfBrQee7NZZqgu1h5svgrKYnrUr_RLmi-D6QsY9U4f2HJhDABJaaSnSA6JHcru6IBaIigIBH2C7Na1pFp91jl8oAJgIqJtvwh/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>1. Carrie Snodgress</b>
in <i>Diary of a Mad Housewife</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Carrie plays Tina, a housewife married to an
emotionally abusive man, who falls in the arms of an equally abusive lover; all
on a funnier note.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film:</b> It doesn’t live up to its potential, to say the
least. Not as funny as it should be, not as dramatic as it could be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance:</b> My tendency is to describe this performance
as very low energy, which it is, but it’s also in the spirit of the film. So
when she has a real shouting match with her husband prior to the party scene, I
got really excited. I don’t feel like Carrie brings a lot of charisma to the
role (I basically don’t care too much for this character), but I recognise her
and she feels authentic. It’s just nothing that would move me too much
emotionally. She carries the dramedy well, gets the dialogue right, is loyal to
what the film tries to do, but she’s captivating only in a few selected scenes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3JTvsEp5r2VPHCjUO9dwlt8nuibnsz3u4eub3baLOZIKIYtWC-m3nfddlaaEtH02GtfYlso9oQCtbIYSARDGZHYaAm5IjK7d_pD0lxs7xQ4YCqUA2046ZfircI2DflmuZCZV/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3JTvsEp5r2VPHCjUO9dwlt8nuibnsz3u4eub3baLOZIKIYtWC-m3nfddlaaEtH02GtfYlso9oQCtbIYSARDGZHYaAm5IjK7d_pD0lxs7xQ4YCqUA2046ZfircI2DflmuZCZV/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Glenda Jackson</b>
in <i>Women in Love</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Glenda plays Gudrun, an independent and
complicated woman who, along with her sister, gets involved in the life of the
British elite in the 1920s.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film:</b> Great from the start, then gradually crashes. It’s
beautiful to look at, very stylish and erotic, but ultimately unfulfilling. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance: </b>I get it why this performance was very cool
and quite fresh back in 1970. Glenda’s intelligence and strong personality are
deeply felt in this performance which is special to say the least. The line
readings are either witty or strong or punchy, she is a presence and hard not
to like or to admire. But <u>where</u> is the character? <u>Who</u> is this
woman? Such is the power of the style over the substance that I found it hard
to even sum up who Gudrun is or what she does. By the end of the film I got
little idea on what motivated her or what justified her actions, or where her heart
was. This is not precisely Glenda’s fault (I did wish for a bit more humanity),
but probably the director’s choice, and the character remains too much of a
mystery.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoRi9qoThE-PHgbO6GNwgdN_r90ehTjLHxZwfMn86rED5t6n0PVXM_M5Kq8wEn3v_rlUfEMQwulJP_038aKsTbCaRYbdgi0-UCqr_BBBhxs2yCMLAIGe8P9ypxk6YPSpYI3bP/s1600/C3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoRi9qoThE-PHgbO6GNwgdN_r90ehTjLHxZwfMn86rED5t6n0PVXM_M5Kq8wEn3v_rlUfEMQwulJP_038aKsTbCaRYbdgi0-UCqr_BBBhxs2yCMLAIGe8P9ypxk6YPSpYI3bP/s400/C3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3JTvsEp5r2VPHCjUO9dwlt8nuibnsz3u4eub3baLOZIKIYtWC-m3nfddlaaEtH02GtfYlso9oQCtbIYSARDGZHYaAm5IjK7d_pD0lxs7xQ4YCqUA2046ZfircI2DflmuZCZV/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3JTvsEp5r2VPHCjUO9dwlt8nuibnsz3u4eub3baLOZIKIYtWC-m3nfddlaaEtH02GtfYlso9oQCtbIYSARDGZHYaAm5IjK7d_pD0lxs7xQ4YCqUA2046ZfircI2DflmuZCZV/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Jane Alexander</b>
in <i>The Great White Hope</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Jane plays Eleanor, the love interest of a
professional, but troubled boxer, who stays by him during the hard times.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film: </b>Boring, dull, boring, dull. A strange male lead performance
in a film that tries to send a lot of messages, but few that are approachable
or interesting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance: </b>I will not be too influenced by the fact
that she gets the juiciest acting scene of all these 5 nominees. Because that
is one single scene that, while it pulls Jane’s performance from an abyss of
dullness, is not enough to create and lift an entire character. This is a
supporting performance that starts in a boring manner with a couple of
unconvincing scenes. She plays the <i>supporting
wife</i> kind of role and there is almost no personal touch to it. Her big
nervous breakdown comes almost out of nowhere (the film is really bad!), she
acts it well in terms of tears and dramatics but it’s so unexpected in the
context of what her character offered so far, that I went like <i>what was that?!</i> even though I fairly
enjoyed those couple of minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQj76q6VcLq1-RSiSHkxG5y7RgCe16cMaWAVA1yQ1yR3UUJKgXxJVdQTeLqe44TPMuCIwyLmKku1J9W9c7oZzeCHsm5fsPKH79RqqlxYZlFzxSnHd5DQ8_y-HAP82bVElNYc16/s1600/D2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQj76q6VcLq1-RSiSHkxG5y7RgCe16cMaWAVA1yQ1yR3UUJKgXxJVdQTeLqe44TPMuCIwyLmKku1J9W9c7oZzeCHsm5fsPKH79RqqlxYZlFzxSnHd5DQ8_y-HAP82bVElNYc16/s400/D2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8Eeop-tgKImx9dBcX0uEJV65TIUL0h7NDu_1CDr7xG7oI7aowblXysnkawkmHBIrvgWnh0_7Gj-ATSKEtzmGMDfXq7YdxC2rlOMwKll0T1yRYM65kqI2__WXs21rbPztrfcR/s1600/D3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8Eeop-tgKImx9dBcX0uEJV65TIUL0h7NDu_1CDr7xG7oI7aowblXysnkawkmHBIrvgWnh0_7Gj-ATSKEtzmGMDfXq7YdxC2rlOMwKll0T1yRYM65kqI2__WXs21rbPztrfcR/s400/D3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3JTvsEp5r2VPHCjUO9dwlt8nuibnsz3u4eub3baLOZIKIYtWC-m3nfddlaaEtH02GtfYlso9oQCtbIYSARDGZHYaAm5IjK7d_pD0lxs7xQ4YCqUA2046ZfircI2DflmuZCZV/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3JTvsEp5r2VPHCjUO9dwlt8nuibnsz3u4eub3baLOZIKIYtWC-m3nfddlaaEtH02GtfYlso9oQCtbIYSARDGZHYaAm5IjK7d_pD0lxs7xQ4YCqUA2046ZfircI2DflmuZCZV/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Sarah Miles</b> in
<i>Ryan’s Daughter</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Sarah plays Rosy, a naïve young Irish lady who
marries and older teacher, but ends up falling for an English officer dealing
with trauma.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film:</b> It’s a David Lean film, so the direction is
present and kind of saves the film from one boring screenplay. The
cinematography is beyond gorgeous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance: </b>This is another performance that I thought
I’d end up giving 1 star. The screenplay asks her to play a <i>girly schoolgirl</i> early in the film and I
was afraid that’s all I’d be getting throughout this never ending <i>epic</i>. But there is an arc to the
character (not a very well developed arc, mind you) and there is conflict and
there is some drama and while these transitions don’t always make sense – the
love story is not properly sold – I like the way she approaches the visible
new-found maturity of the character. There are scenes that don’t blow my mind
(even underplayed at times; too bad), but she gives Rosy such respectability
and some humanity that I felt a bit for both the character and for what Sarah
was trying to do. It’s a modest performance, but I liked the relatability and
the lack of vanity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTE9cyDSjUw3KT4wWqqcltLWAlL6Ku3EmL9OXK-IGvmgy3rGf7mEjVcJENdaUf8p7JYmfVOBALeUpxYZjKGwOaExuRvGnxGZ51D27uG9XhoeoKxNRs0w1ChStKseHCXyjyfBQ/s1600/E1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTE9cyDSjUw3KT4wWqqcltLWAlL6Ku3EmL9OXK-IGvmgy3rGf7mEjVcJENdaUf8p7JYmfVOBALeUpxYZjKGwOaExuRvGnxGZ51D27uG9XhoeoKxNRs0w1ChStKseHCXyjyfBQ/s400/E1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyQoj3w_4tJWYFWeu_ORo6iOq8z2z3ftNnBvxL7Y8lOnC0pBPOsyn6ZUv9WFSUdxN_gSvmS0ThgR3dfuLbUH_Yi79O87QB07JLt0MB07qACNstiZ1rFt7ZLKwKIKDuefWDlm5/s1600/E2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyQoj3w_4tJWYFWeu_ORo6iOq8z2z3ftNnBvxL7Y8lOnC0pBPOsyn6ZUv9WFSUdxN_gSvmS0ThgR3dfuLbUH_Yi79O87QB07JLt0MB07qACNstiZ1rFt7ZLKwKIKDuefWDlm5/s400/E2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8yRTgX5V5Pzbfg7Qza1HKnOV9Y_zPH70hgZbDt8emCdbRQbCxOGATZKM55mK-rndFAPHeRR1t1blPp0xvgp2-MHBxSdW2PNjfbWq9UE1eEy42-5govuKUaB9B7jA6ti7EcTF/s1600/E3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8yRTgX5V5Pzbfg7Qza1HKnOV9Y_zPH70hgZbDt8emCdbRQbCxOGATZKM55mK-rndFAPHeRR1t1blPp0xvgp2-MHBxSdW2PNjfbWq9UE1eEy42-5govuKUaB9B7jA6ti7EcTF/s400/E3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3JTvsEp5r2VPHCjUO9dwlt8nuibnsz3u4eub3baLOZIKIYtWC-m3nfddlaaEtH02GtfYlso9oQCtbIYSARDGZHYaAm5IjK7d_pD0lxs7xQ4YCqUA2046ZfircI2DflmuZCZV/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3JTvsEp5r2VPHCjUO9dwlt8nuibnsz3u4eub3baLOZIKIYtWC-m3nfddlaaEtH02GtfYlso9oQCtbIYSARDGZHYaAm5IjK7d_pD0lxs7xQ4YCqUA2046ZfircI2DflmuZCZV/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Ali MacGraw</b> in
<i>Love Story</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>The role: </b>Ali plays Jenny, a college graduate who shares a beautiful
love story with Oliver, but tragedy is waiting right around the corner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film:</b> I really like it for its simplicity. It doesn’t
pretend to be what it’s not, it’s very well edited and surprisingly well
directed. Dated, but in a memorable way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance:</b> The fact that I like the film doesn’t stop
me from admitting Ali brings very little to it; in fact, it’s Ryan who does all
the heavy lifting here. One could argue she doesn’t need to do much, since it’s
his perspective and she’s just the dying girl / projection of his love, but
there were a couple of scenes where ACTING was required and not much was coming
from her. The lack of experience is visible throughout and all is played just a
bit too precious, despite what the dialogue would try to suggest (modern
woman!). I have only warm feelings for the film and the performances, but I
must call it like it is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>Conclusion:</b></i> In the end, the choice was quite easy, given the
issues I have with the other 4 performances. Beyond Carrie, it’s quite an even
field. Ali gets the best film by far, but she is the least committed to her
film and to the performance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>How the Oscar voting went:</b></i> I blame the critics for Glenda’s
win, since there is little else to it. They had very little to choose from and
not just from the 5 nominees, but also from the overall performances of 1970
(hard to find a 6<sup>th</sup> performance that barely missed a nomination; it
seems more like a hunt for a 4<sup>th</sup> of 5<sup>th</sup> nominee; so much
so they nominated Jane Alexander who is supporting). The runner-up to Glenda
must have been... Ali. Simply because of <i>Love
Story</i>’s massive success. Carrie Snodgress was probably a close 3<sup>rd</sup>,
but I don’t think they liked the film. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Interesting to note this is quite a young field of nominees.
None past the age of 35, I think. Two of them (Alexander and Snodgress) were
nominated for their first feature films and the others had appeared in only a
handful of films up to that point.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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For previous Best Actress years/rankings, just look over on
the right, for a column with various years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The journey continues. :)<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-41961717782261839952016-10-09T01:46:00.000-07:002016-10-09T01:49:12.650-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;"> My vote - Best Actress 1981</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ28qEVBw_cmuuBD1b_A3pqw_VRAIWZwTgonLomW9jnfpSJzYKmtCSmzq1PXxsnVAjf6GVto65zYt3XWwLtVjkKX8pzGwVNuRWYHjHUbV1i9D-uxDA29FA4sgC99vQOBlGh7B/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ28qEVBw_cmuuBD1b_A3pqw_VRAIWZwTgonLomW9jnfpSJzYKmtCSmzq1PXxsnVAjf6GVto65zYt3XWwLtVjkKX8pzGwVNuRWYHjHUbV1i9D-uxDA29FA4sgC99vQOBlGh7B/s200/oscar.jpg" width="76" /></a>I ended up with this Best Actress year, because I had
something else in mind. And then decided it would be way too ambitious. So here
I got stuck with these 5 performances – not<o:p></o:p></div>
that they are bad, just that I had
already seen all 5 of them and I know I don’t share the general love on at
least one actress from the group – and... Well, fuck it, it’s meant to be a
subjective process anyway. :)<br />
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The bottom line is Katharine Hepburn won her historical 4th
acting Oscar (all for Leading); and all the cool people on the internet think
Diane should’ve won. And all of you dislike Meryl in this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So here’s my ranking:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWBWDYOWgaD5sJOOKkdxyd_uVjccs-rI1aj8bV_hEpSe9EqcSTb2B3GODcY6Qt7e9NCgwIvqKM3a4EWqCvGm5GQLDvu_47L0_vXSjzbP_Cohj8c2k1ehoz7c7wC2lGb4_euAy/s1600/A3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWBWDYOWgaD5sJOOKkdxyd_uVjccs-rI1aj8bV_hEpSe9EqcSTb2B3GODcY6Qt7e9NCgwIvqKM3a4EWqCvGm5GQLDvu_47L0_vXSjzbP_Cohj8c2k1ehoz7c7wC2lGb4_euAy/s400/A3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwklM6Im5GcGFASJ5EU8_eutzMsxNDY7-NekQTdiFhQk6ZaE0h_H_mdI0p26Zf16A8McPufOKjypp2zu9bHQXEkl2fnC_fpxA_816BotJGwfPcYDuG0sgQ9PSJyl_1RO_XlDg_/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwklM6Im5GcGFASJ5EU8_eutzMsxNDY7-NekQTdiFhQk6ZaE0h_H_mdI0p26Zf16A8McPufOKjypp2zu9bHQXEkl2fnC_fpxA_816BotJGwfPcYDuG0sgQ9PSJyl_1RO_XlDg_/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>1. Katharine Hepburn</b>
in <i>On Golden Pond</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Miss Hepburn plays Ethel Thayer, a cheerful,
optimistic woman, who spends the summer by the lake with her grumpy husband
Norman.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film: </b>It feels dated to the bone, but at the same time
like precious material for the archives of movie acting. Boring to many, but
we’re taking notes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance:</b> When in doubt, go with the legend. The
entire performance is handled like a pro: Kate is completely dedicated to her
character and to the story and her joyful persona stops the film from falling
into depressing territory. On top of that, she gets a couple of killer scenes
and is mesmerizing in the one that deals most with mortality. While the film
often feels like a vanity project for the Fonda’s, with Henry getting the juicy
dialogue lines, Kate is vital for the film, in a discreet but heartfelt performance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATB2mg6Ykhu2ux52g355UgJuWFgBQL59VdEFeKx2vkUnh4kxtF0hRyWqLMDiro8ErJUttF20yZQkVOJRoSAGJeLjtYPOycHiKAX3Umb1BMsm9mBIlSJBnVy1WyCL3GwPdLv5z/s1600/B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATB2mg6Ykhu2ux52g355UgJuWFgBQL59VdEFeKx2vkUnh4kxtF0hRyWqLMDiro8ErJUttF20yZQkVOJRoSAGJeLjtYPOycHiKAX3Umb1BMsm9mBIlSJBnVy1WyCL3GwPdLv5z/s400/B3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwMTbW1t5oFPSfAgwROcx-jjJjCa4rvvEHbj15pZC-Hs9B-PpFq03RzVlG-Z0A6fOL5jOWXfsJkU5rEKvIIdUOg1FIji0a0I61PPBU3BTjN6WSOIKGL4Q0gchZHYFpHvP-QkK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwMTbW1t5oFPSfAgwROcx-jjJjCa4rvvEHbj15pZC-Hs9B-PpFq03RzVlG-Z0A6fOL5jOWXfsJkU5rEKvIIdUOg1FIji0a0I61PPBU3BTjN6WSOIKGL4Q0gchZHYFpHvP-QkK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><b>2. Meryl Streep</b>
in <i>The French Lieutenant’s Woman</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role: </b>Meryl plays Anna, a contemporary actress who is
filming the role of Sarah, a 19<sup>th</sup> century mysterious woman,
abandoned by her French lover.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film:</b> I like it more than I should because I had also
read the book, I guess. The two leading actors elevate it and I admire the
uncertainty of the story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance:</b> I was this close to hand the win to Meryl
based on simply loving the character(s), her look and the air of mystery she
brings to the film. I was mesmerized (!) every time she came on screen and I
kept wanting more. Not demanding extra
from Meryl’s acting, who I think balances it well in the spirit of the
film, but I loved Sarah and her presence. This isn’t the most demanding role
for a leading actress, I know that,, but Meryl’s beauty and restraint take it
to such a fascinating area that it’s an iconic role for me when I think of her
career.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPmy5thgZZ6LM_2_PUpk7F1BofWewb-7nd93izNqYYLozXQR9Yk4s_ynKBIXxZYNLt4sVK8RREVGzHh3RlkXTcGe_1_BstzD8xitd8fc_w2YDcfvu84dXBiAb6VUy6ekzRvy5/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPmy5thgZZ6LM_2_PUpk7F1BofWewb-7nd93izNqYYLozXQR9Yk4s_ynKBIXxZYNLt4sVK8RREVGzHh3RlkXTcGe_1_BstzD8xitd8fc_w2YDcfvu84dXBiAb6VUy6ekzRvy5/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><b>3. Marsha Mason</b>
in <i>Only When I Laugh</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Marsha plays Georgia Hines, an actress who just
got out of rehab and is now trying to get her life together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film:</b> It’s just a series of one-liners, that don’t work
as well as they used to do. The film has charm and the supporting actors rule,
but it’s Neil Simon in cruise control.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance:</b> I feel most guilty for downgrading this
performance from the fabulous I found it to be a decade ago to the good
performance it seems to be now. Yes, Marsha hits the right notes on so many
occasions, but the performance is not exciting maybe because it’s so
predictable. The smart-ass dialogue buries the significance of the emotional
scenes and the character doesn’t quite feel fully developed: I admire what
Marsha does so poignantly in isolated scenes, but it doesn’t gel together for
me to buy into the character. The end result is that she is overshadowed by all
3 of her co-stars, who have smaller roles, but clearer and more interesting
paths to follow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVUPs8ck6tCwLtz7Q5VDZ4tWJOcmeEEI4DWowfBrQee7NZZqgu1h5svgrKYnrUr_RLmi-D6QsY9U4f2HJhDABJaaSnSA6JHcru6IBaIigIBH2C7Na1pFp91jl8oAJgIqJtvwh/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVUPs8ck6tCwLtz7Q5VDZ4tWJOcmeEEI4DWowfBrQee7NZZqgu1h5svgrKYnrUr_RLmi-D6QsY9U4f2HJhDABJaaSnSA6JHcru6IBaIigIBH2C7Na1pFp91jl8oAJgIqJtvwh/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><b>4. Diane Keaton</b>
in <i>Reds</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role: </b>Diane plays real-life journalist and activist Louise
Bryant, who along with her husband gets involved with the Communist revolution
in Russia.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film: </b>Not as captivating as I remembered it to be. It
succeeds from a technical perspective, but loses its way towards the end (or
simply doesn’t land for me).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance: </b>The major following that this performance
has gained recently is consistently surprising to me. Beyond the seriousness of
the role and Diane’s good intentions, there’s very little to root for,
especially on the page. It’s a character I couldn’t get too excited about or
even barely like. Diane cries and acts smart (or not so much) when the story
requires it, but since I’ve decided I don’t care too much about Louise, most of
it leaves me cold. It’s a good performance of a dull character.<o:p></o:p></div>
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in <i>Atlantic City</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The role:</b> Susan plays Sally, a woman whose life gets
complicated when her estranged husband comes back into her life, bringing all
sorts of trouble.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The film: </b>The most dated of them all; a lazy attempt in
screenwriting and directing. Burt Lancaster tries, but he is the only one to do
that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The performance: </b>Susan’s first nomination is the only stinky
one from her Oscar history. There’s almost no excuse for it; although not an
A-lister at the time, she had done plenty of roles over the previous 10 years.
But the experience doesn’t shine through here. There is a superficial approach
to the character that’s visible in scenes where she could’ve offered much more.
Of course, she gets very little from the director (which is why this isn’t a 1
star), but I constantly had the feeling she isn’t putting effort to justify the
character’s actions, to navigate through the strange writing shifts or to
create a relatable human being. It’s a surprisingly distracted performance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Conclusion: </b>I am confident about the ranking, except I kinda
wish I had the balls to go with Meryl. This is a subjective game, but I’m
keeping the ranking as it is, rewarding a bit more the substance over the
style. I like the top two performances quite a lot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How the Oscar voting went:</b> Well, based on the fact that
Meryl won the Golden Globe and the distinction from the Los Angeles critics,
and this 1981 moment was prior to her 2<sup>nd</sup> win for <i>Sophie</i>, I’d say she was the clear
favourite coming in. But those older voters just couldn’t resist Kate. So it
must’ve been close. Fun fact: from 1955 to 1981 no actress over the age of 42
had won the Best Actress Oscar, except for Kate, who did so in ’67, ’68 and
’81. <span style="font-family: "wingdings";">:)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I guess Diane was a long distance 3<sup>rd</sup> and Marsha 4<sup>th</sup> right behind her. One would
think Marsha would be a dark horse given it was her 4<sup>th</sup> unsuccessful
nomination, but I don’t think they cared too much about the film. Susan was for
sure the last.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For previous Best Actress years/rankings, just look over on
the right, for a column with various years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Happy to be back.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-32814746956166666002016-02-28T14:02:00.000-08:002016-02-28T14:02:57.791-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">My vote - Best Actress 2015</b></div>
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Not sure if I am reviving the old Best Actress analysis
tradition, but just had a bit of time on my hands and wanted to check again the
Best Actress performances nominated for 2015 and make a final decision on my
ranking, because it feels like an unusual year (all 5 are rich performances,
but I don’t fully love one or the other in particular) and it’s hard to choose
a winner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So here are some quick thoughts on these performances:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtib1WF-qgAdNLG2TCWuWWBc0xf3xpFKLvVEb8YBVYLwcjPGXY_9dCsVoRidCefNFWTyUB3J_1EMrc-pj9Bl1_uEYciPhbUZRvkLrRFZ0VZ5Pom_Z2IXN0aYqRqlJfn_1skuf_/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtib1WF-qgAdNLG2TCWuWWBc0xf3xpFKLvVEb8YBVYLwcjPGXY_9dCsVoRidCefNFWTyUB3J_1EMrc-pj9Bl1_uEYciPhbUZRvkLrRFZ0VZ5Pom_Z2IXN0aYqRqlJfn_1skuf_/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>1. Charlotte Rampling</b>
as Kate Mercer, in <i>45 Years</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Call me a sucker for European <i>realness</i>. A European actress in a low budget European drama, giving
a subtle, realistic, unglamourized performance. I had to warm up to Charlotte’s
acting here, but objectively speaking this is the performance to reward: it
shows the most technique, the most experience, great ability of owning the
camera in all those close-ups. It’s very subtle, too subtle for my taste, but
that’s the price to pay in order to stay real to the mood of the film. The
character’s arc is remarkable and skilfully played out – Charlotte manages to
create a Kate that we recognize, that we care for and, ultimately, that we feel
so damn sorry for.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hwfRiucqkAEg2_U7YdrWeTx7zUv_HwAAqwLAUIbxTKZGdrJVGghtQ1DEFbUU9KHZjKGFW3UVWdSlNCaqOPfQsWRkMdc2s-27h_Dd01NS05MIZ09D8XHa4qDEuMKMGG9P83WD/s1600/2016+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hwfRiucqkAEg2_U7YdrWeTx7zUv_HwAAqwLAUIbxTKZGdrJVGghtQ1DEFbUU9KHZjKGFW3UVWdSlNCaqOPfQsWRkMdc2s-27h_Dd01NS05MIZ09D8XHa4qDEuMKMGG9P83WD/s400/2016+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtib1WF-qgAdNLG2TCWuWWBc0xf3xpFKLvVEb8YBVYLwcjPGXY_9dCsVoRidCefNFWTyUB3J_1EMrc-pj9Bl1_uEYciPhbUZRvkLrRFZ0VZ5Pom_Z2IXN0aYqRqlJfn_1skuf_/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtib1WF-qgAdNLG2TCWuWWBc0xf3xpFKLvVEb8YBVYLwcjPGXY_9dCsVoRidCefNFWTyUB3J_1EMrc-pj9Bl1_uEYciPhbUZRvkLrRFZ0VZ5Pom_Z2IXN0aYqRqlJfn_1skuf_/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Cate Blanchett</b>
as Carol Aird, in <i>Carol</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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A great director like Todd Haynes helps a lot in making a
great performance shine even stronger. The flawless style and classiness of the
film benefit Cate’s performance – they create an aura around her: as a result
of the way she is shot and placed in the
centre of Therese’s fantasy, this becomes a mysterious, sexy, glamorous
performance. Cate brings intelligence and experience. It’s a performance
accused of mannerisms and an unnatural feel, but to me those subtle diva-like
accents fit the description of the character –a smart woman dealing with
depression and loneliness by putting a façade, but also an expert at flirting
who knows how to play the game.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtib1WF-qgAdNLG2TCWuWWBc0xf3xpFKLvVEb8YBVYLwcjPGXY_9dCsVoRidCefNFWTyUB3J_1EMrc-pj9Bl1_uEYciPhbUZRvkLrRFZ0VZ5Pom_Z2IXN0aYqRqlJfn_1skuf_/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtib1WF-qgAdNLG2TCWuWWBc0xf3xpFKLvVEb8YBVYLwcjPGXY_9dCsVoRidCefNFWTyUB3J_1EMrc-pj9Bl1_uEYciPhbUZRvkLrRFZ0VZ5Pom_Z2IXN0aYqRqlJfn_1skuf_/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Saoirse Ronan</b>
as Eilis, in <i>Brooklyn</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the performance with the emotional punch. There’s
the telephone conversation scene that might beat anyone’s acting moment of the
entire group of nominees. Saoirse gives a performance that feels authentic,
believable, mostly likeable, charming, and innocent, that brings drama and
romance and naiveté at the key moments. So why isn’t this my #1 choice? So hard
to say, I’m basing it on feeling, on my fading interest in the film, on me not
understanding or believing the character’s actions in the second half. But even
I must admit: the sane people have this on top of their rankings, because it
clicks most boxes, and it is indeed an achievement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtib1WF-qgAdNLG2TCWuWWBc0xf3xpFKLvVEb8YBVYLwcjPGXY_9dCsVoRidCefNFWTyUB3J_1EMrc-pj9Bl1_uEYciPhbUZRvkLrRFZ0VZ5Pom_Z2IXN0aYqRqlJfn_1skuf_/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtib1WF-qgAdNLG2TCWuWWBc0xf3xpFKLvVEb8YBVYLwcjPGXY_9dCsVoRidCefNFWTyUB3J_1EMrc-pj9Bl1_uEYciPhbUZRvkLrRFZ0VZ5Pom_Z2IXN0aYqRqlJfn_1skuf_/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Brie Larson</b> as
Ma/Joy, in <i>Room</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Brie carries the first half of the film, the Room section,
with great ability, dedication and dramatic feel. It’s so good that it makes it
believable and, when Jacob is not stealing the scene, she’s right there with
him, as a balancing act, bringing to the story the tragedy of the character and
situation – it can be seen on her face, in her very expressive eyes. Her
realisation of what she has to do in order to save themselves feels heartbreakingly
honest and what the film needs to nail the horror. But the second half brings a
different focus on the character and, as the dramatic intensity of the story
fades, so does the film’s interest in Joy. Overall, it’s a great performance,
but uneven throughout the film.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYQfk5ZLfeY7GhA1ZTltoU6TSnW96_SJHPKDHF08o2LYRQJWzKVckZQd-XgI2SkW6gMS-jGq-NsW2cx38SSDrnFVSwVKzGp2ZHZn0rZYNHt0OaToAs_ZKExuiF0pQ05vabFyA/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYQfk5ZLfeY7GhA1ZTltoU6TSnW96_SJHPKDHF08o2LYRQJWzKVckZQd-XgI2SkW6gMS-jGq-NsW2cx38SSDrnFVSwVKzGp2ZHZn0rZYNHt0OaToAs_ZKExuiF0pQ05vabFyA/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Jennifer Lawrence</b>
as Joy, in <i>Joy</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Jennifer is the shining light in this mess of a film David
O. Russell put together and I don’t even think her performance is that much to
begin with. To her credit, she’s charismatic and pulls it off by somehow
handling the problematic dialogue. No surprise that she stands out more in the couple
of dramatic scenes, where the tone of the film doesn’t feel like an
unintentional joke. While she gets plenty of screentime, the screenplay and the
story work against her, generating random and/or absurd scenes to throw the
actors in. It’s more a 2 1/2, but I’m feeling generous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Conclusion: I wouldn’t be surprised if in 6 months from now
Brie would be my #1 or #2 pick, because I love my actresses in dramatic scenes
and because, while different, the top 4 performances rank very similarly to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How the voting will go: Brie will win the Oscar easily.
Saoirse is probably the runner-up, but not close enough. <i>Room</i> overperformed in terms of nominations and that helps Brie a
lot. Charlotte would be 3rd, I guess, and the other two actresses really have
absolutely no chance of winning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For previous Best Actress years/rankings, just look over on
the right, for a column with various years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nice writing this. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-65841638525687974982015-09-20T14:37:00.006-07:002015-09-20T14:37:51.945-07:00Best Actress – Emmys edition
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Disclaimer: I didn’t
spellcheck and posted in a hurry. Sorry about that</i>. :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hi.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a way, I am picking up where I left off last year,
ranking the Emmy nominated performances for Actress in a Drama Series and
Actress in a Comedy Series. As I do every year, I watch the submission tapes
like any other voter does / should do. And I rank in order of preference, and after
that: how I think the race will go down!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My ranking:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">1. Taraji P. Henson, for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Empire</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4
stars<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The episode & the show: I don’t watch the show, but I
didn’t dislike what I saw in the pilot (Taraji’s submission). I hear it’s the
best episode she could have chosen. Presenting the pilot to the voters tends to
help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The performance: It has the right amount of loud diva,
strong female and also that touch of vulnerability, some tears and plenty of
scenes where you empathize / feel sorry for the character / cheer her on. Although
she doesn’t dominate through screentime, she’s the one to remember from the
episode. The show loses strength when she’s not on screen. Feels like a winner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Honestly, I am confused by the ranking from here on:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">2. Robin Wright, for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">House
of Cards</i> – 3 stars<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The episode & the show: The writing was too much on the
nose. I am not a regular viewer of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">House
of Cards</i>, but it has a style that I like, visually that is. The secondary
storyline in the episode was weak and confusing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The performance: I feel like I need to explain this; she’s
so up the rankings because I like Robin, I like the character, I still think
she should’ve won for season 1... OK, that has nothing to do with it. Based on
the episode: she gets enough screentime, she hits a couple of high notes in the
last scene with Spacey, but only 3 stars because it needed just a touch more
drama, a bit more emotion on her face. Everything is very (effectively)
discreet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">3. Viola Davis, for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How
to Get Away with Murder</i> – 3 stars<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The episode & the show: My first time watching the show.
It’s not as bad as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Scandal</i>, but
definitely not something I’d care to watch in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The performance: Here I feel the need to justify AGAIN – she
is good, but I could see right through the performance, if that made sense. In
a way, it’s the opposite of Robin’s performance – there’s little subtlety, it’s
all either in the lines or on Viola’s face, who often overplays the emotions
(and she gets an entire spectrum of them this episode). I preferred her last
scene with her husband to all the courtroom / investigation noise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>4. Elisabeth Moss, for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mad
Men</i> – 3 stars<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The episode & the show: I love <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mad Men</i>. I’ve seen every episode. I liked the finale A LOT and
Peggy is one of my favourite characters from the show, if not from my entire TV
watching life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The performance: ... therefor anyone who knows me would be
shocked she’s only 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, in a gigantic 4-way tie. But truth is she
had more impactful episodes this season. While she is good in the few scenes
she gets in this episode, they feel somewhat unusual for her character, I was
one who didn’t want the love story play out, because it didn’t feel believable.
Elisabeth is good, but not impactful enough, it’s Jon’s episode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">5. Claire Danes, for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Homeland</i>
– 3 stars<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The episode & the show: I don’t watch the show. I hear
she had better episodes this season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The performance: Honestly, this could’ve been my #2 for all
I know. Decided on the ranking on the spot. She gives her usual manic, yet solid
performance, like she does every year, but it’s not as impactful as it was last
year, and it feels a bit one-note: always in a rush. I think she should’ve <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">won </b>last year based on episode, this is
more of a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">happy to be nominated</i> tape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>6. Tatiana Maslany, for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Orphan
Black</i> – 2 stars<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The episode & the show: What the fuck was that? (aka: I
never seen this before)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The performance: Because the episode was so damn confusing,
the performance(s) got a bit muddy in my brain. I stopped caring, and then we
got a really fine scene where a dead “clone” character (Beth?) comes back in a
hallucination, and that was a scene of good, solid, dramatic work. But the
material overall stopped me from enjoying whatever was happening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That is my ranking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who will win? I see two front-runners: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Taraji</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Robin</b>. Taraji
has the submission and the buzz over <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Empire</i>
and the whole <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">let’s make Emmys history</i>
buzz. Robin has the screentime and also the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">important</i>
episode, with social issues and big scenes for her character. Of course, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Viola</b> is 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup>, and she could
very well win, but some won’t like the show. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Elisabeth</b> is 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tatiana</b>
5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, let’s say, because she might her some high rankings from
die-hard fans, and Claire 6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, because by now I think they’re over
rewarding her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reminder: the voters rank the performances, it’s not a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pick a winner</i> system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And on the Comedy side...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">MY RANKING:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>1. Lisa Kudrow, for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Comeback</i> – <span style="color: blue;">4 </span></strong><span style="color: blue;"><strong>½</strong><strong> stars<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The episode & the show: I am not a fan of the show, but
I admire it. It’s uncomfortable for me to sit through something this
emotionally painful. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
I also hear she didn’t submit her best (the finale), which is always sad to
hear. It’s a juicy episode nonetheless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The performance: Lisa’s face is a national treasure: she is
so expressive and needs no dialogue line to express exactly what we’re
imagining her character feels (most of the times embarrassment, that is). The
episode (and the series) is such a one-woman show and she delivers in every
scene. I like her triumphant moment at the end, to show a bit of range and some
optimism. It’s a performance that needs to be seen to be understood, and I sure
hope the voters are paying attention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">2. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Veep</i> – 4 stars<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The episode & the show: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Veep</i> is a show I watch and really like. She definitely submitted
the right tape, the season finale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The performance: In a weird way, I wanted to like it less,
because I want Lisa to win (I guess most of us do), but I was charmed by all
the funny scenes she gets to play in this episode. It’s the kind of comedy that
brings almost sitcom-ish reactions and she’s funny and on point throughout the
episode. The sharp screenplay helps a lot, and she delivers excellent lines
with that great JLD timing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">3. Amy Schumer, for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Inside
Amy Schumer</i> – 3 stars<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The episode & the show: I have only seen clips on Youtube
(but plenty of them). I was very surprised by how weak her episode submission
was, to be honest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The performance: As I said, I expected much more. There was
not one particular skit (is that what they’re called?) that knocked it out of
the park, but the one where she plays the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">invisible</i>
police detective justified the 3 stars I am awarding her. Other than that, it’s
all only partly funny, and it feels almost <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">partly-acted</i>.
Too much real life Amy in the episode, I guess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>4. Edie Falco, for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nurse
Jackie </i>– 2 ½ stars<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The episode & the show: I don’t watch the show. She
submitted the series finale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The performance: Usually, when an actor/actress submits the
series finale, they’re considered a threat. But this episode was SO dramatic,
it has nothing to do with this category. Those who have seen the final scene
will understand what I mean. Seriously: how do you judge it when you know it’s
Drama?! For a dramatic performance, Edie gives her usual strong performance;
other than a couple of tears, there isn’t a whole lot of range though. Category
fraud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">5. Lily Tomlin, for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Grace
& Frankie</i> – 1 ½ stars<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The episode & the show: My first experience with the
show. She submitted the season finale. It wasn’t good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The performance: Maybe I don’t get Lily Tomlin, even though
I loved her performance in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nashville</i>
back in the day. Her performance here felt forced, fake, that talk on the phone
at the start of the episode was so clumsily acted/directed, you could tell it
was faked, she didn’t even try to make it real. Her big scenes are the
emotional ones towards the end, but even then it’s either Waterston or Jane
Fonda who does the heavy lifting. I don’t get the show, nor the nomination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>6. Amy Poehler, for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Parks
and Recreation</i> – 1 ½ stars<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The episode & the show: I don’t watch it. Just like Edie
(and Elisabeth in Drama), Amy too submitted the series finale. Not good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The performance: I’m gonna get a lot of hate for ranking
this so low. To me, the episode was bad and the performance just a series of
reactions from Amy, in various, absurd situations that the screenplay places
her in. None of the humour from throughout the series. It was just
unintentionally sad. No need to get into it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who will win? Probably Julia. From then on, it’s almost
anyone’s guess. I think <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Amy Schumer</b>
2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>, based on the incredible year she’s had. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lisa</b> is 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup>, if they watch the episode. Some say <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Amy P</b> might win, based on a sentimental
vote, but I have her in 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> because her tape is so bad. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lily T</b> is 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, but I wouldn’t
be shocked if she wins. And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Edie</b>
officially has zero chances of winning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And that’s it. Let’s see how it goes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.com"></a>Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-4826956944620534122014-08-12T14:31:00.002-07:002014-08-12T14:31:31.501-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Best Actress – Emmys edition</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeBhMKz8GVHOOj-c8-BaKC4oy6KVgT5SEzTxy3-YIH1wObgWI_tArzFCIETAEu3Gpn3rTf-NZ35PPKrVH_bP8UMOr4bP-W9I18TWyDJ0wt8cKZmpQCplhg3hE-xgc0vPQWqPd/s1600/Emmys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeBhMKz8GVHOOj-c8-BaKC4oy6KVgT5SEzTxy3-YIH1wObgWI_tArzFCIETAEu3Gpn3rTf-NZ35PPKrVH_bP8UMOr4bP-W9I18TWyDJ0wt8cKZmpQCplhg3hE-xgc0vPQWqPd/s1600/Emmys.jpg" /></a>I am following the now yearly tradition of watching the episodes
that the ladies nominated for <i>Actress in
a Comedy Series </i>and <i>Actress in a
Drama Series</i> have submitted – and judging (more or less objectively) their
episodes, just like the regular Emmy voter does.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first part of the judging is just my ranking based on MY
preference (not who I think will win). Here we go:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJ9AhwHI45AwB43PzxTlLbGw7_p3un-RjPWIGtZ6F5HUuLdW3hizhWkMjAx65UAurKuWD__xevw9OYktoZfAFy2vVeHqiEuob7gEweyhf52trQb6HvsL2qA8j_bJQkpfvAcbH/s1600/D1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJ9AhwHI45AwB43PzxTlLbGw7_p3un-RjPWIGtZ6F5HUuLdW3hizhWkMjAx65UAurKuWD__xevw9OYktoZfAFy2vVeHqiEuob7gEweyhf52trQb6HvsL2qA8j_bJQkpfvAcbH/s1600/D1.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialD9fzqCIpB5gu7D_Nnbc6L50ADlVzxBWpcjScHdpdauM03CthQ07pb8NPbw4lYXTOLvM34iNl9IdrYP8PPluKwXrQRas5ekI3nMH7b-iZSGr0o-C5woWkuT9Gjr7FLl3Z1oZ/s1600/4+half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialD9fzqCIpB5gu7D_Nnbc6L50ADlVzxBWpcjScHdpdauM03CthQ07pb8NPbw4lYXTOLvM34iNl9IdrYP8PPluKwXrQRas5ekI3nMH7b-iZSGr0o-C5woWkuT9Gjr7FLl3Z1oZ/s1600/4+half.jpg" /></a><b><span style="color: #0070c0;">1. Claire Danes, for <i>Homeland</i>
(episode “The Star”)</span></b></div>
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<i>My connection to the
show</i>: I don’t follow the show, but I was familiar with the characters, from
previous Emmy submissions. This episode was the Season 3 finale and a
surprisingly good episode.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>The performance</i>:
It took me by surprise, because we all know Claire loves A-C-T-I-N-G,
especially with this particular role, but the performance here was pleasantly
underacted most of the times. She stayed true to the character, but without
overdoing it, like she tends to do. Her performance was very effective, with
the help of some damn good writing; expressing her insecurities about the baby
was the highlight scene.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BknDQ9SA6Vd2v8f_NpKS4W5MtW3r8QO2rmxVQuogwNOelhHCc01_ldgDsilFaImOUPtMje5XmcxzzesIxZr9njSpIWRnBSoJuD4IWCF34vmbUTqjmkLRn72zIVEa8hYKbGK8/s1600/D2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BknDQ9SA6Vd2v8f_NpKS4W5MtW3r8QO2rmxVQuogwNOelhHCc01_ldgDsilFaImOUPtMje5XmcxzzesIxZr9njSpIWRnBSoJuD4IWCF34vmbUTqjmkLRn72zIVEa8hYKbGK8/s1600/D2.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mmm1lCoPOyhDc5eGN86joN18S4O09DVm1rNBpX1rCO_vIriZlDFBAb53Ps0odQ4eMbTwtCZgCEbObrUnbmmYWc9EpS4uMy8EyUWhs385d6bt4HrVIhutmnU89-nIjYMPoNpK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mmm1lCoPOyhDc5eGN86joN18S4O09DVm1rNBpX1rCO_vIriZlDFBAb53Ps0odQ4eMbTwtCZgCEbObrUnbmmYWc9EpS4uMy8EyUWhs385d6bt4HrVIhutmnU89-nIjYMPoNpK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><b>2. Julianna Margulies, for <i>The Good Wife</i> (episode “The Last Call”)</b></div>
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<i>My connection to the
show</i>: I have seen every episode. It’s not my favourite show on TV, but I
still enjoy watching it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The performance</i>:
It was probably the best tape she could’ve submitted and Julianna does a fine,
if not great, job, as usual. My problem here – and why I didn’t choose it as my
vote – is that the performance in this particular episode is quite one-note.
There is little range, just a lot of grieving – which is done effectively, but
I couldn’t help wanting some more. Too much of the same thing (writing’s fault).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCTKjei2hczch9CGsD1LKe-o3LLLnGLqY8QDi8w5WHIk6iAKT2AM7mfBfRMijaMaBjCcrspIrDB1oTZhTD_K6yAWdZBtytedDPF6Ry3ecDBUPbdztX8JUCUAe4SLGEA5_N6U-/s1600/D3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCTKjei2hczch9CGsD1LKe-o3LLLnGLqY8QDi8w5WHIk6iAKT2AM7mfBfRMijaMaBjCcrspIrDB1oTZhTD_K6yAWdZBtytedDPF6Ry3ecDBUPbdztX8JUCUAe4SLGEA5_N6U-/s1600/D3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mmm1lCoPOyhDc5eGN86joN18S4O09DVm1rNBpX1rCO_vIriZlDFBAb53Ps0odQ4eMbTwtCZgCEbObrUnbmmYWc9EpS4uMy8EyUWhs385d6bt4HrVIhutmnU89-nIjYMPoNpK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mmm1lCoPOyhDc5eGN86joN18S4O09DVm1rNBpX1rCO_vIriZlDFBAb53Ps0odQ4eMbTwtCZgCEbObrUnbmmYWc9EpS4uMy8EyUWhs385d6bt4HrVIhutmnU89-nIjYMPoNpK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><b>3. Michelle Dockery, for <i>Downton
Abbey</i> (episode 4.1, which in fact is 4.1 + 4.2)</b></div>
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<i>My connection to the
show</i>: I have seen every episode and I generally love it. I find it
relaxingly snobbish.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The performance</i>: I
must be one of the very few people who <i>get</i>
Michelle’s acting and see the talent and the work put into making it seem effortless.
Let’s face it: the dialogue is tough and she gets some impossible lines (in
this episode including), but she manages to deliver them so gracefully that I
must give extra points for it. She gets 2 hours, but the 2<sup>nd</sup> hour is
rather useless; the good stuff is in the first half and she gets right a series
of tricky scenes that lead towards a nicely done crying scene. I approve.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtflvK9Vlgt3JN9-CUmH86Ks1IRBeeRPHQAjxf-QGXYhKn_EZjZoy3oBL3Ot3w58wzUNwR_TTpgonHueiuANU9jznZHDT7DyOXsRly6mBHSngESFU80GrShNHeyuExKVQ3Z-Q/s1600/D4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtflvK9Vlgt3JN9-CUmH86Ks1IRBeeRPHQAjxf-QGXYhKn_EZjZoy3oBL3Ot3w58wzUNwR_TTpgonHueiuANU9jznZHDT7DyOXsRly6mBHSngESFU80GrShNHeyuExKVQ3Z-Q/s1600/D4.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiZZ119XxfwRmxkOX5ROjsGpXHjn4aB0eoJzKOhDkaBOMeujAcuURKNCRZYBmDtRrc-gHnenenuO1ZITf5ZIuzw1MBxtLksGwyQFB9Cefz5ExFKdnsWhwDBBo5CFx0DVZcSaQ/s1600/5+stars+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiZZ119XxfwRmxkOX5ROjsGpXHjn4aB0eoJzKOhDkaBOMeujAcuURKNCRZYBmDtRrc-gHnenenuO1ZITf5ZIuzw1MBxtLksGwyQFB9Cefz5ExFKdnsWhwDBBo5CFx0DVZcSaQ/s1600/5+stars+-+Copy.jpg" /></a><b>4. Robin Wright, for <i>House
of Cards</i> (episode Chapter 26)</b></div>
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<i>My connection to the
show</i>: I don’t watch it. The only other episode I’ve seen was Robin’s
submission tape from last year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The performance</i>:
Last year she was my choice for the winner, but Claire won (as I predicted).
Her tape this year, however, is underwhelming to say the least – she’s barely
in it and her scenes make little sense for those who don’t follow the show. She
gets almost nothing to do – I have her in 4<sup>th</sup> and not lower just
because she’s stylish, sexy, tough and super-fierce, all which make me
subjective. But really, there isn’t much to this submission.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSETJviImicxC2KIsFZiOtny54zfm6Kp11SWDDho6JHrpQso8VvmkJvwp6c4-xrWZDS0xjwAZaebxjDFqScEIQxTfb0DYueUdHgPayJCntyQqr_mRyf3EFH6TIAfgIgNhHx6NP/s1600/D5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSETJviImicxC2KIsFZiOtny54zfm6Kp11SWDDho6JHrpQso8VvmkJvwp6c4-xrWZDS0xjwAZaebxjDFqScEIQxTfb0DYueUdHgPayJCntyQqr_mRyf3EFH6TIAfgIgNhHx6NP/s1600/D5.png" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiZZ119XxfwRmxkOX5ROjsGpXHjn4aB0eoJzKOhDkaBOMeujAcuURKNCRZYBmDtRrc-gHnenenuO1ZITf5ZIuzw1MBxtLksGwyQFB9Cefz5ExFKdnsWhwDBBo5CFx0DVZcSaQ/s1600/5+stars+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiZZ119XxfwRmxkOX5ROjsGpXHjn4aB0eoJzKOhDkaBOMeujAcuURKNCRZYBmDtRrc-gHnenenuO1ZITf5ZIuzw1MBxtLksGwyQFB9Cefz5ExFKdnsWhwDBBo5CFx0DVZcSaQ/s1600/5+stars+-+Copy.jpg" /></a><b>5. Lizzy Caplan, for <i>Masters
of Sex</i></b> (the pilot episode)</div>
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<i>My connection to the
show</i>: I have discovered the show now, by watching the pilot. I have no
desire to continue with the series.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The performance</i>: Here
is where I get even more subjective – this is a fine submission and she gets
plenty of screentime. She’s talented, she acts well with what she gets, but
there’s something (missing?) that makes me care too little about her
performance and presence in this episode. It’s all nicely delivered, I just
wasn’t too impressed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhH00dXqf3ssbtdBVrnbGyZodXGEpq4anMcVwLSVHg9MkHZ2eSI3ANbmfkgmWjBNWQ7V48Sbgb9n0SWYYOG4mS7iQ-V2YH4qwsdzIQmNVkk6tauqlzpR3WnQHiJXXefcw-dtd5/s1600/1+star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhH00dXqf3ssbtdBVrnbGyZodXGEpq4anMcVwLSVHg9MkHZ2eSI3ANbmfkgmWjBNWQ7V48Sbgb9n0SWYYOG4mS7iQ-V2YH4qwsdzIQmNVkk6tauqlzpR3WnQHiJXXefcw-dtd5/s1600/1+star.jpg" /></a><b>6. Kerry Washington, for <i>Scandal</i>
(episode “The Fluffer”)</b></div>
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<i>My connection to the
show</i>: Another terrible episode from a really terrible show. Who watches
this?! Awful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The performance</i>:
Not much to say expect it was bad. Not only is the writing terribly weak, and
she is surrounded by actors giving their worst, Kerry herself does a poor job
this time. She delivers those pathetic lines by mostly overdoing it – too grandiose
or giving them too much meaning. There’s no subtlety, just the same facial tricks
and big words that fall flat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Who do I think WILL win:</span></b>
It’s a tough-tough call between
Claire and <b>Julianna Margulies</b>. I
think Julianna might win, because everybody seems to dislike <i>Homeland </i>lately and <i>The Good Wife </i>is quite hot right now. If she doesn’t win, than
Claire is definitely a close 2<sup>nd</sup>. I’m going to say Robin is 3<sup>rd</sup>,
not based on the episode, but on her recent increase in popularity – I suspect people
from show business like her. I wouldn’t be surprised if Lizzy wins, because her
show has the novelty factor. Kerry is probably 5<sup>th</sup> and Michelle last
(just because people underestimate her effort).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mmm1lCoPOyhDc5eGN86joN18S4O09DVm1rNBpX1rCO_vIriZlDFBAb53Ps0odQ4eMbTwtCZgCEbObrUnbmmYWc9EpS4uMy8EyUWhs385d6bt4HrVIhutmnU89-nIjYMPoNpK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mmm1lCoPOyhDc5eGN86joN18S4O09DVm1rNBpX1rCO_vIriZlDFBAb53Ps0odQ4eMbTwtCZgCEbObrUnbmmYWc9EpS4uMy8EyUWhs385d6bt4HrVIhutmnU89-nIjYMPoNpK/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="color: #0070c0;">1. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, for <i>Veep</i> (episode “Crate”)</span></b></div>
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<i>My connection to the
show</i>: I’ve seen every episode and I do enjoy it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The performance</i>:
This is a good submission for her, maybe even better than last year’s. She’s
funny and, more importantly, she shows a lot of range, going from bitchy to
sad, from reacting to disastrous situations to enjoying her victory moment. It’s
all in here and she does an excellent job. That bathroom scene is now a
classic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLLrKxlb-YQhEhlkLDWO1yrDPSlFIYBV85W_9wOQtnkRn90yi75OmfsvUBGHFdhfXaPvz7Rc1PerlJipgIuqvk5uQveT24HZAZIs-k8Y30aWbZkJTuKPCtWoUNR3TWhCtQCsA/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLLrKxlb-YQhEhlkLDWO1yrDPSlFIYBV85W_9wOQtnkRn90yi75OmfsvUBGHFdhfXaPvz7Rc1PerlJipgIuqvk5uQveT24HZAZIs-k8Y30aWbZkJTuKPCtWoUNR3TWhCtQCsA/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><b>2. Lena Dunham, for <i>Girls</i>
(episode “Beach House”)</b></div>
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<i>My connection to the
show</i>: You know how much I hated her submission last year. Needless to say,
I don’t follow. Not a fan of hers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The performance</i>:
No, hell hasn’t frozen yet. The fact that I am ranking her 2<sup>nd</sup> is
proof of how weak this category is, at least judging from the submissions. But
I can look objectively enough to say she’s good in it: not particularly funny,
but less annoying that usual. She gets two big confrontation scenes and she
does a great job delivering the character’s intentions and feelings. It was
good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLLrKxlb-YQhEhlkLDWO1yrDPSlFIYBV85W_9wOQtnkRn90yi75OmfsvUBGHFdhfXaPvz7Rc1PerlJipgIuqvk5uQveT24HZAZIs-k8Y30aWbZkJTuKPCtWoUNR3TWhCtQCsA/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLLrKxlb-YQhEhlkLDWO1yrDPSlFIYBV85W_9wOQtnkRn90yi75OmfsvUBGHFdhfXaPvz7Rc1PerlJipgIuqvk5uQveT24HZAZIs-k8Y30aWbZkJTuKPCtWoUNR3TWhCtQCsA/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><b>3. Melissa McCarthy, for <i>Mike
& Molly</i> (episode “Mind over Molly”)</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>My connection to the
show</i>: I don’t watch it, it seems a bit light on the writing front.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The performance</i>:
One of those cases where it really is hard to judge, since the highlights of
the performance come from more dramatic scenes rather than funny. She opens
with something of an <i>SNL </i>kind of
moment that I didn’t particularly enjoy, but the 2 scenes about her father
really ARE touching and well-acted. I still can’t buy the two leading characters
as a couple, nor do I understand Molly’s breakdown, but that’s less relevant
here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMxx81VOCcL1C6CMIZXK0rIbJANkosj5YXFZ0SesFolshnN6P4zr-bRWugisJKzkezmrNzKxvDSvCYIbIGIsgTWFpwUWrSODKVl4wb9IQEVNok4m8zTM63TONZmkUi8Bsb8WI/s1600/C4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMxx81VOCcL1C6CMIZXK0rIbJANkosj5YXFZ0SesFolshnN6P4zr-bRWugisJKzkezmrNzKxvDSvCYIbIGIsgTWFpwUWrSODKVl4wb9IQEVNok4m8zTM63TONZmkUi8Bsb8WI/s1600/C4.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLLrKxlb-YQhEhlkLDWO1yrDPSlFIYBV85W_9wOQtnkRn90yi75OmfsvUBGHFdhfXaPvz7Rc1PerlJipgIuqvk5uQveT24HZAZIs-k8Y30aWbZkJTuKPCtWoUNR3TWhCtQCsA/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLLrKxlb-YQhEhlkLDWO1yrDPSlFIYBV85W_9wOQtnkRn90yi75OmfsvUBGHFdhfXaPvz7Rc1PerlJipgIuqvk5uQveT24HZAZIs-k8Y30aWbZkJTuKPCtWoUNR3TWhCtQCsA/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><b>4. Taylor Schilling, for <i>Orange
Is the New Black</i> (episode “The Chickening”)</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>My connection to the
show</i>: I have seen this first season and I liked it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The performance</i>: I
initially thought she might be a threat to win my vote, but then she submitted
this. I think the pilot would’ve been a wiser choice, at least screentime-wise.
Because it feels like Taylor is barely in this episode, with the other
characters doing their own thing, often more interesting. She is eclipsed by
Red every time they share a scene and overall she ends up looking just a bit
whinny. Taylor does comedy well and I still like her, but this tape is not a
winner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0eoFW_wkQuc-rP7Sf6E135ZRHGuAHxEjQqUU4RyBXhz30Jx_Ozl7eZJNPxnNs94kGuRMe2LErx5YjEGe5MRmAotx4ebuXILXmSRVu7NQkgnDbvgipnwsWbhS54Locx6-WSs3/s1600/1+half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0eoFW_wkQuc-rP7Sf6E135ZRHGuAHxEjQqUU4RyBXhz30Jx_Ozl7eZJNPxnNs94kGuRMe2LErx5YjEGe5MRmAotx4ebuXILXmSRVu7NQkgnDbvgipnwsWbhS54Locx6-WSs3/s1600/1+half.jpg" /></a><b>5. Amy Poehler, for <i>Parks
and Recreation</i> (episode “Recall Vote”)</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>My connection to the
show</i>: I don’t follow it. I’ve seen an episode here and there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The performance</i>:
Maybe her worst tape for this role. The other storyline that doesn’t involve
her (with the chair) is way funnier and more interesting; Amy gets some boring
writing that’s never truly funny. She gets to play drunk, but it doesn’t really
succeed and overall I felt like she didn’t put too much effort into it. Was
there no better episode?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0eoFW_wkQuc-rP7Sf6E135ZRHGuAHxEjQqUU4RyBXhz30Jx_Ozl7eZJNPxnNs94kGuRMe2LErx5YjEGe5MRmAotx4ebuXILXmSRVu7NQkgnDbvgipnwsWbhS54Locx6-WSs3/s1600/1+half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0eoFW_wkQuc-rP7Sf6E135ZRHGuAHxEjQqUU4RyBXhz30Jx_Ozl7eZJNPxnNs94kGuRMe2LErx5YjEGe5MRmAotx4ebuXILXmSRVu7NQkgnDbvgipnwsWbhS54Locx6-WSs3/s1600/1+half.jpg" /></a><b>6. Edie Falco, for <i>Nurse
Jackie</i> (episode “Super Greens”)</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>My connection to the
show</i>: I don’t watch it. An episode here and there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The performance</i>:
Talk about not funny. Edie is a great actress, but there’s no comedy in here
and the dramatic scenes feel a bit like been-there-done-that. It ends up
feeling boring and lacking any special element.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Who do I think WILL win:</span></b>
The only way <b>Julia</b> is losing this
race is if they are really really really tired of giving her yet another Emmy
(which I doubt). Her tape is the funniest, and also the overall best of the
group. If they’re tired of Julia, I think they’ll go with Melissa, based on her
popularity and the emotional factor of her episode. But this means they’ll have
to actually watch the tapes. I would say Taylor is 3<sup>rd</sup>, based on the
popularity of the show. Amy is probably 4<sup>th</sup> just because she’s Amy
Poehler. Lena is 5<sup>th</sup>, since her show is not that hot anymore and
Edie doesn’t stand a chance of winning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-35745365975011215832014-07-22T14:49:00.002-07:002014-07-22T14:49:24.726-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My vote - Best
Actress 1989</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOWcowyimAZwEIezR8lL0UO8yUpKGIoYS_7kU289vSehdinOzbjBIYmKjhD0Nd1D2mNnusfQi9i5rDddqz33Zh2EF2yHTLKlGL9KMGCweXgkBTWL0syMSbC89GOzrAcY1MDtz/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOWcowyimAZwEIezR8lL0UO8yUpKGIoYS_7kU289vSehdinOzbjBIYmKjhD0Nd1D2mNnusfQi9i5rDddqz33Zh2EF2yHTLKlGL9KMGCweXgkBTWL0syMSbC89GOzrAcY1MDtz/s1600/oscar.jpg" height="200" width="77" /></a>I might have said this more than once in the past, but this
year’s ranking was a difficult task, because it came down to seeing the actual
performances one more time (after a first look) to decide on who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">subjective</i> game, of course; I need to
put this as a disclaimer, since I doubt there are any other bloggers to agree
with my #1 pick. Also, for the first time ever, all the 5 performances received
the same number of stars from me. I guess that makes it a really good year for
this category.</div>
will be my
winner. And even then I had my doubts, but I went with the most constant performance,
that also struck an emotional chord. Doing this ranking is a <br />
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So, choosing #1 was a complicated task, but it was mostly between
two performances, so #2 followed easily once it was decided it won’t be the
winner. This #2 would’ve been my guess for the win when it all started, and I
am still surprised I didn’t end up choosing her. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>
This performance is so up my alley. There’s little difference between #3 and
#4, and #5 is also very close. There’s no need to add more.</div>
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To see how they got nominated, click <a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/2014/05/an-introduction-to-best-actress-1989.html" target="_blank">here</a>. And this is MY
ranking:</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWawLzoFkr5b7TgD2lwE0settGlG26eKmDaN2UTESFVj1aqotmNimDqHlrCF7lhsqPx2cQ-pbtpGr6E7Ah_uihaQB4sx7r730P-tcYhGdEXZ0hwk-yKD_dYZ0GF59zGRAIlokj/s1600/Tandy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWawLzoFkr5b7TgD2lwE0settGlG26eKmDaN2UTESFVj1aqotmNimDqHlrCF7lhsqPx2cQ-pbtpGr6E7Ah_uihaQB4sx7r730P-tcYhGdEXZ0hwk-yKD_dYZ0GF59zGRAIlokj/s1600/Tandy.png" height="640" width="377" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a-cAwmnfyHY3b4ghsrchO0me4C7ljDXdWgCxcqJsbhVGYzUUhDWlzH0OsUCWB9DWnTCfLCEKvPlrJQcXhQVSCaYh00wXFqlO1753SqH9zEWYcYomrcVnXzTXE6MOsjHQ8dPc/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a-cAwmnfyHY3b4ghsrchO0me4C7ljDXdWgCxcqJsbhVGYzUUhDWlzH0OsUCWB9DWnTCfLCEKvPlrJQcXhQVSCaYh00wXFqlO1753SqH9zEWYcYomrcVnXzTXE6MOsjHQ8dPc/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; line-height: 115%;">1.
Jessica Tandy, <i>Driving Miss Daisy</i></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
55 minutes and 5 seconds (57.7% of the film)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The film</i></b>: The film is not an epic, it’s not a big production or
a film with a complicated plot, like other Best Picture winners. It’s simple,
but charming and very well written. Some thoughts on it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/search/label/Driving%20Miss%20Daisy" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The role</i>: </b>Jessica plays Miss Daisy Werthan, a stubborn widow in
1948 Georgia, who is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">forced</i> by her
son to accept having a driver, which creates both funny situations and a
lifelong friendship.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The performance</i>: </b>This is a performance that could’ve been clichéd
or downright awful, but it’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">saved</i>,
and few people give Miss Tandy credit for it. In the hands of a Bette Davis or
a Katharine Hepburn, it would’ve been a disaster. Jessica brings a strange
delicacy to the role, femininity and a sparkle of youth that balance well with
the sarcastic attitude in the more comedic scenes. The acting is so beautiful
and pleasant and reassuring, backed up by smart dialogue, that you almost don’t
see it as acting. It combines the funny with the emotional; the role could’ve
been so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mechanical</i>, but Jessica still
had the hunger for acting, so it feels full of life.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The highlight</i>: </b>As they stop on the side of the road, on their
way to Mobile, Alabama, for a sandwich, Miss Daisy relives the first time she
saw the ocean. With the camera on her face, there is such a loving emotion in
her eyes that I was taken by surprise and felt instant sympathy.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a-cAwmnfyHY3b4ghsrchO0me4C7ljDXdWgCxcqJsbhVGYzUUhDWlzH0OsUCWB9DWnTCfLCEKvPlrJQcXhQVSCaYh00wXFqlO1753SqH9zEWYcYomrcVnXzTXE6MOsjHQ8dPc/s1600/4+stars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a-cAwmnfyHY3b4ghsrchO0me4C7ljDXdWgCxcqJsbhVGYzUUhDWlzH0OsUCWB9DWnTCfLCEKvPlrJQcXhQVSCaYh00wXFqlO1753SqH9zEWYcYomrcVnXzTXE6MOsjHQ8dPc/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a>2. Isabelle
Adjani, <i>Camille Claudel</i></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
91* minutes and 27 seconds (59.8% of the film) [*must note I have seen the 158
min version, not the 175 min]</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The film</i></b>: The first half of this long biographical film is more
interesting, while the second half is less focused, slightly boring. Some
thoughts on it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/07/camille-claudel-19881989.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The role</i>: </b>Isabelle plays Camille Claudel, the temperamental and
ambitious young sculptor who becomes the mistress and protégé of the famous Auguste
Rodin.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The performance</i>: </b>The film relies so much on her beauty, her
expressive eyes and the love that the camera has for her. What is not in
writing, she can compensate by one look of despair or shame. This is a flashy
role, mostly in the better sense: there’s no holding back on the tears and the screaming,
but as the screenplay doesn’t always rise to the occasion, it sometimes feels
in vain. But even as the craziness of Camille is poorly explained, Isabelle
tries to create something of an arc for her: there’s a distinctive <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">regress</i>. With one of the most beautiful
faces in history, tears like no other, and enough energy to make it work,
Isabelle’s performance is mostly a success.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The highlight</i>: </b>Her last scene with her father combines nicely
the confusion of the woman slipping into madness and the shame of the daughter
trying to reconnect with real life. Perfectly delivered vulnerability.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a-cAwmnfyHY3b4ghsrchO0me4C7ljDXdWgCxcqJsbhVGYzUUhDWlzH0OsUCWB9DWnTCfLCEKvPlrJQcXhQVSCaYh00wXFqlO1753SqH9zEWYcYomrcVnXzTXE6MOsjHQ8dPc/s1600/4+stars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a-cAwmnfyHY3b4ghsrchO0me4C7ljDXdWgCxcqJsbhVGYzUUhDWlzH0OsUCWB9DWnTCfLCEKvPlrJQcXhQVSCaYh00wXFqlO1753SqH9zEWYcYomrcVnXzTXE6MOsjHQ8dPc/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a></span></b></span>3. Michelle
Pfeiffer, <i>The Fabulous Baker Boys</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
47 minutes and 16 seconds (43.4% of the film)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The film</i></b>: It’s easy to watch and it has a couple of good scenes
that almost make it memorable. The story is nicely balanced. Some thoughts on
it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/07/the-fabulous-baker-boys-1989.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The role</i>: </b>Michelle plays Susie Diamond, a high-class call girl who
turns singer, bringing a breath of fresh air to the duet of two piano playing
brothers.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The performance</i>: </b>I know everyone loves this performance, and I
respect it more than love it. To me the role is less challenging and I give
Michelle credit for delivering almost perfectly what was required. And what she
does get is a damn good scene towards the end and a couple of comedic touches,
for which she finds just the right timing. She is sweet, and likeable, and her
presence does improve the film a lot. There’s vulnerability, and smarts, tears
played at the right moment and the camera loves her. I didn’t really understand
why the character was so chill about being a prostitute, and I also don’t think
her singing was that good. Sorry. But still: an almost 4.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The highlight</i>: </b>Her big scene with Jeff, which basically makes
the performance work. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you’re full of
shit. You’re a fake</i> speech is very well delivered.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a-cAwmnfyHY3b4ghsrchO0me4C7ljDXdWgCxcqJsbhVGYzUUhDWlzH0OsUCWB9DWnTCfLCEKvPlrJQcXhQVSCaYh00wXFqlO1753SqH9zEWYcYomrcVnXzTXE6MOsjHQ8dPc/s1600/4+stars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a-cAwmnfyHY3b4ghsrchO0me4C7ljDXdWgCxcqJsbhVGYzUUhDWlzH0OsUCWB9DWnTCfLCEKvPlrJQcXhQVSCaYh00wXFqlO1753SqH9zEWYcYomrcVnXzTXE6MOsjHQ8dPc/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a></span></b></span></span></span></b>4. Jessica
Lange, <i>Music Box</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
83 minutes (71% of the film)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The film</i></b>: It starts with poor writing and slow pace, and then
gradually gets better and better. Some thoughts on it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/07/music-box-1989.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The role</i>: </b>Jessica plays Ann Talbot, an American lawyer of
Hungarian origins, who has to defend her father when he is accused of horrible
war crimes.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The performance</i>:</b> Here is a performance in what I like to call the
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Angelina in Changeling</i>” category,
meaning it has such low or mediocre acting choices, but the highs are so
impressive that you can’t ignore them. Just like the film, the performance
starts on a bad note: Jessica creates this overly-precious, delicate woman that’s
just boring to watch. But as the trial starts, the film gets better, and
Jessica’s acting becomes more <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real</i>,
more dynamic. The music box discovery is a memorable moment, but what justifies
my ranking (and me calling this one of the few Lange film performances I really
like) is that breath-taking confrontation scene that might just be this
category’s best acted scene. The fear in her eyes, combined with anger and despair
is pricelessly acted. But I must cut points for the weak start, so this is an
almost 4.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The highlight</i>: </b>As I said, the big confrontation scene with her
father. Perfect.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nuwErsFx0IMUi-vjnvZD_LTV_DEghVRqFzkhPXajgL8wS_6ZpRnbW1FC93a_pB94cwdFHoGYJTOZJr027rjg6shanHrafPVnwvtaMoOBKSMCdyb3xCUHqtBf5TFF4nZDbOfv/s1600/Pauline.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nuwErsFx0IMUi-vjnvZD_LTV_DEghVRqFzkhPXajgL8wS_6ZpRnbW1FC93a_pB94cwdFHoGYJTOZJr027rjg6shanHrafPVnwvtaMoOBKSMCdyb3xCUHqtBf5TFF4nZDbOfv/s1600/Pauline.png" height="640" width="394" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a-cAwmnfyHY3b4ghsrchO0me4C7ljDXdWgCxcqJsbhVGYzUUhDWlzH0OsUCWB9DWnTCfLCEKvPlrJQcXhQVSCaYh00wXFqlO1753SqH9zEWYcYomrcVnXzTXE6MOsjHQ8dPc/s1600/4+stars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a-cAwmnfyHY3b4ghsrchO0me4C7ljDXdWgCxcqJsbhVGYzUUhDWlzH0OsUCWB9DWnTCfLCEKvPlrJQcXhQVSCaYh00wXFqlO1753SqH9zEWYcYomrcVnXzTXE6MOsjHQ8dPc/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b>5. Pauline
Collins, <i>Shirley Valentine</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
78 minutes and 11 seconds (73.9% of the film)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The film</i></b>: It’s dated through its execution, but very relevant
through its theme of dissatisfaction and changing your life; surprising. Some
thoughts on it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/06/shirley-valentine-1989.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The role</i>: </b>Pauline plays Shirley, a funny and lively woman, who
likes to talk to herself. She realizes how unhappy she’s been with her life and
decides to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">escape</i> to the Greek
islands.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The performance</i>: </b>It feels a bit stupid to have Pauline in 5<sup>th</sup>,
since I loved the film, and the film depends almost entirely on her acting. And
she is lovely, she really is: I like it a lot, but for some reason I just can’t
rank her higher. She is fun to look at, has a great delivery of the funny lines
and a good understanding of the dramatic aspects of the film. The constant look
of surprise on her face works both for her, because it helps bring the laughs,
but also makes it all look so easy and the character arc less noticeable
outside of the plot. It has a charming lack of vanity. An almost 4.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The highlight</i>: </b>Maybe the scene on the bus, thinking of her
life: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shirley Valentine turned into this</i>.</div>
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How did the Academy vote? Well, the older voters in the
Academy got their way, so Jessica Tandy won (deservingly so, I might say,
though I know you won’t agree). The fact that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Driving Miss Daisy</i> won Best Picture definitely also had something
to do with it. But it was mostly because they liked the performance, I guess,
and because Tandy was such a respected theatre legend. At 80 years old she was
(and the record still stands) the oldest winner in the Best Actress category.
#2 was a very close runner-up, clearly Michelle Pfeiffer. They were the only
ones with a shot at winning this. The other 3 had no chance. From there on, it’s
a guessing game. You’ll definitely doubt me, but I think Isabelle was a very
distant #3; hear me out: even though it’s a foreign-language performance, and
we know how they feel about those, it’s also a very flashy one, with a lot of
acting, in a biographical film that was also up for a Foreign Language Oscar.
More so, Adjani was a worldwide movie star, having been nominated before. I
would guess that Pauline was #4 (random thought; not 3<sup>rd</sup>, because
she was little known despite the Tony win, and it’s a small film) and Jessica 5<sup>th</sup>
(the Academy wasn’t in any hurry to give her a 2<sup>nd</sup> Oscar, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Music Box</i> seems to have plenty of
haters).</div>
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What’s next: For the first time since... I don’t know when,
there won’t be a draw like there usually is. I still have 30s, 50s and 90s to
choose from, and I will pick a year myself from those decades. Allen and his great
blog <a href="http://oscargasms.blogspot.com/">http://oscargasms.blogspot.com/</a> have inspired me to want to do 1939 (what
a year!) and that’s the one up next. </div>
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But before that, I’ll share my thoughts on Emmy’s Best
Actress – Drama & Best Actress – Comedy races, watching the submissions,
ranking the nominees, I’ve done it before. ;)</div>
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To see other BEST ACTRESS years discussed so far, you can go
to the column on the right.</div>
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<br /></div>
Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-19330161126525684922014-05-24T14:24:00.005-07:002014-06-01T23:41:51.036-07:00<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlOuETmz39Exf200l5os1kYbLuNasf2etzLmO7HWKOqlTA49o3UqM0C7lqwKeF0U6I7WUIR5DJ6rTkoi3eXLzPMu9CfC_Na6cUQ5RjWTUrIZ5asWSDOxpNTKQOYQNk64TT2xr/s1600/oscar.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlOuETmz39Exf200l5os1kYbLuNasf2etzLmO7HWKOqlTA49o3UqM0C7lqwKeF0U6I7WUIR5DJ6rTkoi3eXLzPMu9CfC_Na6cUQ5RjWTUrIZ5asWSDOxpNTKQOYQNk64TT2xr/s1600/oscar.jpg" height="200" width="77" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Oscar predictions - The Acting </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Not much to say about it. I said on Twitter I wasn't going to post early predictions this year, but I'm doing it now just for the 4 acting categories (especially since my 1989 post will probably get delayed, I think).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">So here they are, in alphabetical order. I'm feeling quite confident about some of them. Predicted winners in blue (no, not in the photos - I work with what I have).</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">Best Actress:</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Amy Adams – <i>Big Eyes</i></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Cate Blanchett – <i>Carol
</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Jessica Chastain – <i>The
Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hilary Swank – <i>The Homesman</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Michelle Williams – <i>Suite
Francaise</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Runner-up: Rosamund Pike – <i>Gone Girl</i>)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">Best Actor:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Steve Carell – <i>Foxcatcher
</i></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Bradley Cooper – [<i>Untitled
Cameron Crowe Film</i>]</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Michael Keaton – <i>Birdman
</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Joaquin Phoenix – <i>Inherent
Vice</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Timothy Spall – <i>Mr.
Turner</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Runner-up: Robert Downey Jr – <i>The Judge</i>)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFS17JqpDjmxRISnpZNEqcqf26LV4siLuCn5XLp9Wx7FHddSs16Nz_Wzl4YLZDtBsirPQsYPj1TSWrz8nKV2QmpsXPTHnCP_6cYyGq9JpXBOQtbhzspnoy4rqGLYPdAvOiUSk/s1600/4meryl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFS17JqpDjmxRISnpZNEqcqf26LV4siLuCn5XLp9Wx7FHddSs16Nz_Wzl4YLZDtBsirPQsYPj1TSWrz8nKV2QmpsXPTHnCP_6cYyGq9JpXBOQtbhzspnoy4rqGLYPdAvOiUSk/s1600/4meryl.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Best Supporting Actress:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Jessica Chastain – <i>A Most
Violent Year</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Rooney Mara – <i>Carol </i></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sarah Paulson – <i>Carol </i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Kristin Scott Thomas – <i>Suite
Francaise</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Meryl Streep – <i>Into the
Woods</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Runner-up: Patricia Arquette – <i>Boyhood</i>)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiKplwZ1DKq7FxLNCDLlIcqH1tqwsEsk0y85OnzzWmOJLtoboe3Hli6_IutaZas31iZf0MR3H4G0ey6HbNtzetWJ58JGf_up_AX4RlXa8ewM6oQH4irSSdusqwLvMy-Up_3Xd/s1600/3channing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiKplwZ1DKq7FxLNCDLlIcqH1tqwsEsk0y85OnzzWmOJLtoboe3Hli6_IutaZas31iZf0MR3H4G0ey6HbNtzetWJ58JGf_up_AX4RlXa8ewM6oQH4irSSdusqwLvMy-Up_3Xd/s1600/3channing.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Best Supporting Actor:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Johnny Depp – <i>Into the
Woods</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Robert Duvall – <i>The Judge</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Mark Ruffalo – <i>Foxcatcher
</i></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Channing Tatum – <i>Foxcatcher
</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Christoph Waltz – <i>Big Eyes</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Runner-up: Albert Brooks – <i>A Most Violent Year</i>)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFS17JqpDjmxRISnpZNEqcqf26LV4siLuCn5XLp9Wx7FHddSs16Nz_Wzl4YLZDtBsirPQsYPj1TSWrz8nKV2QmpsXPTHnCP_6cYyGq9JpXBOQtbhzspnoy4rqGLYPdAvOiUSk/s1600/4meryl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">They'd look like interesting nominations. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-36239736273485879512014-05-10T08:36:00.001-07:002014-05-10T08:42:29.559-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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As usual, there’s a video at the end of the post to show I
didn’t cheat with the draw. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span></span>
1989 was actually one of my top choices, because I haven’t seen most of the films
and I feel the year isn’t talked about enough [though I know some bloggers who have
;) ]. That being said, at the time of the draw (2 days ago) I had only seen <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Driving Miss Daisy</i>. I am familiar with
scenes from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fabulous Baker Boys</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Music Box</i>, but not with the films as a
whole. I haven’t seen <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Camille Claudel</i>
and I only saw <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shirley Valentine</i> last
night (it was GREAT). I don’t expect this to be the year with the most fabulous
performances, but they’re all quite different.</div>
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There are no favourites for now and I’m prepared to be
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The 5 ladies that Oscar had chosen as nominees for 1989, in
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Isabelle Adjani</b>
as Camille Claudel, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Camille Claudel</i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pauline Collins</b>
as Shirley Valentine, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shirley
Valentine</i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jessica Lange</b> as Ann
Talbot, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Music Box</i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Michelle Pfeiffer</b>
as Susie Diamond, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Fabulous Baker
Boys</i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jessica Tandy</b> as Daisy
Werthan, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Driving Miss Daisy</i></div>
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From the 5 nominees, only Adjani plays a real life person. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Driving Miss Daisy</i> is the only film of
the 5 to be nominated for Best Picture and, as it happens, it also won. This is
the part where I try to guess how they got nominated:</div>
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There were two clear front-runners before the nominations
were announced. First one, I’d say, was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jessica
Tandy</b>. This must have been an easy nomination to get, judging from the
success of the film: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miss Daisy</i>
received 9 nominations and ended up winning 4 Oscars. This was the first Oscar
nomination for 80-year-old Tandy, who had done some films in the past, but was
better known for her stage work, having won a couple of Tonys. She entered the
race having won the Golden Globe for Actress in a Comedy/Musical and minor awards
from the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Boston Society of Film Critics</i>
& the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kansas City Film Critics Circle</i>.
She was also the unofficial runner-up for the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New York Film Critics Circle </i>and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">National Society of Film Critics</i> awards.</div>
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Another sure bet for a nomination was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Michelle Pfeiffer</b>. She entered the race having won the most awards
from the critics: the Golden Globe for Actress in a Drama and the recognition
from critics’ groups such as the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">National
Board of Review</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New York Film
Critics Circle</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">National Society
of Film Critics</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Los Angeles Film
Critics Association</i> and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chicago
Film Critics Association</i>. Those are basically all the important wins she
could’ve received. This was Michelle’s 2<sup>nd</sup> Oscar nomination, having
been nominated the previous year for her supporting role in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dangerous Liaisons</i>.</div>
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If these two were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">locks</i>,
the next 3 actresses weren’t such safe bets. Looking at the competition, it seems
like there could’ve been all kinds of combinations for the nomination list. I
think it’s safe to say next in line was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jessica
Lange</b>. Prior to the Oscar nominations, for this role she had received only
a nomination for Actress in a Drama at the Golden Globes. However, given that
this is a serious role in a serious drama AND Jessica was a darling of the 80s,
I don’t think I’m wrong in suggesting she had the 3<sup>rd</sup> chance of
getting the 1989 Oscar nomination. This was Jessica’s 5<sup>th</sup> nomination
(and 4<sup>th</sup> in Leading), at that point having won just once, for her
supporting performance in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tootsie</i>
(1982).</div>
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I’d say that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pauline
Collins</b> was next, because I imagine she had the British voters on her side.
And she had just won the Tony award for playing Shirley on Broadway. So there
was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">some</i> buzz around this
performance. Prior to the nomination, she had received just a nomination at the
Golden Globes for Actress in a Comedy/Musical. This was Pauline’s first time at
the Oscars.</div>
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And then we get to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Isabelle
Adjani</b>, who I hear is quite amazing in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Camille
Claudel</i> and she was a true movie star at that time, however there was
nothing to suggest her film was a success in the US, AND it’s a foreign
language film, AND she did not benefit from critics’ support (like it had
previously happened for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">L’Histoire d’Adele
H</i>). But somehow she made it. Not that it influenced the Oscars, but prior
to the nomination she had won back in Europe awards from the César and the Berlin
Film Festival for this role. This was Isabelle’s 2<sup>nd</sup> Oscar
nomination, having been nomination 14 years before for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Adele H</i>.</div>
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I think there was a strong runner-up for a nomination and
two other interesting contenders:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">6. Andie MacDowell, <i>Sex,
Lies, and Videotape</i></span> – Golden Globe nomination for Actress in a Drama, wins
from: the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (tied with Pfeiffer) and the Independent
Spirit awards.</span></div>
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Dark horses:</div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-68559811119705734022014-05-07T15:25:00.001-07:002014-05-07T15:26:58.132-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My vote - Best
Actress 1961</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCENnCZq8zyHjrXIoh8Ae8KQSJLGs7JmTddIE9mgKZrHwfY_kCm70wdgKkWgBWteTr6FDZ5NzuShyLjoyWTU8nSpXoEBm02O8JYHpKXdiqvpySM0r54bymKNh3ZIoSebL6Gpu/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCENnCZq8zyHjrXIoh8Ae8KQSJLGs7JmTddIE9mgKZrHwfY_kCm70wdgKkWgBWteTr6FDZ5NzuShyLjoyWTU8nSpXoEBm02O8JYHpKXdiqvpySM0r54bymKNh3ZIoSebL6Gpu/s1600/oscar.jpg" /></a>There had been both worse and better Best Actress years for
me to review in the past, but the 3 films <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Breakfast
at Tiffany’s</i> and lately I’ve had a lot of coincidences related to this
film. To see the post on how the 5 actresses got nominated, click <a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/2014/04/an-introduction-to-best-actress-1961.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I discovered were at least
interesting and I had always been curious about them. I also had no idea who
the winner would be and, in fact, it proved to be a rather easy & obvious
choice. Also, it’s always nice to revisit </div>
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<br /></div>
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If #1 was an easy choice for me, the same could be said
about my #2. From then on, it’s all a bit mixed up. While I found qualities in
all 3 performances following, none was truly exciting. I am literally coming
back to this and changing the ranking minutes before posting. In the end, it’s
all about passion, I guess. I can’t believe who I’m choosing for #3, but the
performance grew on me. #4 makes small mistakes, but it’s also not very
creative. My #5 is a performance that people tend to love, but I find it really
overrated; no remorse there.</div>
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So here is how I ranked them:</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofuH2d8pBj6uSILyX0hM_-xIgVirM4jSbo3tXHVTd44K7iHygtIf2WqLHcksIAgoTM21lHiaSn-OxZ3dD5YLKi-JbIQzbgOTYUBYYVdXTwF_YCgy-jueDdGEbzugZh4N19m5p/s1600/A1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofuH2d8pBj6uSILyX0hM_-xIgVirM4jSbo3tXHVTd44K7iHygtIf2WqLHcksIAgoTM21lHiaSn-OxZ3dD5YLKi-JbIQzbgOTYUBYYVdXTwF_YCgy-jueDdGEbzugZh4N19m5p/s1600/A1.png" height="640" width="401" /></a></b></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngKLNUeNeQ9ELM6g83vXBV-w8bt1k4387bXPNZOQawt1bgFF9VZjtCiKLzLhWZt_3UV_RFGa3onKK34Db4GKhp9Vw9_FbSaSsZsKNid9RZl9_08qmdThjKE650-reMpupRpgZ/s1600/5+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngKLNUeNeQ9ELM6g83vXBV-w8bt1k4387bXPNZOQawt1bgFF9VZjtCiKLzLhWZt_3UV_RFGa3onKK34Db4GKhp9Vw9_FbSaSsZsKNid9RZl9_08qmdThjKE650-reMpupRpgZ/s1600/5+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; line-height: 115%;">1.
Sophia Loren, <i>Two Women</i></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
71 minutes and 41 seconds (74.4% of the film)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The film</i></b>: It’s surprisingly good and easy to watch, except
towards the end when it loses both the intensity and the fun. Some thoughts on
it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/04/two-women-la-ciociara-196061.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The role</i>: </b>Sophia plays Cesira, a loud-mouthed Italian woman, mother
of a teenage girl, trying to keep her daughter safe during WWII.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The performance</i>: </b>You know what, it IS the role she was born to
play. Sure, she’s a bit young for the part, but the energy she brings to the
screen, the tears and the humour are all fascinating to look at, captivating
and often entertaining. It’s the kind of performance only an European actress
could’ve created – there’s no fuss to it, just pure emotions on display in what
would be the opposite of anything theatrical. She’s extremely beautiful, but
the performance doesn’t rely on looks. It’s all about what her character feels
and her honesty. The highly dramatic scenes towards the end are carried
perfectly, balanced beautifully. An almost 5, since I have no excuse to go for
less.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The highlight</i>: </b>Her final scene with her daughter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOL7Jac3Z_nHNWy8DoqXbb0V1ayQU2EJyq_PN9AbpDYX9VpVfKM1e9p0mHsFx6Tdxr-tWPSvTqc5yMZmTeoVsKQGtT8YEZMVY0jodnXwuPphZuL9TZGkdwGDJ9leMlKdnlrpH_/s1600/A2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOL7Jac3Z_nHNWy8DoqXbb0V1ayQU2EJyq_PN9AbpDYX9VpVfKM1e9p0mHsFx6Tdxr-tWPSvTqc5yMZmTeoVsKQGtT8YEZMVY0jodnXwuPphZuL9TZGkdwGDJ9leMlKdnlrpH_/s1600/A2.png" height="640" width="378" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglr-RPBB7mErCItqXPwVDlHPu1uV438cLA8t5C2vI8jKiVwGWmTs8-J3kG7iTXmR5F3jDzauIWiCepOTXLjafiz84qvhBlQ4iatPpGjnRWdCmAnJw1Bw6_Zq0uqxDK3bs_I6T7/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglr-RPBB7mErCItqXPwVDlHPu1uV438cLA8t5C2vI8jKiVwGWmTs8-J3kG7iTXmR5F3jDzauIWiCepOTXLjafiz84qvhBlQ4iatPpGjnRWdCmAnJw1Bw6_Zq0uqxDK3bs_I6T7/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">2. Audrey
Hepburn, <i>Breakfast at Tiffany’s</i></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
70 minutes and 38 seconds (64.6% of the film)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The film</i></b>: I had seen it a couple of times before. It’s no
masterpiece, but it’s fun and it plays well even nowadays. Some thoughts on it:
<a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/05/breakfast-at-tiffanys-1961-3rd-time.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The role</i>: </b>Audrey plays Holly, a beautiful party girl and
part-time escort, who befriends a handsome neighbour while looking for the
right rich guy.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The performance</i>: </b>The character was created for a different kind
of girl, but at least we can all agree that Audrey brings a lot of class to it.
She tries to be funny and relaxed and look drunk, and it succeeds most of the
time, even though you can tell she’s out of her comfort zone. But the
performance has class, it has some relatable emotions and some smarts to it.
The dramatic talent she brings in the post-engagement scenes feels right for
the film and the character’s arc is nicely done. We knew the camera loves
Audrey; but such a performance doesn’t become iconic without some real acting
behind it. An almost 4.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The highlight</i>: </b>The taxi scene towards the end.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ueosZrAqcRQhk6r407nwiL3EXKQRzbMi8KvrgBmayvsUCv4jYARmPhtvIQRoPkbwNfkSnKJxkBTxOhvn1cNIZuUtmaKjBOfGFeXS2sAHHx8F3YbzJxvxiekg_ipYSCAEYHQL/s1600/A4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ueosZrAqcRQhk6r407nwiL3EXKQRzbMi8KvrgBmayvsUCv4jYARmPhtvIQRoPkbwNfkSnKJxkBTxOhvn1cNIZuUtmaKjBOfGFeXS2sAHHx8F3YbzJxvxiekg_ipYSCAEYHQL/s1600/A4.png" height="640" width="314" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRUIzDODw69jSVayuVlem2VmaM_cBq1ca7uRspUvsUXPCdSdtIrPakFZ5J3stQEMKE0KnjQ8iuMpdmPRoH_u3TbiojVnIXcAqG7zHJ4HGRvKJZ_qReGwwHfQ9Nfmx28YcN8Pb/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRUIzDODw69jSVayuVlem2VmaM_cBq1ca7uRspUvsUXPCdSdtIrPakFZ5J3stQEMKE0KnjQ8iuMpdmPRoH_u3TbiojVnIXcAqG7zHJ4HGRvKJZ_qReGwwHfQ9Nfmx28YcN8Pb/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">3. Geraldine
Page, <i>Summer and Smoke</i></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
67 minutes and 29 seconds (59.6% of the film)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The film</i></b>: Listen, it’s just Tennessee Williams doing his thing.
It’s not his best material, so the film is not exciting; but it had me curious.
Some thoughts on it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/04/summer-and-smoke-1961.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The role</i>: </b>Geraldine plays Alma, a frustrated spinster whose unrequited
love for a handsome doctor creates trouble in their lives.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The performance</i>: </b>To call this performance theatrical feels like
the understatement of the year. She had actually played the role on stage, so
all she had to do was get ready for her close-up. The performance is gradually
growing on me (because I usually tend to favour Geraldine) and I have literally
pushed it to #3 just now, but I have to be objective: she creates a dislikeable
character that I’m not 100% sure can be put on the writing. She’s delicious to
watch throughout, but in an almost involuntarily humorous way. Where there
should be nuances, there’s a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">didactical</i>,
almost unnatural acting style. Strangely, there are countless highs and lows in
a performance that can be seen as mostly tiresome. I don’t know: I still am
rather fascinated and confused by it, even after seeing it twice. A strong 2.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The highlight</i>: </b>Trying to seduce John but realizing it’s too
late.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvRhSx5M7SmjPVp2Id8eKbeEdyN3YEL7dJ4Y9X5d5U0Q15Rt2402s_BO1qehU0YQNnhjuOMr2HnWcVqh4CB2JkErLDlWFmwzN-n1NOWwQ0-CMeHRrioefSKwwxWwKFf4bnT3c/s1600/A3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvRhSx5M7SmjPVp2Id8eKbeEdyN3YEL7dJ4Y9X5d5U0Q15Rt2402s_BO1qehU0YQNnhjuOMr2HnWcVqh4CB2JkErLDlWFmwzN-n1NOWwQ0-CMeHRrioefSKwwxWwKFf4bnT3c/s1600/A3.png" height="400" width="315" /></a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LUUY-LAo3duIZeJTZFleVENdhbeBN-phC-1OCbJdgtece2-Oc_D3DG-nBEKX8czyrrZQKY6pvv7308ujaY6xURKKKvcEJDhTKvKwKGECOhWc1bASOKmFwPSvi4VvJpW6lxH8/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LUUY-LAo3duIZeJTZFleVENdhbeBN-phC-1OCbJdgtece2-Oc_D3DG-nBEKX8czyrrZQKY6pvv7308ujaY6xURKKKvcEJDhTKvKwKGECOhWc1bASOKmFwPSvi4VvJpW6lxH8/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">4. Piper
Laurie, <i>The Hustler</i></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
49 minutes and 46 seconds (37.1% of the film)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The film</i></b>: A well written and nicely directed film, with a
strong acting ensemble and a captivating ending. Some thoughts on it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/05/the-hustler-1961.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The role</i>: </b>Piper plays Sarah, an alcoholic woman who falls in
love with an insecure pool player and helps him become a better man.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The performance</i>:</b> Truth is it’s a role that could’ve been played
in many different ways. My problem with it is that I never really connected
with the character and in the end I didn’t really care about what happened to
her. Just like in the case of Natalie, the performance lacks a certain sparkle
and I question how emotionally available she allows her character to be. Even
in her vulnerable moments, there’s a feeling of arrogance that rubs me the
wrong way. There’s too much class in this troubled woman and Piper’s acting
ends up looking a bit strange next to Newman’s more realistic approach.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The highlight</i>: </b>Getting drunk at the party and speaking the
truth.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l1UYXnlDV-IAIgHNTeNMi4AMKS82YZPVgAUgTRFKHN45GLVQfGh7B8QvBGAekxPJzz44wOfN7-yCM6E6Vb1fKferk2KJ6r9DHCdtgrgH2jC7QZ1a5_8vRCxM55IQwVGHsSdl/s1600/A5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l1UYXnlDV-IAIgHNTeNMi4AMKS82YZPVgAUgTRFKHN45GLVQfGh7B8QvBGAekxPJzz44wOfN7-yCM6E6Vb1fKferk2KJ6r9DHCdtgrgH2jC7QZ1a5_8vRCxM55IQwVGHsSdl/s1600/A5.png" height="640" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmob3mtZ5Sx5cpsyOd2VwYiS7U1rIJrziq8JyDWRU2ZgFfTYi-ttdf2iGpz6nTyfjwT2N3ESlB1uT_KvqpbwjsTEFe9dONzDJ7cS_3wcSofNVI37v_U1f2xkgH9ZFGV71IH0K/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmob3mtZ5Sx5cpsyOd2VwYiS7U1rIJrziq8JyDWRU2ZgFfTYi-ttdf2iGpz6nTyfjwT2N3ESlB1uT_KvqpbwjsTEFe9dONzDJ7cS_3wcSofNVI37v_U1f2xkgH9ZFGV71IH0K/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">5. Natalie
Wood, <i>Splendor in the Grass</i></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
56 minutes and 37 seconds (46.3% of the film)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The film</i></b>: It’s dated as hell, but there’s some honesty in the
screenplay. Strangely enough, the problem comes from the casting. Some thoughts
on it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/05/splendor-in-grass-1961-2nd-time.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The role</i>: </b>Natalie plays Deanie, a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good girl</i> who has a nervous breakdown after her handsome boyfriend
dumps her.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The performance</i>: </b>What’s the catch? I don’t get it. When she
gets a big scene, she hides her face and I can only assume it’s because the
acting skills are not there to carry it through the right way. Unlike
Geraldine, there’s nothing exciting in her rather theatrical choices, no
sparkle, no real energy. There’s little charisma and too much dignity; the
performance needed charm and, while I did sense the character’s struggle at
times, it’s as if she puts no real effort in making the character even remotely
interesting. It’s my opinion she cannot carry the film, not that Beatty’s
anywhere close.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The highlight</i>: </b>Reading the poem in the classroom.</div>
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How did the Academy vote: I’m quite sure it wasn’t an easy
win for Sophia since this was the first time (?) they rewarded a (leading)
Oscar to a foreign-language performance. And the film hadn’t received any other
nominations. But given the runner-ups, you can tell I’m thrilled with her win.
Daniel P. tried to convince me that Natalie was the runner-up, but after seeing
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Splendor</i> again, I feel like #2 was
Geraldine – sure, it’s a polarizing performance, but it’s flashier and it had the
critics’ support. Natalie was a close 3<sup>rd</sup>, for sure (not sure Best
Picture winner <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">West Side Story</i> worked
in her favour). Feel free to argue on my guessing game. :) The other two
nominees didn’t really stand a chance: Audrey was probably 4<sup>th</sup>,
because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Breakfast</i> was a hit. Piper
was definitely 5<sup>th</sup>, because she was an unknown and not the star of
her film.</div>
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And those are my thoughts on 1961.</div>
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What’s next: Another draw, this time from the 80s & 90s.
There will be 15 options to choose from [all except 1980, 1985, 1992 & 1994
already discussed + 1987 because for some reason, although I’d seen it in the
past, I don’t have a copy of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Anna</i> to
see it again and count the screentime].</div>
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To see other BEST ACTRESS years discussed so far, you can go
to the column on the right.</div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-58811782442089707062014-04-03T15:14:00.000-07:002014-04-03T15:14:57.177-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.com"><img alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" /></a>An introduction to <b>BEST ACTRESS 1961</b></span></div>
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There’s a video at the end of the post proving that the draw
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1961 it is... Not the year I wanted the most, nor the least. There’s also a
strange coincidence happening, because just on Saturday I took out a framed
photo I received a while ago (and kept it wrapped) and decided to hang it.
Photo below:<o:p></o:p></div>
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LOL, right? <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
Destiny! This is a historical year because it marks the first time an actress
(or any actor for that matter, I think) won an Oscar for acting in a
foreign-language film. The race was wide open and Sophia managed a surprise
win.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have previously seen only 2 of the 5 films (<i>Breakfast at Tiffany’s </i>– of course! and <i>Splendor in the Grass</i>), but I am very
interested in the other 3, for different reasons. I will watch all 5 films
(again), count the screentime and choose my winner. I must confess I have no
idea how this will go, I really don’t have any favourites; since I tend to prefer
DRAMA, Loren might have a slight advantage, but I also favour Geraldine Page
and I expect to enjoy <i>The Hustler</i>
quite a lot, so we’ll see.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The 5 ladies that Oscar had chosen as nominees for 1961, in
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<b>Audrey Hepburn</b> as
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<b>Piper Laurie</b> as Sarah
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<b>Sophia Loren</b> as Cesira,
in <i>Two Women/La Ciociara</i></div>
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<b>Geraldine Page</b> as
Alma Winemiller, in <i>Summer and Smoke</i></div>
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<b>Natalie Wood</b> as Wilma
Dean Loomis, in <i>Splendor in the Grass</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Interesting to note none of them is playing a real life
person, which is rare. <i>The Hustler</i> is
the only film of the 5 to also be nominated for Best Picture. Let’s try to
guess how they got nominated:<o:p></o:p></div>
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I imagine it was an easy nomination for <b>Geraldine Page</b>, because, for this role, she had won the Golden
Globe for Actress in a Drama, the critics’ award from the <i>National Board of Review</i> and came 2<sup>nd</sup> with the <i>New York Film Critics Circle</i>. That’s
strong support to get before reaching the nomination stage. This was the 2<sup>nd</sup>
Oscar nomination for Geraldine and the first in Leading, having been previously
nominated for Best Supporting Actress for <i>Hondo</i>
(1953).<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m not sure how much of a hit <i>Breakfast at Tiffany’s </i>was back in the day (in the meantime: a <i>cultural phenomenon</i>), but I’m quite sure
<b>Audrey Hepburn</b> didn’t have a hard
time getting this nomination. She entered the race with a nomination from the
Golden Globes for Actress in Comedy; the film itself received a handful of
Oscar nominations and I’m sure it was a success with the East Coast voters,
considering its location and having Truman Capote behind it. This was Audrey’s
4th Oscar nomination (all in the Leading category, gathered in less than a
decade), having previously won the Oscar for her first nomination, <i>Roman Holiday</i> (1953).<o:p></o:p></div>
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From here on it’s a tough call. I’d risk and say <b>Natalie Wood</b> had the next chance of
getting nominated, having already received a Golden Globe nomination for her
performance. <i>West Side Story</i> being
the Best Picture of 1961 worked both in favour and against this nomination, I
think: it helped boost her popularity, but I’m sure there was also a bit of <i>vote splitting </i>happening, with <i>WSS</i> clearly more seen than <i>Splendor</i>. This was the 2<sup>nd</sup> Oscar
nomination for Natalie and her first in Leading, having been previously
nominated as Supporting for <i>Rebel Without
a Cause</i> (1955).<o:p></o:p></div>
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I would dare and say <b>Sophia
Loren</b> was only 4<sup>th</sup> (even though she ended up winning) because of
one simple reason: the Academy doesn’t usually go for foreign language films.
She had already made American films, and that worked in her favour, I’m sure.
But <i>Ciociara</i> didn’t register with
voters in any other categories, so they could’ve easily ignored the film altogether.
What helped her, I’m sure, was a Best Actress win from the <i>New York Film Critics Circle</i>, and I also hear the performance is
quite flashy. This was Sophia’s first Oscar nomination.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This leaves us with <b>Piper
Laurie</b>. I hear she’s good in the film, but she was ignored by the Golden
Globes, she had only done B-series films in the past and <i>The Hustler</i>, it seems, is all about Paul Newman. The overall success
of the film was definitely crucial in her getting this nomination, which was
her first. <o:p></o:p></div>
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...And she was lucky because there was serious competition.
I’d like to point out who I think was the <u>runner-up</u>: Shirley MacLaine
gives her best performance in an excellent drama called <i>The Children’s Hour</i> – for which she did get a Golden Globe
nomination. She is SO good in it that this must’ve been a rather shocking
omission. I think she was definitely 6<sup>th</sup> (also considering the film
did get some Oscar love, including for Fay Bainter).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Other strong possibilities:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Leslie Caron, <i>Fanny</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Audrey Hepburn, <i>The
Children's Hour</i> [in case she didn’t make it for <i>Breakfast</i>]<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dark horses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Claudia McNeil - A Raisin in the Sun<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Maria Schell - The Mark<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vivien Leigh - The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Probably got a couple of votes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bette Davis - Pocketful of Miracles<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rosalind Russell - A Majority of One<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Miyoshi Umeki - Flower Drum Song<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Susan Hayward - Back Street<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Natalie Wood - West Side Story<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carroll Baker - Bridge to the Sun<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sophia Loren - El Cid<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doris Day - Lover Come Back<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Debbie Reynolds - The Pleasure of His Company<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Debbie Reynolds - The Second Time Around<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lana Turner - Bachelor in Paradise<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hayley Mills - The Parent Trap</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Let’s see how this goes!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzUn98xpEmDpWV20LgoR2vGz8mLR0rob_JqMwlWcVAfWjPtj5vIljpm2WUNIZcMcRtV3oALH8osrQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-82044783384123277272014-04-01T14:49:00.000-07:002014-04-01T14:49:12.246-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.com"><img alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" /></a><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My vote - Best
Actress 1941</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAusGgYyr-OCFaKd9sj0BByMt9CRGuYY-xl9OX_L_nUCaORxvG8eNmIe3BDxQmd39yNtXgvDSNYkctjFQ1oMCwJtTutPKMeGZvQZwOIpckZt9WCUhaCAzHVTgdmpBzZyPGr9B2/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAusGgYyr-OCFaKd9sj0BByMt9CRGuYY-xl9OX_L_nUCaORxvG8eNmIe3BDxQmd39yNtXgvDSNYkctjFQ1oMCwJtTutPKMeGZvQZwOIpckZt9WCUhaCAzHVTgdmpBzZyPGr9B2/s1600/oscar.jpg" height="200" width="77" /></a>I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this Best
Actress year. I started it having seen only 2 of the 5 films and I ended up pleasantly
surprised by this final ranking. I’ve went through all of them again (some of
them twice), counted the screentime and loved each performance just a bit more
the second time around. To see the post on how the 5 actresses got nominated,
click <b><a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/2014/02/an-introduction-to-best-actress-1941.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</div>
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I also started the year presentation by almost calling it
for the winner: my #1 is a favourite performance of mine in one of my favourite
films ever. That didn’t change, even though some will say I am being VERY
subjective about it. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
Of course I am, but that’s that. #2 was a surprising but easy choice. #3 and #4
could easily switch places even though they are very different performances. #5
unfortunately makes for one of the least deserving Best Actress winners I have
ever seen (and many others seem to agree), but it’s mostly the film’s fault.</div>
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So here is how I ranked them:</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uKecehRfC6MpOMMhvbrPOD3F7fZ9yXvDxoSAjHz8xJ6iHMufT3soyxHnpFF2GHReXAhbEkXoVVgM13UBhVE8lfIJ_lS5In9kQGNM-7S1LdN0P8onjkAv-47Ur5Lt4tyk18m4/s1600/BetteD.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uKecehRfC6MpOMMhvbrPOD3F7fZ9yXvDxoSAjHz8xJ6iHMufT3soyxHnpFF2GHReXAhbEkXoVVgM13UBhVE8lfIJ_lS5In9kQGNM-7S1LdN0P8onjkAv-47Ur5Lt4tyk18m4/s1600/BetteD.png" height="640" width="276" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHS2B2UNfF0wdDmgtf0xCWKgs_52FPLQjGxEXKK4lR8HU-zMoNe7R5QZ_ojUpX3yfzGwGTKZ2xJ4iYtCna_9lVK7FnQqQRVFNrHlYkJqOIAfM15lJeod3kK5FhKYACQ4N0Q3W/s1600/5+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHS2B2UNfF0wdDmgtf0xCWKgs_52FPLQjGxEXKK4lR8HU-zMoNe7R5QZ_ojUpX3yfzGwGTKZ2xJ4iYtCna_9lVK7FnQqQRVFNrHlYkJqOIAfM15lJeod3kK5FhKYACQ4N0Q3W/s1600/5+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="color: #0070c0; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.
Bette Davis, <i>The Little Foxes</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
53 minutes and 4 seconds (46.7% of the film)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>The film</i></b>: I loved it; it’s well written & very well acted.
Some thoughts on it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/search/label/The%20Little%20Foxes" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b><i>The role</i>: </b>Bette plays Regina Giddens, a very ambitious woman,
whose desire to get even richer tears her family apart. </div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>As soon as the dinner scene started, Bette,
dressed in a now-iconic black gown, stole my heart. She is <i>everything</i> in this film, from her look that’s both bizarre and
stunning to the way she talks (<i>non-sexual
sensuality</i>, if that makes any sense) to the confident, yet oh-so-human character
she portrays. She owns the screen and you simply can’t take your eyes off her:
there’s cruelty, and no tears are being shed, and yet I feel like I know this
woman and by no means is she a villain.</div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i>: </b>The final argument with her daughter, having to
go up the stairs. Haunting scene.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBDa0kh9R6pIoK3ALHDe6DFsYoIcoYuMUYCkBYeaCM6s6HRuPzU_ak2O4eguL6s2kDmd2UKwRk9O_xwovno2wxXDCbwDcbQVb0paeKJx1PKLAfU_dDN4k_Ut8RuU6f03inTDp/s1600/Greer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBDa0kh9R6pIoK3ALHDe6DFsYoIcoYuMUYCkBYeaCM6s6HRuPzU_ak2O4eguL6s2kDmd2UKwRk9O_xwovno2wxXDCbwDcbQVb0paeKJx1PKLAfU_dDN4k_Ut8RuU6f03inTDp/s1600/Greer.png" height="640" width="302" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBP08C_MOefqKwwoGOSCoz9x0i2SMztBauXQZCA2aPLmcbHv7OF5jeWoUVl0Oyy22gRGone5wKpDK3sM0gikFqQpYTDSZYSW5Ejrhzz9tGcvM8k_SqX14rGynwZYmCIyt_lHd/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBP08C_MOefqKwwoGOSCoz9x0i2SMztBauXQZCA2aPLmcbHv7OF5jeWoUVl0Oyy22gRGone5wKpDK3sM0gikFqQpYTDSZYSW5Ejrhzz9tGcvM8k_SqX14rGynwZYmCIyt_lHd/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Greer
Garson, <i>Blossoms in the Dust</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">:</span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> approximately
67 minutes and 57 seconds (69.7% of the film)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i></b>: What I would call <i>your
average 1940s film</i>, nothing extraordinary, very idealized. Some thoughts on
it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/03/blossoms-in-dust-1941.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b><i>The role</i></b>: Greer plays Edna Gladney, a woman who dedicates her
life to finding good homes for abandoned children and fighting for their rights.</div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>It’s mostly the <i>kind woman</i> role that Greer got to play her entire career. What
makes this one special? The surprising nuances, often of spontaneous and
isolated selfishness of the character, that made me say <i>Oh…</i>. It’s a very dynamic performance that will not allow you to
ignore it and it got better the second time: there’s so much energy to it, both
in the <i>louder</i> scenes and strong
activism, but also when the camera is on Greer and, through her very expressive
eyes, you can feel the struggle inside the character.</div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i></b>: Either the ending or the surprising <i>Get that child out of here</i> party scene.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrVgtPzh1OlAgokwWScfW_Kc6nUIlE3mhoblaf46hkvDszPkSvEmeij0HiT8mJ5ytj23lRyQviisci_LkNEQ5yYC_NiDz1D3L7M6en7kcQzWCWgErLAOuaBTxAgilhjCmiQpl/s1600/Barbara.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrVgtPzh1OlAgokwWScfW_Kc6nUIlE3mhoblaf46hkvDszPkSvEmeij0HiT8mJ5ytj23lRyQviisci_LkNEQ5yYC_NiDz1D3L7M6en7kcQzWCWgErLAOuaBTxAgilhjCmiQpl/s1600/Barbara.png" height="640" width="322" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozLHesQ-xNAe2LyVoKA6De4QDcQxGV4nAUDX0rjEELsKXkjDFrZJGUHhNl8Yd5S2J79RQRwfmKITca7ll-oW_m6OlmCSuLDhdEI5tmDPhLGRaFlNsebjg1581DKZuFtkENBBf/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozLHesQ-xNAe2LyVoKA6De4QDcQxGV4nAUDX0rjEELsKXkjDFrZJGUHhNl8Yd5S2J79RQRwfmKITca7ll-oW_m6OlmCSuLDhdEI5tmDPhLGRaFlNsebjg1581DKZuFtkENBBf/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Barbara
Stanwyck, <i>Ball of Fire</i></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The screentime</i>:</b> </span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately 45 minutes and 40 seconds (41.6% of the
film)</span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i>:</b> A silly, relaxing comedy, with good dialogue. Some
thoughts on it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/04/ball-of-fire-1941-2nd-time.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b><i>The role</i></b>: Barbara plays Sugarpuss O’Shea, a singer who goes
under hiding from police by befriending a group of lexicographers.</div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>The success of the performance depends almost exclusively
on Barbara’s charm. While the screenplay is good, the performance could’ve been
dull, yet it’s not. It has a lot of soul and, more importantly, is has charisma
and a lot of confidence. She succeeds when humour is involved because Barbara
has a strong comedic timing and delivers the dialogue the right way. The
character arc is visible on her expressive face. While I don’t think the
performance is extraordinary, it’s very well thought through. A strong 3.</div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i>:</b> Seducing the professors on her first visit to
the house.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2QQRkzA9gnHThtgUrCSJmhRQvCLc2_47_eQF8WxH7wSIqXD8FnVeDuPHVOo8g52zQOvnTdNq543IRRKfiDMXnbCRPrSG_PWZ3n8ZCCu6JkV4zCS4qhW-m5sTwMQr0gfn4YSJ/s1600/Olivia.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2QQRkzA9gnHThtgUrCSJmhRQvCLc2_47_eQF8WxH7wSIqXD8FnVeDuPHVOo8g52zQOvnTdNq543IRRKfiDMXnbCRPrSG_PWZ3n8ZCCu6JkV4zCS4qhW-m5sTwMQr0gfn4YSJ/s1600/Olivia.png" height="640" width="310" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBY3hWb1kxtdhcjkT-s76tdTS4ZQLhPTW1UK1WBHvtZIHB-ogQqUbRi9RN9-J3tWr3sPA2Zo-KqWyEgxSDxkk2r52hIBKzR2oOB_zPdDznSBE3Iyz0g0-TohUVu2zFXxhi8Cg/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBY3hWb1kxtdhcjkT-s76tdTS4ZQLhPTW1UK1WBHvtZIHB-ogQqUbRi9RN9-J3tWr3sPA2Zo-KqWyEgxSDxkk2r52hIBKzR2oOB_zPdDznSBE3Iyz0g0-TohUVu2zFXxhi8Cg/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. Olivia
de Havilland, <i>Hold Back the Dawn</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
45 minutes and 51 seconds (40.2% of the film)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i>:</b> Another well-written film, a drama with interesting
characters. Some thoughts on it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/03/hold-back-dawn-1941.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b><i>The role</i>:</b> Olivia plays Emmy Brown, a naive schoolteacher who is
seduced by a gigolo into marrying him, as a way for him to get his visa.</div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>It’s not a performance for everyone to
appreciate, because the role is not spectacular, but I strongly believe nobody
could’ve played it better. There’s something about Olivia’s beautiful, innocent
face that makes her perfect for such a role (and Melanie in <i>GWTW</i> for that matter) – the performance
is all in the eyes and she has to sell the audience that this woman is naive, overly
enthusiastic, willing to be loved, but never stupid. It’s a job well done, and
a strong 3 (I can’t believe it only ranks 4<sup>th</sup>!)</div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i>: </b>Being interrogated, and then putting on the
glasses.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRtqg9GnTs7QCPChMC0_8SaY35RxJVfaudz0oWgbFfMOlgXO_suFI3o52dezxz1owERLQ2lwTR1EmE1XK1TruN9bnPx8ehojWp4luS0AI98VKsQ84K0sS_FKEW1RAQhKj_ThM/s1600/JoanF.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRtqg9GnTs7QCPChMC0_8SaY35RxJVfaudz0oWgbFfMOlgXO_suFI3o52dezxz1owERLQ2lwTR1EmE1XK1TruN9bnPx8ehojWp4luS0AI98VKsQ84K0sS_FKEW1RAQhKj_ThM/s1600/JoanF.png" height="640" width="314" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCkv2bGFbfD1CfOhFg1pm4ljauTcxdHWogfk30RCDBRvD48TvCLBkyF3JXzDhfsXz3mZGgNVmhJycwEPeDnlPAFNlNE33Xtoi5mTcwfSof1t26gmozxk7opgdvNYaa7QzfaOA/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCkv2bGFbfD1CfOhFg1pm4ljauTcxdHWogfk30RCDBRvD48TvCLBkyF3JXzDhfsXz3mZGgNVmhJycwEPeDnlPAFNlNE33Xtoi5mTcwfSof1t26gmozxk7opgdvNYaa7QzfaOA/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Joan
Fontaine, <i>Suspicion</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
75 minutes and 1 second (76.8% of the film)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i>: </b>The worst Hitchcock film I’ve ever seen and an overall
unsatisfying experience. Some thoughts on it: <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/2014/03/suspicion-1941.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>.</div>
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<b><i>The role</i>: </b>Joan plays Lina, a young woman who rushes into
marriage without realizing the loser her husband is and maybe even a murderer.</div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>Poor Joan. Her theatricals that worked mighty
fine in <i>Rebecca</i> feel quite out of
place here and bring to light the lack of experience of this young actress.
Sure, her performance is way better than the film itself and there is something
appealing to it. You can tell she’s really trying to carry the film, to keep it
together, and the tears are on display in all the right moments, but she does
tend to overdo it. With a screenplay that’s failing almost every scene, she is
fatally tempted to <i>act</i> more and more.</div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i>: </b>Listening on her husband who’s back from <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region> talking
to the Police.</div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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How did the Academy vote for the winner: I almost have no
idea. Let’s start the other way around: although she is amazing &
incredible, Bette was probably 5<sup>th</sup> because she already had 2 leading
Oscars by the age of 33. I would foolishly say Olivia was 4<sup>th</sup> because
the film is mostly about Boyer’s character and she doesn’t get flashy scenes. I
guess Greer could’ve been 3<sup>rd</sup>, because the performance is good –
what was working against her: she wasn’t <i>that</i>
much of a big name at that time. Which means Barbara was 2<sup>nd</sup> – not so
much because of the performance, which is fine, but comedic, but because she
had an amazing year with (allegedly) great performances also in <i>The Lady Eve</i> and <i>Meet John Doe</i>. I have no idea why Joan Fontaine won, maybe because
of all the faces she makes, because she had lost for <i>Rebecca</i>, maybe because of the disappointing <i>New York Film Critics Circle</i> win. But given that each of them probably
had her fans, I woudn’t be surprised is even Olivia was the runner-up.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And that’s about it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What’s next: Another DRAW (!!!). :D Since I’m still in <i>old movies</i> mood, the draw will be from
the 1950s and the 1960s. The 16 years entering the draw will be 1951, 1952,
1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1968
and 1969. [1950, 1957, 1965 & 1966 already discussed].</div>
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<br /></div>
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After announcing the new Best Actress year, I will post my
very early predictions for Oscars 2015.</div>
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<br /></div>
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To see other BEST ACTRESS years discussed so far, they’re on
the column on the right.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
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<br /></div>
Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-25384271780801075322014-03-18T15:45:00.003-07:002014-03-18T15:45:29.399-07:00<a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.com"><img alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" /></a><strong><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">my </span></strong><strong><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 22.5pt; line-height: 115%;">A</span></strong><strong><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">lex </span></strong><strong><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 22.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I</span></strong><strong><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">n </span></strong><strong><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 22.5pt; line-height: 115%;">M</span></strong><strong><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">ovieland awards, 6th
edition</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></strong>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XH2LD0nyfpzAsKDiiLOWuU0UiS3bl1u_8tCRrELEyXeIMZU28aRniYGwU3cFUZj77P1ohUh042iceb5PeNHdDz9AmSoP5h1LB_kBiTiWhuFltQIxCzOHTD3w527vnvD3W5SX/s1600/Cat_award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XH2LD0nyfpzAsKDiiLOWuU0UiS3bl1u_8tCRrELEyXeIMZU28aRniYGwU3cFUZj77P1ohUh042iceb5PeNHdDz9AmSoP5h1LB_kBiTiWhuFltQIxCzOHTD3w527vnvD3W5SX/s1600/Cat_award.jpg" height="320" width="170" /></a>My annual “awards” (LOL) will be announced right now, in one
single gigantic post. :) Some thoughts on this year:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">It’s more like a </span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;">festival</i><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> than anything else, since I’ve only seen a bunch of films
(mentioned below)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">This might just be the last year I </span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;">hand out</i><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> such distinctions – I’ve
realized my loyalty is with Oscars and Oscar films and I am missing a lot of
old ones by wasting time with crap like </span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;">Pacific
Rim</i><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> and </span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;">Spectacular Now</i><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">. We’ll
see.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">It was a good year for films, but no 10/10 from
me. Sorry. The last 10/10 or even 9.5/10 I’ve awarded was </span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;">The Tree of Life</i><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> (2011).</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">It was an EXCELLENT year for male performances,
especially the leading ones. I can’t believe the great ones that missed Top 10.
The men did it again.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">No distinction for performance or achievement of
the year, since I ADORE my #1 picks for Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, and I
just couldn’t compare them. And the overall achievement of the year IS in the
acting.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is the list of eligible/seen films (only 56, if I
counted correctly):<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">All Is Lost, American Hustle, August: Osage County,
Before Midnight, The Bling Ring, Blue Is the Warmest Color, Blue Jasmine, The
Book Thief, The Broken Circle Breakdown, Captain Phillips, Child’s Pose, The
Counselor, The Croods, Dallas Buyers Club, Despicable Me 2, Enough Said, Ernest
and Celestine, Frances Ha, Frozen, Fruitvale Station, The Grandmaster, Gravity,
The Great Beauty, The Great Gatsby, The Heat, Her, The Hobbit: The Desolation
of Smaug, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunt, I’m So Excited, Inside
Llewyn Davis, Iron Man 3, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, The Lone Ranger, Lone
Survivor, Man of Steel, Nebraska, Only God Forgives, Out of the Furnace, Oz the
Great and Powerful, Pacific Rim, The Past, Philomena, The Place Beyond the
Pines, Prisoners, Rush, Saving Mr. Banks, Short Term 12, The Spectacular Now, Star
Trek Into Darkness, Stoker, Stories We Tell, To the Wonder, 12 Years a Slave, The
Wolf of Wall Street, World War Z,</span></i><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">And here we go:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">BEST
PICTURE</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzZkEdDDrxwtRJLeAq2ES3czNPMmJKeQ7NLioHGEHksVhyO2XW0ttNUnbBRaLca7WXLYAKlWardrF6oyy5hytXSWBtz-D7mwScTM8qAFryBnCtRXfdi-PnqEAU7OrUqfPGE_d/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzZkEdDDrxwtRJLeAq2ES3czNPMmJKeQ7NLioHGEHksVhyO2XW0ttNUnbBRaLca7WXLYAKlWardrF6oyy5hytXSWBtz-D7mwScTM8qAFryBnCtRXfdi-PnqEAU7OrUqfPGE_d/s1600/Picture1.png" height="117" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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My number one was an easy choice because there’s no boring
moment in it. 80-something minutes of pure, fascinating movie experience.
Perfectly directed, beautifully acted (Sandra!!!), and even the 3D made sense
(and I usually hate that).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScVj_dMmOQAUoAfRS1cUce50fMIPKLU5gIBm2x29i3H9fz5C0dRnIR1aYnJspCmDT9YlgFRdo3Eq13LTRmSob9AF6x6HNRsthKKAq8KXwnFW8MyHMSAXDmPHzEoEqaX8jixzB/s1600/Gravity_Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScVj_dMmOQAUoAfRS1cUce50fMIPKLU5gIBm2x29i3H9fz5C0dRnIR1aYnJspCmDT9YlgFRdo3Eq13LTRmSob9AF6x6HNRsthKKAq8KXwnFW8MyHMSAXDmPHzEoEqaX8jixzB/s1600/Gravity_Poster.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. <i>Gravity</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">2. <i>12 Years a Slave</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">3. <i>Nebraska<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">4. <i>Frances Ha<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">5. <i>The Great Beauty<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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And also:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTe-ILJ6YkcLZY_NbfIZ9gF96W0U3kgNWijvwazDDcPgD7B_s7bbr506nlotFfcnYOXl8TjDEJa17_MFi53IwLaQFjEfUnOscNipzRzp4y00Hgczt2__fEp_t_7p3bMl9fcXa/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTe-ILJ6YkcLZY_NbfIZ9gF96W0U3kgNWijvwazDDcPgD7B_s7bbr506nlotFfcnYOXl8TjDEJa17_MFi53IwLaQFjEfUnOscNipzRzp4y00Hgczt2__fEp_t_7p3bMl9fcXa/s1600/Picture2.png" height="117" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">6. <i>Before Midnight<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">7. <i>Inside Llewyn Davis<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">8. <i>Short Term 12<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">9. <i>Captain Phillips<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">10. <i>The Wolf of Wall Street<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Runner-ups:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">11. <i>The Hunger Games: Catching
Fire</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">12. <i>The Grandmaster<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">13. <i>The Hunt<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">14. <i>The Croods<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">15. <i>August: Osage County<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Almost there (16-20): <i>Her,
The Heat, Child’s Pose, Blue Jasmine, World War Z</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BEST DIRECTOR</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1KmzWPyNCiFJr2oLBU4UzjuycaoKiYupTlVaMgAT1pnuW2joTBqVuBQ3wb082b_ip4fTVeiFc-h-yWV1yCJ4l_mm1d0bjmlM2k9havKDYAOgyq0NqWKT-JXJoftixfp88mPZ/s1600/Director.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1KmzWPyNCiFJr2oLBU4UzjuycaoKiYupTlVaMgAT1pnuW2joTBqVuBQ3wb082b_ip4fTVeiFc-h-yWV1yCJ4l_mm1d0bjmlM2k9havKDYAOgyq0NqWKT-JXJoftixfp88mPZ/s1600/Director.png" height="116" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. Alfonso
Cuaron – </span><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Gravity </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">2. Steve
McQueen – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">3. Paolo
Sorrentino – <i>The Great Beauty<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">4. Noah
Baumbach – <i>Frances Ha<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">5. Paul
Greengrass – <i>Captain Phillips<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runner-ups:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6. Ethan Coen & Joel Coen – <i>Inside
Llewyn Davis<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7. Spike Jonze – <i>Her <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8. Thomas Vinterberg – <i>The Hunt<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9. Kar Wai Wong – <i>The Grandmaster<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10. Alexander Payne – <i>Nebraska <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Almost there: </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Martin Scorsese – <i>The Wolf of Wall Street</i>, Sarah Polley – <i>Stories We Tell</i>, Richard Linklater – <i>Before Midnight</i>, J.C. Chandor – <i>All
Is Lost</i>, Destin Cretton – </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Short Term
12</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BEST ACTOR</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. Matthew
McConaughey – </span><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Dallas Buyers Club</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">It’s not about losing the weight, it’s about impressing me with all the
right emotional punches. I felt like I knew this man, because Matthew allowed
him to be vulnerable. Incredible honesty and lack of vanity. Holds his own to
Jared’s scene-stealing performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">2. Chiwetel
Ejiofor – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">3. Joaquin
Phoenix – <i>Her <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">4. Mads
Mikkelsen – <i>The Hunt<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">5. Oscar
Isaac – <i>Inside Llewyn Davis<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6. Tom Hanks – <i>Captain Phillips<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7. Leonardo DiCaprio – <i>The Wolf of
Wall Street<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8. Bruce Dern – <i>Nebraska</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9. Hugh Jackman – <i>Prisoners <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10. Christian Bale – <i>Out of the
Furnace<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Almost there: </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Toni Servillo – <i>The
Great Beauty</i>, Robert Redford – <i>All Is
Lost</i>, Ethan Hawke – <i>Before Midnight</i>,
Christian Bale – <i>American Hustle</i>, John
Gallagher Jr. – </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Short Term 12</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BEST ACTRESS</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. Cate
Blanchett – </span><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Blue Jasmine</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">Technically</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">, it’s
flawless. With multiple viewings you discover the relatable person behind the
characters’ hysteria, and that’s all in the actress’ choices. Takes it from
absurd and laughable to overwhelmingly dramatic. One for the ages. More on Cate
and the Oscar’s <a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/2014/02/my-vote-bestactress-2013-i-cant-believe.html" target="_blank">Best Actress 2013 race HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">2. Sandra
Bullock – <i>Gravity</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">3. Meryl
Streep – <i>August: Osage County<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlhQlsggBX9n2AxTHicFthFCeQDAvcNlR8mupejHh5L4tlIu2YCgCYfdq7gPgeIBLPpi-qaPbxLJDBXojjuEaPywnq7osnLC8k7XlbGBpulQQZitLL63JV-CpuuZSEerTl7dO/s1600/ACTRESS4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlhQlsggBX9n2AxTHicFthFCeQDAvcNlR8mupejHh5L4tlIu2YCgCYfdq7gPgeIBLPpi-qaPbxLJDBXojjuEaPywnq7osnLC8k7XlbGBpulQQZitLL63JV-CpuuZSEerTl7dO/s1600/ACTRESS4.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">4. Luminita
Gheorghiu – <i>Child’s Pose<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">5. Julia
Roberts – <i>August: Osage County<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6. Julie Delpy – <i>Before Midnight<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7. Adèle Exarchopoulos – <i>Blue Is
the Warmest Color</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8. Emma Thompson – <i>Saving Mr.
Banks<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9. Judi Dench – <i>Philomena <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10. Ziyi Zhang – <i>The Grandmaster<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Almost there: </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jennifer Lawrence – <i>The Hunger Games: Catching Fire</i>, Greta Gerwig – <i>Frances Ha</i>, Melissa McCarthy – <i>The Heat</i>, Amy Adams – <i>American Hustle</i>, Veerle Baetens – </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Broken Circle Breakdown</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. Michael
Fassbender – <i>12 Years a Slave</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">Creates a magnificent villain, in his cruelty, flaws and relatable
elements. A diabolically fascinating performance and grabbed my attention in
every scene. Owns every emotion of the character and plays it beyond what the
screenplay required.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCz61zq8IgUYh1cR9Rw55NYvQsWc1OjY2iRJ2ZtMwDNFKpqNwB6OcYRh9P9vW5wNdsvtyHkbnhY6f9ZhKN37jYyad6h5xHdfy2akSxFfn9atLlwNz6qSxVsAyN-haRDOcOxG-6/s1600/SUPPA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCz61zq8IgUYh1cR9Rw55NYvQsWc1OjY2iRJ2ZtMwDNFKpqNwB6OcYRh9P9vW5wNdsvtyHkbnhY6f9ZhKN37jYyad6h5xHdfy2akSxFfn9atLlwNz6qSxVsAyN-haRDOcOxG-6/s1600/SUPPA2.jpg" height="247" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">2. Jared
Leto – <i>Dallas Buyers Club<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">3. Ryan
Gosling – <i>The Place Beyond the Pines<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">4. Jonah
Hill – <i>The Wolf of Wall Street<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">5. Matthew
Goode – <i>Stoker <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6. Lasse Fogelstrom – <i>The Hunt <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7. Thomas Bo Larsen – <i>The Hunt<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8. Keith Stanfield – <i>Short Term 12<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9. Benedict Cumberbatch – <i>Star Trek Into Darkness<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10. Stacy Keach – <i>Nebraska
<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Almost there: </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bobby Cannavale – <i>Blue Jasmine</i>, Tahar Rahim – <i>The Past,</i> John Goodman – <i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i>, Chris Cooper – <i>August: Osage County</i>, Tom Hanks – </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saving Mr. Banks</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. Lea Seydoux – </span><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Blue Is the Warmest
Color</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">Regardless how I feel about the film, this performance
stands out, often through its stability and consistency, as a balance to a very
<i>green</i> leading performance. The
break-up scene is masterfully acted and she brings much needed dramatic effect
to the film. Gives layers to the character, leaving room for intriguing
questions.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">2. Lupita Nyong’o – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">3. Shailene Woodley – <i>The
Spectacular Now<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">4. Mickey Sumner – <i>Frances Ha</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">5. Julianne Nicholson – <i>August: <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Osage</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">6. Nicole Kidman – </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Stoker</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7. Sarah Paulson – <i>12
Years a Slave</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8. Margo Martindale – <i>August: Osage County<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9. Kaitlyn Dever – <i>Short
Term 12<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10. Sally Hawkins – <i>Blue
Jasmine<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Almost there: </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carey Mulligan – <i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i>, Amy Adams – <i>Her</i>, Susse Wold – <i>The Hunt</i>, June Squibb – <i>Nebraska</i>,
Oprah Winfrey – </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lee Daniels’ The Butler</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5J9cCyDWzi1q_H727Pghvpu5aq_Kadp_d2mDk7HD28q9LwkB9JP616le77q9AvHKgnSuD2AEcJ7s5UzNdF1jNQkP4h3z4Nqd1eYVms0xf5TX_d58Siw2HxMCgDXqniNZE_wtB/s1600/Original+S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5J9cCyDWzi1q_H727Pghvpu5aq_Kadp_d2mDk7HD28q9LwkB9JP616le77q9AvHKgnSuD2AEcJ7s5UzNdF1jNQkP4h3z4Nqd1eYVms0xf5TX_d58Siw2HxMCgDXqniNZE_wtB/s1600/Original+S.png" height="116" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nothing to get excited about, but there are strong elements
to each of the Top 5 screenplays.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. <i>Nebraska </i>(Bob Nelson)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">2. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><i>Frances</i></st1:country-region></st1:place><i> Ha<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">3. <i>The Past<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">4. <i>Her<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">5. <i>Inside Llewyn Davis<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runner-ups:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6. <i>The Croods</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7. <i>Child’s Pose<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8. <i>The Hunt<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9. <i>Dallas Buyers
Club<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10. </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Great
Beauty</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0yqMt8v5wzDqjxM5SUCjpIqVIavg68p8Fq03a3GYmbOwTBgNX0TgWQTJ2xaL4k5y8rInCulwagOMKJ3tFZzC1Er_psQmyH6qD861oGbQ-86gRaxaR3Botnk4XF3aI6ZyUrUz/s1600/Adapted+S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0yqMt8v5wzDqjxM5SUCjpIqVIavg68p8Fq03a3GYmbOwTBgNX0TgWQTJ2xaL4k5y8rInCulwagOMKJ3tFZzC1Er_psQmyH6qD861oGbQ-86gRaxaR3Botnk4XF3aI6ZyUrUz/s1600/Adapted+S.png" height="116" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just as weak as the Original category. Nothing that
interesting beyond Top 4.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. <i>Before Midnight</i> (Richard
Linklater, Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawke, based on characters previously
created)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">2. <i>Short Term 12<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">3. <i>12 Years a Slave</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">4. <i>The Wolf of Wall Street<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">5. <i>August: <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Osage</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runner-ups:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6. <i>The Hunger
Games: Catching Fire</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7. <i>Ernest and
Celestine<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8. <i>The Bling Ring<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9. <i>The Broken
Circle Breakdown<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10. <i>Blue is the
Warmest Color</i></span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNK9XregxU3OKzWsFDj7vjWqif9sp4NqBcYckpfHfGBCdHw_qclUgK7XVcRi7xCUeCHyqjXzO9Q4RcJriWEeUFlqnN2dxOB2a5aeVxFlT7KpvgfEyS3NQ20YqIHK3O0QobkBLK/s1600/Cinematography.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNK9XregxU3OKzWsFDj7vjWqif9sp4NqBcYckpfHfGBCdHw_qclUgK7XVcRi7xCUeCHyqjXzO9Q4RcJriWEeUFlqnN2dxOB2a5aeVxFlT7KpvgfEyS3NQ20YqIHK3O0QobkBLK/s1600/Cinematography.png" height="116" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. <i>Gravity</i> (Emmanuel Lubezki)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">2. <i>The Great Beauty</i> (Luca
Bigazzi)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">3. <i>The Grandmaster </i>(Philippe Le
Sourd)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rxWct3nrwEoff1_WC7liFhxsZD9o2KbVE8THBuXu1ixtjXYsB6CTIqL_HtSeJdZBflxb-Br3N2Nk_Wye-9BEqZhWTd9AUJglfysE5eYBdP1lQYFvIbRDRRSlbUDS9qGKdH0y/s1600/CNM4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rxWct3nrwEoff1_WC7liFhxsZD9o2KbVE8THBuXu1ixtjXYsB6CTIqL_HtSeJdZBflxb-Br3N2Nk_Wye-9BEqZhWTd9AUJglfysE5eYBdP1lQYFvIbRDRRSlbUDS9qGKdH0y/s1600/CNM4.jpg" height="232" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">4. <i>Stoker</i> (Chung-hoon Chung)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">5. <i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i> (Bruno
Delbonnel)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runner-ups:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6. <i>Only God Forgives<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7. <i>Her<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8. <i>12 Years a Slave</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9. <i>Prisoners<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10. <i>All Is Lost</i></span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BEST ORIGINAL SCORE</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYjhzK7Ga867EM7FQF2Nj2VjlOgmvw7TqSd0gUS_7ny5Fr5UXnLPnzadF85Lm20Kv-YWYENbipzvRud0BLzim0tfm2l1jDZ1G4258-cteZbYc9UnV8Wft6rhS_flsM7FQAmXV/s1600/Score.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYjhzK7Ga867EM7FQF2Nj2VjlOgmvw7TqSd0gUS_7ny5Fr5UXnLPnzadF85Lm20Kv-YWYENbipzvRud0BLzim0tfm2l1jDZ1G4258-cteZbYc9UnV8Wft6rhS_flsM7FQAmXV/s1600/Score.png" height="118" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. <i>All Is Lost</i> (Alex Ebert)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">2. <i>Gravity </i>(Steven Price)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">3. <i>12 Years a Slave </i>(Hans Zimmer)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">4. <i>Philomena </i>(Alexandre Desplat)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-no-proof: yes;">5. <i>The Place Beyond the Pines </i>(Mike
Patton)</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Recap of the winners of
the <strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Alex In Movieland</span></strong> Awards
2013:<br />
<br />
Best Film: </span><em><span style="background: white; color: #000099; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gravity</span></em><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Best Director: </span><span style="background: white; color: #000099; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alfonso Cuaron,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Gravity</i><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Best Actor: </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #000099; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Matthew McConaughey, for <em>Dallas Buyers Club</em><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Best Actress: </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #000099; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cate Blanchett, for <em>Blue
Jasmine</em><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Best Supporting Actor: </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #000099; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Michael Fassbender, for <em>12 Years a Slave</em><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Best Supporting Actress: </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #000099; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lea Seydoux, for </span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><em><span style="background: white; color: #000099; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blue Is the Warmest Color</span></em><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Best Original Screenplay: </span><em><span style="background: white; color: #000099; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nebraska</span></em><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Best Adapted Screenplay: </span><em><span style="background: white; color: #000099; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Before Midnight</span></em><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Best Cinematography: <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><em><span style="background: white; color: #000099; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gravity</span></em><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Best Original Score: </span><em><span style="background: white; color: #000099; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All Is Lost</span></em><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
To check out previous editions, click somewhere on the right.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">To see how I rated the Oscar
nominated films I’ve seen, go to <a href="http://mylatestoscarfilm.blogspot.ro/" target="_blank"><b>My Latest Oscar Film</b></a>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-79051776111756195092014-02-26T14:24:00.001-08:002014-02-26T14:24:22.248-08:00<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.com"><img alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" /></a>Final Oscar predictions</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYAp7WsNHLdqlIZ2WcL_9K2Cl8ohcN94UjoTDKK1MQp1-5ffUC5wlqsMul_3YWoXrEhj1nS7HjDVOVpnsXTa9QrLTe2SB3mF-O9KBwiExf2K6zsecXh-9ZChOR9VGMCEvMDFe/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYAp7WsNHLdqlIZ2WcL_9K2Cl8ohcN94UjoTDKK1MQp1-5ffUC5wlqsMul_3YWoXrEhj1nS7HjDVOVpnsXTa9QrLTe2SB3mF-O9KBwiExf2K6zsecXh-9ZChOR9VGMCEvMDFe/s1600/oscar.jpg" height="320" width="123" /></a></div>
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Not much to add. I hope I don’t
change them by Sunday. My predictions for Oscar night:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Best Picture<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Director<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: Alfonso Cuaron –<i> Gravity <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: Steve McQueen – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: Alfonso Cuaron –<i> Gravity <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Actor<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: Matthew McConaughey – <i>Dallas Buyers Club<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: Chiwetel Ejiofor – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: Matthew McConaughey – <i>Dallas Buyers Club<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Actress<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: Cate Blanchett – <i>Blue Jasmine<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: Amy Adams – <i>American Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: Cate Blanchett – <i>Blue Jasmine<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Supporting Actor<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: Jared Leto – <i>Dallas Buyers Club<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: Barkhad Abdi – <i>Captain Phillips<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: Michael Fassbender – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Supporting Actress<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: Lupita Nyong’o – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: Jennifer Lawrence – <i>American Hustle </i>(yeah, yeah, she’s
winning. I’m still in denial)<o:p></o:p></div>
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My vote: Lupita Nyong’o – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Original Screenplay<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Her<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>American Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>Nebraska<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Adapted Screenplay<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>Philomena<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>Before Midnight<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Cinematography<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>Prisoners<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Original Score<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>Philomena<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Original Song<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Frozen<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>Frozen<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Editing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Captain Phillips<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Production Design<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>The Great Gatsby<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>The Great Gatsby<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Costume Design<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win:<i> The Great Gatsby<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>American Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>The Grandmaster </i>(haven’t seen <i>The
Invisible Woman</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Best Sound Mixing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>Captain Phillips<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Sound Editing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>All Is Lost<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>All Is Lost<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Visual Effects<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: -<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Makeup & Hairstyle<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Dallas Buyers Club<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>Bad Grandpa<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>The Lone Ranger<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Best Animated Feature<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Frozen<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>The Wind Rises<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>The Croods</i> (haven’t seen <i>Wind
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<b>Best Foreign Language Film<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>The Great Beauty<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>The Hunt<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: <i>The Great Beauty </i>(haven’t seen <i>Omar</i>
& <i>The Missing Picture</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Best Documentary, Feature<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>20 Feet from Stardom<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>The Act of Killing<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My vote: -<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-24262502691142295082014-02-14T14:32:00.000-08:002014-02-14T14:32:43.741-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.com"><img alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">An introduction to BEST ACTRESS 1941</span></div>
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There was a draw that took place (video at the end) and
destiny chose Best Actress 1941 for me. At first, I wasn’t sure how to feel
about it, but then, looking again at the list of 5 nominees, I started to get
excited: it’s an interesting line-up of performances from rather young actresses
who had already proven their talent. More so, this is a historical year for
this category: the first Best Actress line-up <u>not</u> to include any
first-time Oscar nominees (other such years were 1944, 1994 & our recent 2013).
<o:p></o:p></div>
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I enter this race having seen only 2 (<i>The Little Foxes </i>& <i>Ball
of Fire</i>) of the 5 films, and I am quite curious about at least 1 of the
other 3. It was also the first time (and only time?) 2 sisters competed against
each other in this race: I’m talking of course about recently departed Joan
Fontaine (who ended up winning for <i>Suspicion</i>)
and Olivia de Havilland, who is still with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I will watch the films, then for a second time while
counting the screentime. Of course I have a favourite, but I am open to any
change of mind. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The 5 ladies that Oscar had chosen for 1941, in alphabetical
order:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Bette Davis</b> as Regina
Giddens, in <i>The Little Foxes</i></div>
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<b>Olivia de Havilland</b>
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<b>Joan Fontaine</b> as
Lina, in <i>Suspicion</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Greer Garson</b> as Edna
Gladney, in <i>Blossoms in the Dust</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Barbara Stanwyck</b>
as Sugarpuss O'Shea, in <i>Ball of Fire</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Greer Garson is the only one playing a real life person. With
the exception of <i>Ball of Fire</i>, the
other 4 films were all included in the 10 nominees for Best Picture of 1941.</div>
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This is before even the Golden Globes existed, so it’s hard
to guess / order them by the chance of getting nominated. But I’ll give it a
try. Let’s put them in context: I imagine <b>Bette
Davis</b> had the nomination locked. At that time in history she was the reigning
queen of Hollywood and <i>The Little Foxes</i>
was one of the hottest films of 1941, with a total of 9 nominations. Bette wasn’t
doing so bad herself: this was her 5th Best Actress nomination (if we don’t
count the write-in for <i>Of Human </i>Bondage;
in 7 calendar years!!) and her 4th <i>consecutive</i>
one. By 1941, she was 33 years old and had already won the Oscar twice: for <i>Dangerous</i> (1935) and for <i>Jezebel</i> (1938). I guess you can see now
why this nomination was no surprise. [Not to mention she’s excellent in it].<o:p></o:p></div>
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From here on, it’s all arguable. I would say <b>Joan Fontaine</b> was next, because she had
won for <i>Suspicion</i> the only American critics’
award that recognized actresses at that time in history (the New York Film
Critics Circle Award). And since she ended up winning the Oscar for it, it’s
fair to say actors did enjoy her performance. Only 24 years old at the time, she
entered the race with some popularity among her peers: I’m sure many felt she
should’ve won the previous year for <i>Rebecca</i>
(which made for her 1<sup>st</sup> Oscar nomination).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Barbara Stanwyck</b>
had four films opening in 1941, with this one, <i>Meet John Doe </i>and <i>The Lady
Eve</i> being all very popular. Not sure how much of a lock this nomination
was, since she was giving herself a lot of competition. This was her 2<sup>nd</sup>
Oscar nomination, she had previously competed unsuccessfully with <i>Stella Dallas</i> (1937). Unlike Bette Davis
who was already a major star, I think Stanwyck was just gradually becoming a
popular actress of that era, maybe a bit more on the comedic / seductress side.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Despite her age, <b>Greer
Garson</b> was somewhat at the beginning of her film career; this was only her
third year of acting in movies, but she had started on the right foot: her
first film <i>Goodbye Mr. Chips </i>(1939)
had won her an Oscar nomination. This was her second, and would be the first in
line of 5 consecutive ones. She would end up a big movie star, for playing a
lot of “decent women”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I would (almost randomly) say <b>Olivia de Havilland</b> was 5<sup>th</sup> by nomination chance, just
because the film doesn’t seem to be focused so much on her. Contradicting me is
the fact that she was already a film star by then: from plenty of adventure
films and mostly because of <i>Gone with the
Wind</i>, for which she had received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting
Actress. This was her second Oscar nomination, and the first one in the Leading
category (during her career she would end up winning 2 Best Actress Oscars). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Also difficult to figure out is who the runner-ups were. I
managed to put together a list of names.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Possible runner-ups:</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Barbara Stanwyck, The Lady Eve (in case she didn’t make it
for <i>Ball of Fire</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Irene Dunne, Penny Serenade<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jean Arthur, The Devil and Miss Jones<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Joan Crawford, A Woman's Face<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carole Lombard, Mr. & Mrs. Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dark horses?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Barbara Stanwyck, Meet John Doe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Vivien Leigh, That Hamilton Woman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Merle Oberon, That Uncertain Feeling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bette Davis, The Great Lie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mary Astor, The Maltese Falcon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Marlene Dietrich, The Flame of New Orleans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Greta Garbo, Two-Faced Woman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Other eligible leading performances of 1941:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Wendy Hiller, Major Barbara<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ginger Rogers, Tom Dick and Harry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Maureen O'Hara, How Green Was My Valley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Joan Crawford, When Ladies Meet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Barbara Stanwyck, You Belong to Me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Olivia de Havilland, The Strawberry Blonde<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Margaret Lockwood, Night Train to Munich<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gene Tierney, Sundown<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ida Lupino, Ladies in Retirement<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Margaret Sullavan, Appointment for Love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Margaret Sullavan, So Ends Our Night<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Claudette Colbert, Skylark<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ann Sothern, Lady Be Good<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Priscilla Lane, Blues in the Night<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Merle Oberon, Lydia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Martha Scott, One Foot in Heaven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Martha Scott, Cheers for Miss Bishop<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Evelyn Keyes, Here Comes Mr. Jordan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bette Davis, The Bride Came C.O.D.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The ranking will be posted... this spring. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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...ah, yes, and here’s the proof I didn’t cheat. Pointless
video. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-82288788837184352032014-02-12T15:32:00.002-08:002014-02-12T23:44:23.712-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My vote - Best
Actress <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=37163585" name="_GoBack"></a>2013</span></b></div>
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I can’t believe it, I got to put together a Best Actress year
before the actual ceremony – that hasn’t happened since forever. And what an
Oscar year it is, with these top 3 performances some of the best this <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBTnsPtvQja0dFx4WjhJCkhOqIuA7NASG3ysTJUNqJQI85RUQu_qOEbmKeRbidwQ-QxoyeyIzQvQcMXOzVZX0Z9xOC7uu50_VUlZcxKljUsToTArEWxyvlFM5QTHlGfRWCisU/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBTnsPtvQja0dFx4WjhJCkhOqIuA7NASG3ysTJUNqJQI85RUQu_qOEbmKeRbidwQ-QxoyeyIzQvQcMXOzVZX0Z9xOC7uu50_VUlZcxKljUsToTArEWxyvlFM5QTHlGfRWCisU/s1600/oscar.jpg" height="200" width="77" /></a></div>
category’s
ever seen. And so different… SO different that it was almost impossible
choosing a winner. I must compare it, in my mind, to Meryl vs. Viola: the
technical precision VS the heart. Back then I chose the technical perfection,
and guess what, it’s only fair I go for the same now.</div>
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#1, #2, #3 are, as I said, amazing achievements and career
best for Cate & Sandra. #4 was easy to choose – a performance that I
respect more than I love, from an actress I normally fall for. #5 is not bad,
but probably shouldn’t be on this list (give me Julia, Julie, Adele or Emma
instead).</div>
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I am officially cancelling the “best acted scene” category,
and one more comment: boy, was counting Sandra’s screentime in <i>Gravity</i> a pain in the ass. :) Must focus
on “approximately”, since the heavy breathing was very hard to keep track of.</div>
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Here is how I decided to rank them:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvG_6eKX3wiKXEB9CMULvxgHFQENE-VKWhQMPG-MNGh5zueolr_2JnnWtEW2TahGg5LgpA2tYGs9KfPjMpRSYzYSLz699KJvZ4VYiSZ1S-0OVXaeKuFE9ayN4DIbg8Hb8s6k9/s1600/A1+Cate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvG_6eKX3wiKXEB9CMULvxgHFQENE-VKWhQMPG-MNGh5zueolr_2JnnWtEW2TahGg5LgpA2tYGs9KfPjMpRSYzYSLz699KJvZ4VYiSZ1S-0OVXaeKuFE9ayN4DIbg8Hb8s6k9/s1600/A1+Cate.png" height="168" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkntD5NAY6R_TqLtC7UWQEPqs4wLX2XCjPjZophtBIv_4dPb0VODBzNsCaZ0JvtvOVO7r9WB6Ct5_bkfS356toDmuAsQJlsFK94uhW3vmQwCeJwxVS2N9IkHUPxP38O2AMRxp/s1600/5+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkntD5NAY6R_TqLtC7UWQEPqs4wLX2XCjPjZophtBIv_4dPb0VODBzNsCaZ0JvtvOVO7r9WB6Ct5_bkfS356toDmuAsQJlsFK94uhW3vmQwCeJwxVS2N9IkHUPxP38O2AMRxp/s1600/5+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">1.
Cate Blanchett, <i>Blue Jasmine</i></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">: </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">approximately
65 minutes and 7 seconds (69.5% of the film)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i></b>: I would call it one of Woody’s mediocre-to-good
films. It’s definitely saved by the acting, not just Cate, but Sally and Bobby
also. The directing is ok, but the dialogue didn’t always work: I might’ve
liked it more had it been more honest in being a <i>Streetcar</i> rip-off.</div>
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<b><i>The role</i>: </b>Cate plays Jasmine, an emotionally unbalanced,
troubled socialite, who moves with her sister, trying to recover from her
husband’s death and losing all of her fortune.</div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>Meet Cate Blanchett. The best actress of her
generation. Most of you reading know I had doubt preparing for this film: will
she overact, how will I feel? Well, it’s an acting class like no other, a real
tour-the-force that feels even better the second time around. Nothing is held
back: she doesn’t shy away from craziness, but always packs it with a human
emotion. In every scene you can feel how hungry Cate is to deliver excellence –
and it all works: Jasmine is never a caricature, not in Cate’s hands. The most
touching thing is recognizing yourself in some of the emotions, and there are
so many layers to the performance. Jasmine crying after Dwight finally calls?
Haven’t we all been there, in that tense moment?!</div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i>: </b>Any one of at least 15 impeccably acted scenes.
I’d probably go for the ending or the <i>selling
shoes on Madison Avenue</i> monologue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq-8TFikRoo82bIhhBB-Gp0o-SujtJIf7p9aTaMCOqzvQ-AUlS_OYjUGKKt9GeBBqYnkmV23emT6zKAcfUsPmNsv6OIA69UxWMROnQBUvYgu4GmT3dyPHQoM8wuoxgtNCAF5T/s1600/A2+sandra.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq-8TFikRoo82bIhhBB-Gp0o-SujtJIf7p9aTaMCOqzvQ-AUlS_OYjUGKKt9GeBBqYnkmV23emT6zKAcfUsPmNsv6OIA69UxWMROnQBUvYgu4GmT3dyPHQoM8wuoxgtNCAF5T/s1600/A2+sandra.png" height="166" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkntD5NAY6R_TqLtC7UWQEPqs4wLX2XCjPjZophtBIv_4dPb0VODBzNsCaZ0JvtvOVO7r9WB6Ct5_bkfS356toDmuAsQJlsFK94uhW3vmQwCeJwxVS2N9IkHUPxP38O2AMRxp/s1600/5+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkntD5NAY6R_TqLtC7UWQEPqs4wLX2XCjPjZophtBIv_4dPb0VODBzNsCaZ0JvtvOVO7r9WB6Ct5_bkfS356toDmuAsQJlsFK94uhW3vmQwCeJwxVS2N9IkHUPxP38O2AMRxp/s1600/5+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">2. Sandra
Bullock, <i>Gravity</i></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">: </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">approximately
61 minutes and 54 seconds (74% of the film)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i></b>: Probably the best film of the year. A film about
space that is <u>not</u> science fiction? What a concept! Yet, it doesn’t waste
a minute. Not one boring moment, because Alfonso Cuaron is in charge – a story
of survival that feels technically flawless. A cinema experience to remembered.</div>
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<b><i>The role</i></b>: Sandra plays Dr. Ryan Stone, a medical engineer who
tries to survive and get back to Earth, after an incident leaves her adrift in
space.</div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>By no accident, this almost ended up being my #1
choice, because I was <i>thinking</i> with
my heart. There’s one scene in this film (yes, the <i>crying scene</i>) that <i>makes</i>
the performance what it is. Of course, Sandra is excellent throughout by giving
a performance that feels so natural, so honest, despite its very physical
demands; the difficulty level of this role is higher than people tend to
realize. I found her incredibly charismatic in a very unfussy kind of way – the
scene where she finally loses hope is so surprisingly emotional and intimate,
one of the most touching I’ve ever seen.</div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i></b>: Like I’d need to say: <i>I’m dying, Aningaaq</i>, and there she goes breaking our hearts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkntD5NAY6R_TqLtC7UWQEPqs4wLX2XCjPjZophtBIv_4dPb0VODBzNsCaZ0JvtvOVO7r9WB6Ct5_bkfS356toDmuAsQJlsFK94uhW3vmQwCeJwxVS2N9IkHUPxP38O2AMRxp/s1600/5+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkntD5NAY6R_TqLtC7UWQEPqs4wLX2XCjPjZophtBIv_4dPb0VODBzNsCaZ0JvtvOVO7r9WB6Ct5_bkfS356toDmuAsQJlsFK94uhW3vmQwCeJwxVS2N9IkHUPxP38O2AMRxp/s1600/5+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">3. Meryl
Streep, <i>August: <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Osage</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place></i></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">: </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">approximately
51 minutes and 19 seconds (45% of the film)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i>:</b> I’ve heard a lot of complaining about it, but it’s a
fine film that depends a lot on its actors. The screenplay mostly works, what
the film needed was a director with a bit more vision and a bit more
personality (though not too much).</div>
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<b><i>The role</i></b>: Meryl plays Violet Weston, a woman with cancer,
addicted to pills, whose family goes through (another) crisis when her husband
kills himself.</div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>It’s not a subtle performance, that’s pretty
clear. But then: it’s not a subtle role either, so I wouldn’t blame Meryl. It
takes someone who really <i>knows</i> acting
to carry a role so emotionally intense, and Meryl succeeds, with the laughs,
with the heartbreaking moments, with the ones that are over-the-top. There’s a
lack of vanity that gained my respect, and there’s a sense that she <i>knows</i> this woman, that she understands
where she’s coming from and is not afraid to lose herself in the character. The
dinner table scene is dynamite and Meryl deserves most of the credit for it.</div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i>:</b> Anything at the dinner table (<i>Tell her what an attack looks like</i> –
heartbreaking) or the boots monologue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd2Tr1rBXALE-igTOZtT2uw8_Tmm5_xlDsQCZyeqDjkX2W7YWlOlOAHwxoapv-NMaGMRkaxb7ggFYAOrlxDJVWtkKJctZPv_rGrSLmHvZ2xqCN2z7mvNw1_iH71m_163oa9uA/s1600/A4+Judi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd2Tr1rBXALE-igTOZtT2uw8_Tmm5_xlDsQCZyeqDjkX2W7YWlOlOAHwxoapv-NMaGMRkaxb7ggFYAOrlxDJVWtkKJctZPv_rGrSLmHvZ2xqCN2z7mvNw1_iH71m_163oa9uA/s1600/A4+Judi.png" height="168" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipveJ0rdfvXypOVesHSbzwyj1oBobG54Eu0ZwqQF8UN9yvMXJOQtVV26t9MsTrSXjpXKXrYV6trkybvNHeP6F9tu3oHGEokuLyR71ZGqDeCaNxGVooY1dXOF04zDKSrrLT6gAR/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipveJ0rdfvXypOVesHSbzwyj1oBobG54Eu0ZwqQF8UN9yvMXJOQtVV26t9MsTrSXjpXKXrYV6trkybvNHeP6F9tu3oHGEokuLyR71ZGqDeCaNxGVooY1dXOF04zDKSrrLT6gAR/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">4. Judi
Dench, <i>Philomena</i></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">: </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">approximately
48 minutes and 25 seconds (52.7% of the film)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i>:</b> It’s an amazing true story that, in my humble
opinion, should have been adapted in a very different way: it needed less
laughs, witty lines and commercial bullshit and a deeper journey into the mind
of Judi’s character. I do appreciate it showing both views on religion.</div>
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<b><i>The role</i>: </b>Judi plays Philomena Lee, a woman in search of her
long-lost son, who was taken from her 50 years prior, when sold into adoption.</div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>I’ve had a big dilemma with this performance, since
I can tell it’s good, it really is, but I simply don’t love it. It might be
because it doesn’t deliver the emotional punch it could have, but, given the
screenplay, this might just be as good as it gets. This is Judi Dench, and even
ok Judi Dench is quite amazing to begin with, but I felt the <i>humour</i> of the screenplay damaged the
performance by <i>breaking the rhythm</i>,
if that makes any sense. Sure, Judi can handle even the <i>funny</i> lines, but the end result left me rather cold, as if I didn’t
really care. The great acting does come from the more silent moments when we
get a glimpse of her soul, through Judi’s very expressive eyes.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i>: </b>Looking at the montage with Anthony’s life, <i>I did <u>not</u> abandon my son</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Sy06NnBRTcstMrDJfmnApw3Ve_j93VQExz0CHLSPAYlwt1C23CRfXrg9RmEPcv6AZJuaz2QG-8-k1ixe8hY2eBfuwO7Flb7PiYuKMX0j894GiVKgNrVMlzZ4jKr6Sl1gxbH4/s1600/A5+Amy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Sy06NnBRTcstMrDJfmnApw3Ve_j93VQExz0CHLSPAYlwt1C23CRfXrg9RmEPcv6AZJuaz2QG-8-k1ixe8hY2eBfuwO7Flb7PiYuKMX0j894GiVKgNrVMlzZ4jKr6Sl1gxbH4/s1600/A5+Amy.png" height="168" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipveJ0rdfvXypOVesHSbzwyj1oBobG54Eu0ZwqQF8UN9yvMXJOQtVV26t9MsTrSXjpXKXrYV6trkybvNHeP6F9tu3oHGEokuLyR71ZGqDeCaNxGVooY1dXOF04zDKSrrLT6gAR/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipveJ0rdfvXypOVesHSbzwyj1oBobG54Eu0ZwqQF8UN9yvMXJOQtVV26t9MsTrSXjpXKXrYV6trkybvNHeP6F9tu3oHGEokuLyR71ZGqDeCaNxGVooY1dXOF04zDKSrrLT6gAR/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">5. Amy
Adams, <i>American Hustle</i></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">: </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">approximately
48 minutes and 4 seconds (36.8% of the film)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i>:</b> It tries too much to be <i>Goodfellas </i>at times, when it should just be a David O. Russell
film. The screenplay is the problem, and it’s never too deep as to feel
important in any way. Leaves little impression afterwards.</div>
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<b><i>The role</i>:</b> Amy plays Sydney Prosser, a con artist forced to work
with the FBI after she and her con man lover get caught.</div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>For some reason, I’ve had some issues seeing
Amy in this part. I’ve liked her a lot in the past (<i>Junebug</i>, <i>Doubt</i>) but I
just couldn’t buy her as a seductive woman from the fashion world who ends up a
great con artist. My feeling was that for some of this performance Amy simply
looks embarrassed to be there, as she’s just about to run from the set. Yes,
yes, I know the character is vulnerable, with self-trust issues, but something
just didn’t seem convincing enough (not talking about the accent). That said, I
guess she’s ok: she gets two rather dramatic scenes with the guys and does a
good job with them, she looks hot in the clothes, but I just didn’t care a lot
for her character. We’re looking at <u>almost</u> 3 stars; I try to stay as
objective, otherwise I might’ve went for less.<u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i>: </b><i>‘This is
what we do to survive’</i>.<b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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How will the Academy vote? Well… Cate should be the clear,
obvious winner and I so HOPE it will happen. Her only competition comes from
Amy, who has the <i>advantage</i> of never
winning before (her 5<sup>th</sup> nomination) and a good campaign late in the
game. I guess Sandra is 3<sup>rd</sup>, with little chance of pulling a
surprise win (also because people still rightfully feel she didn’t deserve her
first). Judi will get some votes from older Academy members, and I think Meryl
is 5<sup>th</sup> just because the film wasn’t much of a success and she won
her 3<sup>rd</sup> Oscar just 2 years ago; so no pressure.</div>
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And that’s about it.</div>
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What’s next: A DRAW (!!!) which I haven’t done in a looong
while. :) If you’re new to it, I’ll just put some pieces of paper in a bag
(with eligible Best Actress years) and pick one without cheating. And film it
all, of course. I feel like going really vintage, so 30s-40s it is. The years
entering the draw will be 1933, 1934, 1935, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943,
1944, 1946 and 1948. A reminder that <a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/search/label/Best%20Actress%201928" target="_blank">1928</a>, <a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/search/label/Best%20Actress%201931" target="_blank">1931</a>, <a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/search/label/Best%20Actress%201937" target="_blank">1937</a>, <a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/search/label/Best%20Actress%201945" target="_blank">1945</a> & <a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/search/label/Best%20Actress%201947" target="_blank">1947</a> have already been
discussed (you can click on them). 30, 32, 36 & 49 are not available to me,
so they’re not entering. :) Fun. I have my favourites, though I never cheat.</div>
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To see other BEST ACTRESS years discussed so far, go to the
column on the right (which needs a bit of updating).</div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-1839642082741399602014-01-26T09:06:00.000-08:002014-01-26T09:11:55.040-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.com" style="font-size: xx-large;"><img alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">An introduction to BEST ACTRESS 2013</span></div>
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I do believe years from now people will look back at this
Best Actress year as one of the best in the category’s history. It’s not
completely perfect and not <i>the</i> best,
but the top 3 performances really are extraordinary. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I will get to ranking them in a few weeks, after I see the
films (again) and count their screentime. This is just the introductory post
and a look at how we ended up with these specific nominees. As of now, the only
film of the 5 I have yet to see is <i>Philomena</i>,
which I hope will be made available to me before March 2nd.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Interesting to mention this is only the 4th time in Oscar
history that there are no first-time nominees in the Best Actress category (the
other Best Actress years being 1941, 1944 and <b><a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/search/label/Best%20Actress%201994" target="_blank">1994</a></b> – previously discussed on the blog).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The 5 ladies that Oscar has chosen for 2013, in alphabetical
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<b>Amy Adams</b> as Sydney
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<b>Cate Blanchett</b> as
Jasmine, in <i>Blue Jasmine</i><o:p></o:p><br />
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<b>Sandra Bullock</b> as
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<b>Judi Dench</b> as
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<b>Meryl Streep</b> as
Violet Weston, in <i>August: Osage County</i><o:p></o:p><br />
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Let’s look at each nominee and how they made it to the list
of 5. Entering this race as a favourite is <b>Cate
Blanchett</b>, who I think was a lock and had the first chance of getting
nominated. This is Cate’s 6th Oscar nomination, and the 3rd in the leading
category. She has previously won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for <i>The Aviator</i> (2004). Oscar nomination
aside, she’s received some major awards for playing Jasmine: the Golden Globe
for Best Actress – Drama, the SAG Award, and awards from major critics’ groups
like the New York Film Critics, National Society of Film Critics and the Los
Angeles Film Critics Association. Plus, nominations from BAFTA and Independent
Spirit Awards (as of now, both pending). She is the clear favourite for another
Oscar win, having dominated the season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think the actress with the second chance of getting
nominated was <b>Sandra Bullock</b>. And
it’s easy to see why, considering her film <i>Gravity</i>
is a serious Oscar contender and one of the most profitable films of 2013. This
is Sandra’s 2nd Oscar nomination, following her (infamous) Oscar win for Best
Actress for <i>The Blind Side</i> (2009).
Sandra enters the race having received nominations from all the major voting
groups: nominations for Best Actress – Drama at the Golden Globes, for the SAG
Awards and BAFTA. She also has a couple of wins from critics’ awards, but only
small groups (like Kansas). The fact that she’s very popular among actors and a
great campaigner also helped secure the nomination.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think from here down, any of these actresses could’ve
(more or less surprisingly) miss on a nomination. I would say <b>Judi Dench</b> was next, by chance of
getting nominated. Her film, <i>Philomena</i>,
also surprised with a Best Picture nomination and she did benefit from the <i>British support</i>, the British <i>side</i> of voters from the Academy.
Interesting to note she is also the only one of the 5 nominees playing a
real-life person (not a <i>famous </i>one,
though). This is Judi’s 7th Oscar nomination and the 5th in the Best Actress
category. She has previously won an Oscar for her Supporting performance in <i>Shakespeare in Love</i> (1998). For this
performance Judi has also received nominations for Best Actress – Drama at the
Golden Globes, from the SAG Awards and from BAFTA (which she might just end up
winning).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Meryl Streep</b> received
her 18th acting nomination this year, more than any other actor in Oscar’s history,
male or female. 15 of these nominations are for Best Actress (a record in this
category). She has previously won 3 Oscars, for Best Supporting Actress for <i>Kramer vs. Kramer</i> (1979) and for Best
Actress for <i>Sophie’s Choice</i> (1982)
and <i>The Iron Lady</i> (2011). Despite her
giving another amazing performance, this nomination was not a sure-thing,
mostly due to the film receiving mixed reviews. Meryl enters this specific race
with nominations from the SAG Awards and from the Golden Globes (for Best
Actress – Comedy or Musical). <o:p></o:p></div>
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The almost-surprise nominee from the last segment of the
awards season is <b>Amy Adams</b>, who,
although she might’ve been 4th or 5th in line to get nominated, is the dark
horse for the win and the only serious threat to Cate getting the trophy. She
got nominated mostly due to the success of <i>American
Hustle</i>, both with critics and the audiences, and the perfect timing of her
late campaign. This is Amy’s 5th Oscar nomination, and the 1st one in this
category, the other 4 being for Supporting Actress. She’s also the only one in
this group to have never won an Oscar. Amy enters the race with a Golden Globe
win for Best Actress – Comedy or Musical and a BAFTA nomination. The lack of a
SAG nomination discouraged people from predicting her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And now about the competition the 5 actresses had
encountered. These were the other names thrown in the game.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One obvious runner-up / #6: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Emma Thompson</u> for <i>Saving
Mr. Banks</i> (she had received SAG, Golden Globes and BAFTA nominations, a
National Board of Review win, but the Oscars didn’t care).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Quite possible / Dark horses:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adèle Exarchopoulos – <i>Blue
Is the Warmest Color</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Julie Delpy – <i>Before
Midnight</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Brie Larson – <i>Short
Term 12</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Greta Gerwig – <i>Frances
Ha</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Very long shots:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Kate Winslet – <i>Labor
Day</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Julia Louis-Dreyfuss – <i>Enough
Said</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Berenice Bejo – <i>The
Past</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Felicity Jones – <i>The
Invisible Woman</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Carey Mulligan – <i>The
Great Gatsby</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sophie Nelisse – <i>The
Book Thief</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Paulina Garcia – <i>Gloria
</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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I guess my ranking will be posted in a few weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Enjoy the season! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-48317443561232418122014-01-15T04:20:00.000-08:002014-01-15T05:14:59.447-08:00<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.com"><img alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" /></a>Final Oscar predictions</span></b><br />
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A fun Oscar year is one with potential for surprises. As of
now, I can’t tell you who/what will win Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor
& Best Supporting Actress. And that feels great! :))<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are my predicted nominees (in order of their chance of
getting nominated):<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfhJmfbt03sPMh1Qhfa4bpg1FUwHA6o5q3NHTG_zb03371Hy2845kTfnRC3SUQn_vTtuf23N-ZrUt2JiUVFpVPb1bgL4HFfmZyBVdNVgbuJ1nDkrxPJm0wqWKLxuU_sJJ-xew/s1600/12+years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfhJmfbt03sPMh1Qhfa4bpg1FUwHA6o5q3NHTG_zb03371Hy2845kTfnRC3SUQn_vTtuf23N-ZrUt2JiUVFpVPb1bgL4HFfmZyBVdNVgbuJ1nDkrxPJm0wqWKLxuU_sJJ-xew/s400/12+years.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>BEST PICTURE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>12 Years a Slave</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>American Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Captain Phillips<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>Nebraska<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>6. <i>Her<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>7. <i>The Wolf of Wall Street<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>8. <i>Dallas Buyers Club<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>9. <i>Saving Mr. Banks</i> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-ups: 10. <i>Inside
Llewyn Davis </i> 11. <i>Philomena</i> 12. <i>Blue
Jasmine<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>BEST DIRECTOR<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. Alfonso Cuaron – <i>Gravity <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. Steve McQueen – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>3. David O. Russell –
<i>American Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>4. Paul Greengrass – <i>Captain Phillips<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>5. Spike Jonze – <i>Her <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Runner-ups: 6. Martin Scorsese – <i>The Wolf of Wall Street</i>,<i> </i>7. Alexander Payne – <i>Nebraska</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>BEST ACTOR<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. Chiwetel Ejiofor –
<i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. Matthew
McConaughey – <i>Dallas Buyers Club<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>3. Bruce Dern – <i>Nebraska <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>4. Tom Hanks – <i>Captain Phillips<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>5. Leonardo DiCaprio –
<i>The Wolf of Wall Street<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Runner-ups: 6. Robert Redford – <i>All Is Lost</i> 7. Christian
Bale – <i>American Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>BEST ACTRESS<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. Cate Blanchett – <i>Blue Jasmine<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. Sandra Bullock – <i>Gravity <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>3. Judi Dench – <i>Philomena <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>4. Emma Thompson – <i>Saving Mr. Banks<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>5. Amy Adams – <i>American Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Runner-ups: 6. Meryl Streep – <i>August: Osage County</i> 7. Adèle
Exarchopoulos – <i>Blue Is the Warmest Color<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. Jared Leto – <i>Dallas Buyers Club<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. Michael Fassbender
– <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>3. Barkhad Abdi – <i>Captain Phillips<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>4. Daniel Bruhl – <i>Rush <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>5. Bradley Cooper – <i>American Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Runner-ups: 6. Jonah Hill – <i>The Wolf of Wall Street </i> 7.
Tom Hanks – <i>Saving Mr. Banks<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>BEST SUPPORTING
ACTRESS<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. Jennifer Lawrence –
<i>American Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. Lupita Nyong’o – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>3. June Squibb – <i>Nebraska <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>4. Julia Roberts – <i>August: Osage County<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>5. Oprah Winfrey – <i>Lee Daniels’ The Butler<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Runner-ups: 6. Sally Hawkins – <i>Blue Jasmine</i> 7. Sarah
Paulson – <i>12 Years a Slave</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>BEST ORIGINAL
SCREENPLAY<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>American Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>Her</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>Nebraska</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Blue Jasmine</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>Dallas
Buyers Club<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>BEST ADAPTED
SCREENPLAY<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>Before Midnight</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>The Wolf of Wall Street</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Philomena</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>Captain Phillips</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>August:
Osage County<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>12 Years a Slave</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Captain Phillips</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>Prisoners</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>The
Grandmaster<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>BEST ORIGINAL SCORE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>Gravity</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>The Book Thief</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Saving Mr. Banks</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>All Is Lost</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>Captain
Phillips</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>BEST ORIGINAL SONG<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>Frozen<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>The Great Gatsby</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>Her</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>The Secret Life of Walter Mitty</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>One Chance</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>BEST PRODUCTION
DESIGN<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>The Great Gatsby<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>12 Years a Slave</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Gravity</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>Oz The Great and Powerful</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>Saving Mr.
Banks<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>BEST COSTUME DESIGN<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>The Great Gatsby<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>12 Years a Slave</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>American Hustle</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Oz The Great and Powerful</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>The Invisible Woman</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>The Hunger
Games: Catching Fire<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>BEST EDITING<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>12 Years a Slave</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>Captain Phillips</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Rush</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>American Hustle</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>The Wolf of
Wall Street<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>BEST SOUND MIXING<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>Captain Phillips</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>Rush</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>12 Years a Slave</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>Lone Survivor</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>All Is Lost</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>BEST SOUND EDITING<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>Rush<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>All Is Lost</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Lone Survivor</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>Captain Phillips</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>Pacific Rim</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>BEST VISUAL EFFECTS<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>Pacific Rim</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Iron Man 3</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>World War Z</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>Star Trek:
Into Darkness<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>BEST MAKEUP/HAIRSTYLE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>American Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>Dallas Buyers Club</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>The Lone Ranger</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>Bad Grandpa<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>BEST ANIMATED FEATURE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>Frozen<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>The Croods</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>The Wind Rises</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Monsters University</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>Ernest and Celestine</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>Despicable
Me 2<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE
FILM<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>1. <i>The Hunt<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b>2. <i>The Broken Circle Breakdown</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>3. <i>Two Lives</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>4. <i>Omar</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5. <i>The Great Beauty</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Runner-up: <i>The
Grandmaster<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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No predictions for Documentary & short categories. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ll see how it goes. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
Definitely not sure about most of them. <i>12 Years a Slave </i>should lead the nominations - I have it now with 12.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For previous predictions on this OSCARS edition, just click
on the date:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/2013/10/oscar-predictions-update-i-usually.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">October 5th</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/2013/04/oscar-predictions-its-never-too-early.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>April 3rd</b> </span></a> - that was early, I know ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-35925825871046839092014-01-12T07:31:00.003-08:002014-01-12T07:31:52.910-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Golden Globe predictions</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifslPfeGEg0XGRnJgABFdAia0O-PNDWTErpbPeGkz_qLJy_AONqtOJc1aBxHoIVGdVKtyymJv3ndJx_5WmzcXKCqQ7jb2mj95BUFFdPUB02Gtq6N9iO4UxSkl4uqfmCKEncnlA/s1600/dallas-buyer-s-club-image02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifslPfeGEg0XGRnJgABFdAia0O-PNDWTErpbPeGkz_qLJy_AONqtOJc1aBxHoIVGdVKtyymJv3ndJx_5WmzcXKCqQ7jb2mj95BUFFdPUB02Gtq6N9iO4UxSkl4uqfmCKEncnlA/s1600/dallas-buyer-s-club-image02.jpg" height="197" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Time to put “on paper” the predictions for tonight:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Best Motion Picture – Drama <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>12 Years
a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Should win: <i>Gravity </i>(haven’t
seen <i>Philomena</i>)<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>American
Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>The Wolf of
Wall Street<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Should win: <i>Nebraska</i>
(have yet to see <i>Her</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Best Actor – Drama<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: Chiwetel Ejiofor – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: Matthew McConaughey – <i>Dallas Buyers Club<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Should win: Matthew McConaughey – <i>Dallas Buyers Club</i> (haven’t seen Elba, but I doubt I’m a fan)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Best Actor – Comedy/Musical<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: Bruce Dern – <i>Nebraska <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: Leonardo DiCaprio – <i>The Wolf of Wall Street<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Should win: Oscar Isaac – <i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i> (have yet to see Joaquin)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Best Actress – Drama<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: Cate Blanchett – <i>Blue Jasmine<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: Sandra Bullock – <i>Gravity <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Should win: I’m not saying ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Best Actress – Comedy/Musical<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: Meryl Streep – <i>August: Osage County<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: Amy Adams – <i>American
Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Should win: Meryl Streep – <i>August: Osage County<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Best Supporting Actor<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: Jared Leto – <i>Dallas Buyers Club<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: Michael Fassbender – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Should win: Michael Fassbender – <i>12 Years a Slave</i> (kills me to choose between these 2 excellent
performances)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Best Supporting Actress<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: Lupita Nyong’o – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: Jennifer Lawrence – <i>American Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Should win: Julia Roberts – <i>August: Osage County</i> (CLEARLY a leading performance)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Best Director<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: Alfonso Cuaron – <i>Gravity <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: Steve McQueen – <i>12 Years a Slave<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Should win: Alfonso Cuaron – <i>Gravity</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Best Screenplay<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>American
Hustle<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>Her<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Should win: <i>Nebraska </i>(haven’t
see <i>Her </i>& <i>Philomena</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Best Original Score<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Gravity<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>12 Years a
Slave<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Should win: <i>All Is
Lost<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Best Original Song<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Inside
Llewyn Davis<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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Could win: <i>Frozen<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Should win: <i>Inside
Llewyn Davis<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Best Foreign-Language Film<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Blue Is
the Warmest Color<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Best Animated Feature<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Will win: <i>Frozen<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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And I’m not going into the TV categories. ;) I do that over
at goldderby.com<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163585.post-76418688484164410862013-12-27T14:04:00.003-08:002013-12-27T14:05:48.416-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.com" style="font-size: x-large;"><img alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My vote - Best
Actress 1972</span></b></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyXPzlmPCK0ZxzbAwgI_vOW4Ft3gQg-CztTkQC8VT5OilV1SbAd08PEHkqmlXUNdMmwHb4IeziOAf25H3DAij4y43s9kkZa-3ubCxvnncbYYg6q8W-bPqDCm7T7V2BNLhfYmF/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyXPzlmPCK0ZxzbAwgI_vOW4Ft3gQg-CztTkQC8VT5OilV1SbAd08PEHkqmlXUNdMmwHb4IeziOAf25H3DAij4y43s9kkZa-3ubCxvnncbYYg6q8W-bPqDCm7T7V2BNLhfYmF/s200/oscar.jpg" width="76" /></a>It’s only now that I finish what I had announced more than a
year and a half ago: putting together the ranking for Best Actress 1972 – a
year that was not selected by me, but was decided through a draw. The introduction for this particular year (and how the 5 lucky actresses got
nominated) can be read by clicking <a href="http://alexinmovieland.blogspot.ro/2012/05/best-actress-1972-when-ive.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I came into this having seen only 2 of the 5 films: the
other 3 ranged from bad to good, but the overall group of nominees here was
quite underwhelming. This was not a great year for Best Actress, I must say;
maybe one of the weakest I’ve ever reviewed. #1 was an easy choice since it’s the
only performance that’s quite excellent. #2 was also clear to me, while the
other 3 share the same no. of stars, but feel far from equal or even similar –
each has a different set of problems.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Best acted scene</b> will
not be awarded for this year – there was no moment to really blow me away in
any of the 5 performances, so I’d rather hold back from randomly picking a
winner for this special mentioning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here is how I decided to rank them:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIg141eC0B8frcGOkRIX6reoHX6HUIzYHNq2Grt4tSlN2CyDxWbYsINq1LGjFo-FSfysA0y1F-o6mdY9sLtc2p7nILM8EGgEa_ET1O191cabHb4jTMmzCnlXlG4z5r-RsUcH1z/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIg141eC0B8frcGOkRIX6reoHX6HUIzYHNq2Grt4tSlN2CyDxWbYsINq1LGjFo-FSfysA0y1F-o6mdY9sLtc2p7nILM8EGgEa_ET1O191cabHb4jTMmzCnlXlG4z5r-RsUcH1z/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXIGkmLnUbOTtAP_-DpPl5lT-rTdoHWjNpdg0WNQZ7kcjcZ-XbZSn_V00ZsS7MheB7NG2aMIfjeocZDQ28UKvRsXaTCFsAZhO9QxmohqihNwn_2uLT4RhLNhp0uwEdIp8lPNh/s1600/4+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXIGkmLnUbOTtAP_-DpPl5lT-rTdoHWjNpdg0WNQZ7kcjcZ-XbZSn_V00ZsS7MheB7NG2aMIfjeocZDQ28UKvRsXaTCFsAZhO9QxmohqihNwn_2uLT4RhLNhp0uwEdIp8lPNh/s1600/4+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="color: #0070c0; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.
Liza Minnelli, <i>Cabaret</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
62 minutes and 22 seconds (53.2% of the film)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>The film</i></b>: I am not one of those people who think <i>Cabaret</i> is a divine gift for us mortals
(like many bloggers seems to believe). It’s a well-written, very well-directed
musical, that is memorable, but I simply cannot love in that passionate way.
But good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>The role</i>: </b>Liza plays Sally Bowles, an American performer in
1930s Berlin, a young woman full of life, who gets caught in a love triangle
with two very different men.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>It’s quite clear that this film would not function
without Liza playing the role – it all relies so much on her charm, her energy
and her ability of bringing the humour to a film that could easily go the
serious side. Her singing numbers are quite flawless and there’s nothing to
comment there, as she puts her heart and soul into every song. The acting for
the rest of it is good, often in that screwball comedy kind of way: I applaud
it, I admire it, I acknowledge the success of the performance – but I don’t
love it enough for 5 stars.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i>: </b>I could go for the father scene, though it’s
probably the performance of <i>Cabaret</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD1IS4sVBEzpc_SgeOiDF-0YhAYHDD_Kd46xmHSNfzRacDzqVJanmH5_LRBeE7WTTpWXAh9Y79Tf__9p5ieEnKKYTGsQOon_2UnT-0f-k_K4_btRTQXBxsYMShLGMqPZ8B-r6/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD1IS4sVBEzpc_SgeOiDF-0YhAYHDD_Kd46xmHSNfzRacDzqVJanmH5_LRBeE7WTTpWXAh9Y79Tf__9p5ieEnKKYTGsQOon_2UnT-0f-k_K4_btRTQXBxsYMShLGMqPZ8B-r6/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAAeXFXhNP8GoLw0079oJ8UKOnuuMrPYlZuFiEV76ZxtY0TzQDb9hQ310oBZKxTnFlW9i_J1Uz1ZJLMMuTv2dDHkfLFMw2ojc6dwSoOviERAuj7hDzC4sn8FlwbDR8yqMGI7i/s1600/3+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAAeXFXhNP8GoLw0079oJ8UKOnuuMrPYlZuFiEV76ZxtY0TzQDb9hQ310oBZKxTnFlW9i_J1Uz1ZJLMMuTv2dDHkfLFMw2ojc6dwSoOviERAuj7hDzC4sn8FlwbDR8yqMGI7i/s1600/3+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Liv
Ullmann, <i>The Emigrants</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
46 minutes and 38 seconds (25.8% of the film)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i></b>: It’s the one I’ve seen most recently, so it’s very
fresh in my mind. If you go for slow-paced European films with little fun, then
it’s a good one. I admire the screenplay, the ensemble performances, but it
could’ve definitely used more editing (true: I might’ve seen the director’s
cut).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>The role</i></b>: Liv plays Kristina, a 19<sup>th</sup> century deeply
religious, simple-minded young woman who marries a Swedish farmer, builds a home
and follows her husband when he decides to move the family to the New Land.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>I guess it’s just that I expected more: more
screentime, scenes that were bigger and louder, something more than the quiet dedicated
wife performance. Of course, there are a couple of scenes where she gets to show
off, but that’s also when the character is less likeable. For the most part,
it’s a quiet supportive performance, that I find little fault to, but I wish I
would’ve seen more from her. It’s a clear case where the actress does almost
exactly what the role demanded, but those limitations on paper influence my
perspective on the performance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i></b>: Maybe the scene where she can’t find her
daughter or the ”flees scene” on the boat, combining the funny with the tragic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fJhCMyrvgFrXNLqm5Lx9C31p22LBNJ8SYNbDr20d3TwtlKTjF_djHfP1VJL41OusO4t5logJu0R-T0u3MFwegBHO7RX7KrXmQCKcoNdLuBwYudDPgU-exNSgOdNF2QEg0cgr/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fJhCMyrvgFrXNLqm5Lx9C31p22LBNJ8SYNbDr20d3TwtlKTjF_djHfP1VJL41OusO4t5logJu0R-T0u3MFwegBHO7RX7KrXmQCKcoNdLuBwYudDPgU-exNSgOdNF2QEg0cgr/s400/3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuR8dQR0FJLgiibdY8Cg6SrHZ-UERITdRGy9JLHPzgVQgHsGq7gDwx-7GZLEAU32lTGKoyiEIm0deBOjOkuMLbnyX7vsyuAYtYTyXHL4Ixh6OOewsjd25JlFTuEYaBOi3czSM/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuR8dQR0FJLgiibdY8Cg6SrHZ-UERITdRGy9JLHPzgVQgHsGq7gDwx-7GZLEAU32lTGKoyiEIm0deBOjOkuMLbnyX7vsyuAYtYTyXHL4Ixh6OOewsjd25JlFTuEYaBOi3czSM/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Cicely
Tyson, <i>Sounder</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
30 minutes and 29 seconds (29.5% of the film)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i>:</b> A boring film, unworthy of being one of the year’s
Best Picture nominees. There’s nothing frustrating about it, but I don’t
remember one single element to really grab my interest. Dull.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>The role</i></b>: Cicely plays Rebecca Morgan, a wife and mother during
the Depression-era, who has to take care of the family by herself when her
husband is sent to jail for stealing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>I cannot explain how this performance won a
whole bunch of critics’ awards and so many people seem to love it. It’s so
low-key, subtle to the point it’s underplayed, that it’s almost invisible. I
was counting on her to save the film – what we got was the quiet presence of a
woman whose instinctive intelligence I could feel, but was too shy to properly
own the screen. Her eyes do tell a story and you can tell her talent is way
above her fellow actors’, but why give us so little to judge, Miss Cicely? I
was disappointed, as it felt like a waste of potential.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i>:</b> Rrrrr... oh... I don’t know. Trying to see her
husband in prison?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJeJJtVIQfOPZUCDcDf2wCWnhV3s-FpU1cuorE_nkbADh2tw4dJkWgQf01MTcTJPXh_rYB0ai74kbADXglt2dlm0QhHn-DNvqqmuUf3qNDFW0gNc-oZeGL0Bu12RbF1QgeRUe/s1600/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJeJJtVIQfOPZUCDcDf2wCWnhV3s-FpU1cuorE_nkbADh2tw4dJkWgQf01MTcTJPXh_rYB0ai74kbADXglt2dlm0QhHn-DNvqqmuUf3qNDFW0gNc-oZeGL0Bu12RbF1QgeRUe/s400/4.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuR8dQR0FJLgiibdY8Cg6SrHZ-UERITdRGy9JLHPzgVQgHsGq7gDwx-7GZLEAU32lTGKoyiEIm0deBOjOkuMLbnyX7vsyuAYtYTyXHL4Ixh6OOewsjd25JlFTuEYaBOi3czSM/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuR8dQR0FJLgiibdY8Cg6SrHZ-UERITdRGy9JLHPzgVQgHsGq7gDwx-7GZLEAU32lTGKoyiEIm0deBOjOkuMLbnyX7vsyuAYtYTyXHL4Ixh6OOewsjd25JlFTuEYaBOi3czSM/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. Maggie
Smith, <i>Travels with My Aunt</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
70 minutes and 39 seconds (69.3% of the film)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i>:</b> This is a film many love to hate. And, while it
really is a mess at times, it’s quite easy to watch, almost enjoyable. The fact
that it doesn’t take itself seriously works in its favour.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>The role</i>: </b>Maggie plays Augusta Bertram, an old eccentric woman
who travels around Europe with her nephew trying to find money to rescue a
former lover from her past.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>There are plenty who dislike the performance just
as much as they dislike the film, but again: I’m not a hater. Maggie has the
difficult task of playing a woman both in her 20s and in her 60s-70s and I
think she does it rather convincingly. Does anyone doubt she’s the main if not
the sole reason the film kind of works? Of course, it’s not much of a role, and
considering she’s playing it for laughs, there isn’t much of a stretch; and,
truth be told: it happens that she overacts on occasion. Maggie does justice to
the silly comedy and nails a more dramatic scene towards the end, but it’s
probably not impressive enough to justify an Oscar nomination.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i>: </b>Easily, the scene towards the end where she
clearly speaks her mind in front of the nephew.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKU4YiEFCMi7Vrs6lYtxcd9CayrNgAMfZbgEs4aZajM-9VGpNK9n7bt0ywBOxE1dG0TAG3TEMBmvsBd7Qms_soNPhY96EFqaL0iMF61UQmeWITBRpF4lP1zPYJ1JGCCB7fBVHc/s1600/7.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKU4YiEFCMi7Vrs6lYtxcd9CayrNgAMfZbgEs4aZajM-9VGpNK9n7bt0ywBOxE1dG0TAG3TEMBmvsBd7Qms_soNPhY96EFqaL0iMF61UQmeWITBRpF4lP1zPYJ1JGCCB7fBVHc/s400/7.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0tDOfeqAYGN_En0TxHLhrXBWFRHWH0-oZv-ONF1UmDnc4JETJoB0SNNHXNEdMn1IkM-Mz7hYXPhT2NBVHLhkl5z3D-CgiV0fNm3XWOtmuDY4GfY-0Pe0ZtIKoOeCKVjIjQGr/s1600/2+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0tDOfeqAYGN_En0TxHLhrXBWFRHWH0-oZv-ONF1UmDnc4JETJoB0SNNHXNEdMn1IkM-Mz7hYXPhT2NBVHLhkl5z3D-CgiV0fNm3XWOtmuDY4GfY-0Pe0ZtIKoOeCKVjIjQGr/s1600/2+stars.jpg" /></a><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Diana
Ross, <i>Lady Sings the Blues</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The screentime</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">approximately
119 minutes and 48 seconds (83.7% of the film)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>The film</i>:</b> A big failure that combines poor writing with clichéd
directing and an uncomfortable leading performance. It’s very boring, so I
wouldn’t recommend it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>The role</i>:</b> Diana plays Billie Holiday, the famous jazz singer
who battles a drug addiction while trying to find her place in the music world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>The performance</i>: </b>I almost gave it a “1 star”, but I’ve only
done that once in the past, to a complete disaster. This was not a disaster,
but a very strange performance from an actress who clearly didn’t have the
experience to carry the role. Actually, she had NO experience, and you could
tell. The general feeling was that she was trying too hard, especially in the
very dramatic scenes: Diana takes “under the influence” a bit too far, to the
point it simply becomes something unconvincing and over-weepy. She brings
little personality to a role that really needed energy and charisma. It’s the
longest screentime I’ve ever counted (so far I’ve discussed over 25% of Oscar’s
Best Actress nominees) but it works against her, as she doesn’t have the power
to carry every single scene of the film.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>The highlight</i>: </b>Any moment where she gets to sing, I guess.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How did the Academy vote: this must have been an easy win
for Liza, I can’t imagine differently. She was competing with too many
“minorities”: a foreign actress in a foreign-language film, plus 2 black
actresses at a time in Oscar’s history when I bet there were only a handful of
African-American members inside the Academy. So Liza won: deservingly. It’s Liv
who probably was a distant 2<sup>nd</sup>, while Cicely must’ve came 3<sup>rd</sup>
(wouldn’t have guessed it myself, but she did win all those critics’ awards). Diana
Ross must’ve been 4<sup>th</sup>, while Maggie Smith didn’t stand a chance of
winning.</div>
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And that’s about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What’s next: Preparing for Best Actress 2013 ;) The
nominations will be announced in 3 weeks or so, but we can anticipate/predict
the 5. Like in no other year, I honestly hope there’ll be no surprises: I rather
they go with the solid 5 since I doubt any of the runner-ups would fit my
taste.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To see other BEST ACTRESS years discussed so far, go to the
column on the right, where it says Best Actress Years. ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alex Constantinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940311552608814201noreply@blogger.com15