Viola Davis in The Help: Davis played an African-American maid in the pre-civil rights South who raises the children of her white employers while mourning the loss of her only child. Davis brought an authentic depiction of the plight of black women of that time. It took a while for Davis is to be noticed but it is good she finally has. Davis was also nominated for this role in the 2012 Golden globes but lost the Streep. Hopefully, this nomination and possible award will open more scripts to showcase Davis.
Whoever takes home the prize on Oscar night for ‘Best Actress’ has much to be grateful for. With such remarkable films and powerful women characters it almost seems that there should be some kind of tie between a few actresses on award night. All these actresses certainly deserve the nomination for reminding us what true acting is all about. Whether it was The Iron Lady resurrected from dementia or the inner strength of African-Americans during the 50s and 60s, 2011 belonged to the ladies when it came to great acts.
Glenn Close in Albert Nobbs: Close definitely did some gender bending to play Albert Nobbs in this film adaptation of the successful stage play. Nobbs is a woman who has been disguising herself as the man for decades in order to earn a living. Back in the days when female options were limited to marriage, the convent tattoo needles and tips, teaching tattoo kits, or nursing, if you did not fall into any of those categories you were in trouble. Since this character is one who does not fit the norm, she makes do as a man. Close almost made me think I was watching her twin brother tattoo needles, so she definitely deserved a nomination.
Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady: Margaret Thatcher did not always have the distinct voice that her speeches were known for. Once upon a time there was a grocer’s daughter in Grantham who spoke like a middle-class girl from England’s industrial north. When Thatcher became the leader of the Conservative party it was suggested by her advisors that in order to become believable as a leader, she would have to take elocution lessons. Thatcher worked with a voice coach from the National Theater who helped lower her pitch and gave her an authority when she spoke. So distinctive was Thatcher’s voice that when Streep nailed it, people remarked that had she appeared on BBC Radio in character super tattoo, Labor party fans would have gotten chills thinking Thatcher was back with the poll tax.
BetweenThe Iron Lady and a southern steel magnolia in The Help, the race for ‘Best Actress’ is a tight one. Meryl Streep is up for her 17th Oscar nomination and Rooney Mara has her first for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Streep is the most Oscar nominated actress of all time and whenever she is in contention it makes the ceremony one to watch. 2011 is certainly was a year for these actresses to showcase their thespian capacity. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher certainly had a second life with an American playing her. As many British papers had commented tattoo ink, Streep nailed a British accent yet again. It was no surprise considering the Streep is the Queen of accents.
Rooney Mara in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: This is 2011 film with Mara and James Bond’s Daniel Craig was the second adaptation of the famous book from Stieg Larsson. Mara morphed quite well to play a disturbed and tortured punk hacker who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth about a mysterious disappearance. Mara has certainly started her career on a good foot. She was taking the role only two years after he Swedish-language film version with Noomi Rapace in the same role but Mara still made it her own.
Michelle Williams in My Week with Marilyn: Marilyn Monroe still fascinates as a sex symbol icon almost 50 years since her death. The screen siren remains an enduring image. This movie has Williams as Monroe in England playing against the great Sir Laurence Olivier. During this time a young casting assistant was drawn into the charms of Monroe and their brief encounter is the basis of the film.
Any one of these ladies could capture the prize on Oscar night:
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