“I always say that I want to be Meryl Streep. And I believe and I really hope that we have the imagination, that we have the courage to bring those stories to life. Because I want to do for other young women of color what Cicely Tyson did to me in that apartment with the slats showing through the plaster and no plumbing and no phone and hardly any food and rats–she allowed me to have the visual of what it means to dream. I saw her in the Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and that she threw me a rope. That’s what we do as performers, as actors, as icons, we throw other people the rope. And that’s what keeps me in it.”
The Weinstein Co screened The Iron Lady this morning for an elite group of bloggers apparently. I didn’t see it so I have no idea how good it is and have to rely on what they’re saying, which is basically what everyone else is saying — good/great performance, not so good/great of a movie.
Either way, it’s the Oscar race and it’s all about strategy, well placed journalists and bloggers, timing and swaying Academy opinion. With so much chatter out there it’s hard to know how things will land.
The actress I think is going to win this year is not Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady, however. There isn’t anyone, as far as I can see right now, who can top Viola Davis in The Help. Rooney Mara might give her a run for her money in the Dragon Tattoo but from the reviews of Iron Lady it isn’t looking like Streep’s year.
The Help is one of the most successful films of 2011. It made $167,833,563. Once you get past the sequels and the comic book movies you have The Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Bridesmaids and The Help. Three accidental success stories. Only one will probably be nominated for Best Picture, but barring that, Best Actress. Of the Best Actress contenders so far this year, only Viola Davis stars in what will likely be a Best Picture nominee in a whole sea of films starring white men. Viola Davis, the “little black girl with the afro” took a movie beyond $100 mil.
Viola Davis’ Women in Hollywood Speech by 5minPeople
Warm, affecting, a favorite among many, The Help told a story that maybe didn’t need to be told in 2011, not on the page anyway. The story is really the publishing sensation of the author. But the story, too, is the Hollywood one. The rarity of what Viola Davis has done this year — though I sometimes feel like I’m the only person out there who is paying attention. Sure, the critics didn’t much like the film, and many white folk (myself included) whined about how insulting it was to black men and women in Mississippi during the Civil Rights movement. None of that has anything to do with what this movie did, what it might mean for future generations of black actresses, woefully underrepresented in the lead actress category at the Oscars. Not only does it never happen, but it’s often the reason black women aren’t put on the cover of Vogue, aren’t given a lot of the best parts — as Viola Davis says in the video above that women of color are never given the same amount of importance white characters and their white stories do. None of this changes if things don’t change.
Davis is much of the reason for the success of The Help. She is strong, unexpectedly controlled in her performance. She holds the film together. And it dies a little bit whenever she isn’t on screen. She is actually a lot better than the movie as she must play, like her co-star Octavia Spencer, the obedient slave then switch gears to play the human being too. David nails it.
Viola Davis, black as night, not made palpably half-black, like Halle Berry, the first black actress to win an Oscar and we were supposed to applaud them for finally breaking the ridiculously long record of shutting out black women. But Davis is black, plain and simple. The praise for her performance is well deserved. The admiration of her peers, solid. Even Meryl Streep shouted out to the industry why don’t they give her better roles?
Two actresses, Viola Davis and Meryl Streep, both growing up with the same dreams. One had it a lot easier because the majority of film scripts are written for and star white people. Hollywood mostly tells white stories, as if those are the only stories worth telling, the only stories with relevance. And here comes The Help – yes, maybe it’s made more palatable to white folk, like The Blind Side. Maybe it is all of those things. But none of that takes away from the two core performances in that film. So, in the end, it doesn’t really matter how the Weinstein Co. positions their film and whom they hand pick to champion it – the movie is the movie, the performance is the performance and once again it’s Meryl Streep and Viola Davis. Streep was Davis’ idol. It must have been something, then, when she was also her equal.
One thing I do know for sure? Meryl Streep will be casting her ballot for Viola Davis.
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Someone may have said this already, forgive me if so. I just read the article, not the responses, but Hattie McDaniel, not Halle Berry, was the first black female to win an Oscar.
Someone may have said this already, forgive me if so. I just read the article, not the responses, but Hattie McDaniel, not Halle Berry, was the first black female to win an Oscar.
I think it is borderline offensive to call Halle Berry “half-black” and to denigrate her Best Actress win because she is not dark-skinned. I understand what you’re trying to say but I think it was ineptly worded.
I think it is borderline offensive to call Halle Berry “half-black” and to denigrate her Best Actress win because she is not dark-skinned. I understand what you’re trying to say but I think it was ineptly worded.
Meryl has to do this, Meryl has to do that…
Should not anyone be truely happy she chooses willingly “medicore” movies to star in and let other actresses her generation be able to take good roles in good movies?
I think she’s very generous then.
Sadly, noone is interested in those movies and loves to see her “medicore” movies just for her performance. *shrug*
Or it’s all evil calculated, who knows?
Nancy Meyers? Her films are comedies, made for women audiance and all were pretty successful, no? (and now 4 Academy award winners starred in them)
And Meryl has only worked ONCE with her, for fun, not awards.
Meryl has to do this, Meryl has to do that…
Should not anyone be truely happy she chooses willingly “medicore” movies to star in and let other actresses her generation be able to take good roles in good movies?
I think she’s very generous then.
Sadly, noone is interested in those movies and loves to see her “medicore” movies just for her performance. *shrug*
Or it’s all evil calculated, who knows?
Nancy Meyers? Her films are comedies, made for women audiance and all were pretty successful, no? (and now 4 Academy award winners starred in them)
And Meryl has only worked ONCE with her, for fun, not awards.
(EXACTLY – then she should not compare Meryl with Viola until she has seen both films.) Ok, I get it now. I’ll chill. I thought she was taking ‘Oscar buzz temperature’ overall regardless. Now I know she’s only using the SIDEBAR for picks of movies she’s seen, and the articles for her bias. That’s great. Fantastic. I will chill. 😉
I mean really, Demi Moore and now Ellen Barkin (somebody got something outta this deal). Come on.
(EXACTLY – then she should not compare Meryl with Viola until she has seen both films.) Ok, I get it now. I’ll chill. I thought she was taking ‘Oscar buzz temperature’ overall regardless. Now I know she’s only using the SIDEBAR for picks of movies she’s seen, and the articles for her bias. That’s great. Fantastic. I will chill. 😉
I mean really, Demi Moore and now Ellen Barkin (somebody got something outta this deal). Come on.
Best Actress seems really, REALLY weak this year, and nothing on AwardsDaily or in the media has done much to change my mind so far. I’ve seen The Help, and if Viola Davis wins for Lead Actress, it will be the weakest winner in decades except for Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side (but a popular movie star) and maybe Reese Witherspoon (but again a popular movie star, an ingenue, and hey! She sings!).
I’m sorry, but showing everyone the clip of Viola Davis in Doubt just shows how much better that role was than the one in The Help. The bottom line is Davis gives a strong conventional dramatic performance for a thinly written, supporting character with one good scene in the last few minutes. I still think Davis has a much better chance of winning in Supporting Actress, which is similarly weak (other than Vanessa Redgrave potentially being excellent).
Meryl doesn’t need to top Sophie’s Choice to win again – did Jack Nicholson have to top Cuckoo’s Nest to win his second or third trophies? Did Hepburn really outdo herself each time she won the next Oscar? No, all Meryl needs is for it to be her year in a weak year. Viola Davis is not more overdue for a win than Meryl is for her third win. We have Davis in a cliched but crowd-pleasing story about maids, previous winner Tilda Swinton in something that looks dark and meaty but not “sexy,” the always sympathetic Michelle Williams playing Marilyn Monroe (but nobody’s buying her as Marilyn), Elizabeth Olsen filling the ingenue slot but not looking like she has half as strong a character to play as Jennifer Lawrence did last year, and Glenn Close in something that looks somber and quiet but at least involves a physical transformation. Maybe Rooney Mara if the Academy isn’t put off by it and thinks it’s “dramatic” enough. Maybe Charlize if the material is really strong. Maybe some woman I’ve never heard of from a movie called Tyrannosaur if she’s really that good or the Academy is feeling desperate/generous. I should think it will still come down to Streep and Close.
How is it that Best Actor is the only category this year with legitimately strong performances/actors to choose from?
Best Actress seems really, REALLY weak this year, and nothing on AwardsDaily or in the media has done much to change my mind so far. I’ve seen The Help, and if Viola Davis wins for Lead Actress, it will be the weakest winner in decades except for Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side (but a popular movie star) and maybe Reese Witherspoon (but again a popular movie star, an ingenue, and hey! She sings!).
I’m sorry, but showing everyone the clip of Viola Davis in Doubt just shows how much better that role was than the one in The Help. The bottom line is Davis gives a strong conventional dramatic performance for a thinly written, supporting character with one good scene in the last few minutes. I still think Davis has a much better chance of winning in Supporting Actress, which is similarly weak (other than Vanessa Redgrave potentially being excellent).
Meryl doesn’t need to top Sophie’s Choice to win again – did Jack Nicholson have to top Cuckoo’s Nest to win his second or third trophies? Did Hepburn really outdo herself each time she won the next Oscar? No, all Meryl needs is for it to be her year in a weak year. Viola Davis is not more overdue for a win than Meryl is for her third win. We have Davis in a cliched but crowd-pleasing story about maids, previous winner Tilda Swinton in something that looks dark and meaty but not “sexy,” the always sympathetic Michelle Williams playing Marilyn Monroe (but nobody’s buying her as Marilyn), Elizabeth Olsen filling the ingenue slot but not looking like she has half as strong a character to play as Jennifer Lawrence did last year, and Glenn Close in something that looks somber and quiet but at least involves a physical transformation. Maybe Rooney Mara if the Academy isn’t put off by it and thinks it’s “dramatic” enough. Maybe Charlize if the material is really strong. Maybe some woman I’ve never heard of from a movie called Tyrannosaur if she’s really that good or the Academy is feeling desperate/generous. I should think it will still come down to Streep and Close.
How is it that Best Actor is the only category this year with legitimately strong performances/actors to choose from?
Phil. You’re absolutely correct. I just remembered the two films and for some reason mixed up the two blonde sex symbols. Just saw Harlow in Dinner at Eight too of all things. Thanks for the correction. Should have checked IMDB before I typed that but I was so sure.
Phil. You’re absolutely correct. I just remembered the two films and for some reason mixed up the two blonde sex symbols. Just saw Harlow in Dinner at Eight too of all things. Thanks for the correction. Should have checked IMDB before I typed that but I was so sure.
Thanks for posting this wonderful scene, the best from Doubt. For all the talk the Best Actor category has received so far as being so competitive, I wonder if it won’t be the Best Actress category that won’t be the story, with Streep v. Davis. Both have wonderful narratives. They’ve acted together. Davis idolizes Streep. Each is due for an oscar, in her own way.
What I found so amazing about this scene from Doubt is how Davis completely steals the entire movie from everyone. Granted, the scene is written for her to do that. But she is so authentic in this scene. Not a moment of it feels false. And she does that acting opposite Streep. Which honors them both.
Thanks for posting this wonderful scene, the best from Doubt. For all the talk the Best Actor category has received so far as being so competitive, I wonder if it won’t be the Best Actress category that won’t be the story, with Streep v. Davis. Both have wonderful narratives. They’ve acted together. Davis idolizes Streep. Each is due for an oscar, in her own way.
What I found so amazing about this scene from Doubt is how Davis completely steals the entire movie from everyone. Granted, the scene is written for her to do that. But she is so authentic in this scene. Not a moment of it feels false. And she does that acting opposite Streep. Which honors them both.
Can any actor/actress ever top Streep in Sophie’s Choice?
Can any actor/actress ever top Streep in Sophie’s Choice?
I’ll advance Sasha’s theory even further. Not only will Meryl have to be in a Best Picture nominee in order to win again, but it can’t be…like a Frost/Nixon or a Finding Neverland, for instance. She has to be in a Best Picture nominee that people actually like.
Not that Meryl cares or even has anything to prove at this point. It’s safe to assume she’ll go down in history as one of the best actresses of her generation (any generation, really) and rightly so. But to win a third Oscar, she’ll really have to come with it. Work with Spike Jonze again. Or Lynne Ramsay. Or Steve McQueen. Someone exciting. No offense to the projects she chooses, but she needs to leave the Nora Ephron, Nancy Meyers and John Patrick Shanley projects on the shelf. Giving good performances in movies that are otherwise forgettable if they aren’t bad is not serving her.
It’s really hard to argue with The Help and what it accomplished. Even people who don’t like the movie use Viola Davis as the qualifier. How many reviews are there that use some version of the sentence “Viola Davis saves this movie…” I don’t see how she loses.
I’ll advance Sasha’s theory even further. Not only will Meryl have to be in a Best Picture nominee in order to win again, but it can’t be…like a Frost/Nixon or a Finding Neverland, for instance. She has to be in a Best Picture nominee that people actually like.
Not that Meryl cares or even has anything to prove at this point. It’s safe to assume she’ll go down in history as one of the best actresses of her generation (any generation, really) and rightly so. But to win a third Oscar, she’ll really have to come with it. Work with Spike Jonze again. Or Lynne Ramsay. Or Steve McQueen. Someone exciting. No offense to the projects she chooses, but she needs to leave the Nora Ephron, Nancy Meyers and John Patrick Shanley projects on the shelf. Giving good performances in movies that are otherwise forgettable if they aren’t bad is not serving her.
It’s really hard to argue with The Help and what it accomplished. Even people who don’t like the movie use Viola Davis as the qualifier. How many reviews are there that use some version of the sentence “Viola Davis saves this movie…” I don’t see how she loses.
Nic V: Carroll Baker and Carol Lynley both played Jean Harlow, not Marilyn Monroe.
Nic V: Carroll Baker and Carol Lynley both played Jean Harlow, not Marilyn Monroe.
Nic V: I’m not faulting the talented actresses attached to the film. I’m saying that if the film The Help was remotely challenging about it’s subject matter the film would not have gained the recognition and popularity that it has. Inadvertently, that would see Stone, Davis, Spencer, and Chastain deprived of the recognition that they’re entitled to.
And check out My Week With Marilyn! It’s lightweight stuff that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it would be unfair to compare Williams’ performance and capabilities with that of Davis without seeing the film (comparing performances is never a good thing, but it’s inevitable when it comes to following awards).
Nic V: I’m not faulting the talented actresses attached to the film. I’m saying that if the film The Help was remotely challenging about it’s subject matter the film would not have gained the recognition and popularity that it has. Inadvertently, that would see Stone, Davis, Spencer, and Chastain deprived of the recognition that they’re entitled to.
And check out My Week With Marilyn! It’s lightweight stuff that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it would be unfair to compare Williams’ performance and capabilities with that of Davis without seeing the film (comparing performances is never a good thing, but it’s inevitable when it comes to following awards).
Aaron – I could not have said it better myself …… you sum up everything I am feeling this year. Tilda was beyond sensational. I was gripped. If she fails to be nominated then that is a crime alone. I tire of seeing the same names circling the pot. Every year there are only 4 actress slots because Meryl always has that 5th slot tied up. I like Meryl a lot. She should have had her third by now but she has not deserved anything since Prada, in my opinion. Its about time the Academy awarded the best and not their favourite of the season!
Aaron – I could not have said it better myself …… you sum up everything I am feeling this year. Tilda was beyond sensational. I was gripped. If she fails to be nominated then that is a crime alone. I tire of seeing the same names circling the pot. Every year there are only 4 actress slots because Meryl always has that 5th slot tied up. I like Meryl a lot. She should have had her third by now but she has not deserved anything since Prada, in my opinion. Its about time the Academy awarded the best and not their favourite of the season!
No other performance has impressed me more this year than Tilda Swinton in We Need to Talk About Kevin. It’s such an accomplished performance–Swinton brilliantly highlights Eva’s rage, regret, alienation, and desire to simply disappear and escape the nightmare she’s in. Her character is on the edge of a nervous breakdown and oftentimes it’s physically uncomfortable to watch the woman’s pain and guilt.
Needless to say I’m a little peeved (especially this year) that everyone (bloggers, critics, everyone) is already claiming this year to be a showdown between Davis and Streep when Streep’s movie has hardly even screened for critics and films from Williams, Swinton, Mara, Close, Theron, etc., have not even opened yet for the general public. Like Bullock’s year, everyone has fallen in love with not necessarily the performances, but the narratives of Davis and Streep, and that really bugs me. And it really bothers me this year because like I mentioned earlier, the films from Williams, Swinton, Mara, Close and Theron have not even opened yet, and all could easily be a strong threat for Best Actress. Let’s give every woman some credence and time to show off their film and performance to the public before we start making assumptions about the final race for Best Actress when it’s only mid-November.
No other performance has impressed me more this year than Tilda Swinton in We Need to Talk About Kevin. It’s such an accomplished performance–Swinton brilliantly highlights Eva’s rage, regret, alienation, and desire to simply disappear and escape the nightmare she’s in. Her character is on the edge of a nervous breakdown and oftentimes it’s physically uncomfortable to watch the woman’s pain and guilt.
Needless to say I’m a little peeved (especially this year) that everyone (bloggers, critics, everyone) is already claiming this year to be a showdown between Davis and Streep when Streep’s movie has hardly even screened for critics and films from Williams, Swinton, Mara, Close, Theron, etc., have not even opened yet for the general public. Like Bullock’s year, everyone has fallen in love with not necessarily the performances, but the narratives of Davis and Streep, and that really bugs me. And it really bothers me this year because like I mentioned earlier, the films from Williams, Swinton, Mara, Close and Theron have not even opened yet, and all could easily be a strong threat for Best Actress. Let’s give every woman some credence and time to show off their film and performance to the public before we start making assumptions about the final race for Best Actress when it’s only mid-November.
Damn, what am I writing…? Heard, not “heart”… might be a freudian mistake, since I saw “A Dangerous Method” last week…
Damn, what am I writing…? Heard, not “heart”… might be a freudian mistake, since I saw “A Dangerous Method” last week…
My argument against Streep winning (from the moment I heart about this project) is that most Academy members won´t give a shit about Maggie Thatcher. They give a shit about the Queen, yes, but c´mon… Margaret Thatcher?
One performance I´ve seen and I´m totally persuaded of is Olivia Colman. “Tyrannosaur” is a tough sell, but I would be very surprised if Colman is not at least nominated next February! (And Peter Mullan is excellent, too- just added)
My argument against Streep winning (from the moment I heart about this project) is that most Academy members won´t give a shit about Maggie Thatcher. They give a shit about the Queen, yes, but c´mon… Margaret Thatcher?
One performance I´ve seen and I´m totally persuaded of is Olivia Colman. “Tyrannosaur” is a tough sell, but I would be very surprised if Colman is not at least nominated next February! (And Peter Mullan is excellent, too- just added)
The Help, that the two likely actress winners this year (Davis and Octavia Spencer) had to play maids in a white-guilt-alleviation mediocrity in order to get the attention of Oscar voters speaks volumes about how old-fashioned the Academy actually is. It would be progress towards equal work opportunities for actors regardless of skin color, but one that would be followed by a sour aftertaste.
Well first of all the Academy didn’t make the Help so they can’t be faulted for premise you’re addressing. Davis signed on the film and I doubt anyone held a gun to her head. Whether Davis wins or not what The Help did for her was to elevate her into the realm of the movie going public. So The Help didn’t hurt Viola Davis. I still don’t believe she should be in the Best Actress category but here’s the point. You can’t diminish the work because the part is what it is. The performances based on what the actresses were given to work with is what has put them in the spotlight. Davis, Spencer, Chastain, Stone found love with the critics and the public. So how do you fault that? They delivered.
As for Williams I still don’t think she can pull this off. Honestly I thinks she’s a little overrated. Sorry I know that doesn’t sit well with a lot of people but I haven’t seen her play anything but some down trodden psychologically damaged woman trying to find love. Dunno maybe that’s just my take on her performances. I actually have no intention of seeing Marilyn. I was alive when Marilyn was around so some caricature of Marilyn is annyoing to me. So it’s possible that my take on the Marilyn thing is skewed.
Julian I do happen to agree with you. I still think that what is more likely to happen if Davis doesn’t pull this out of the hat is that some actress, could be any number of them will pull off from a smaller film. It’ll depend on whose’s nominated.
I think what’s more interesting in the Actress category is going to be whole fills the other three places.
The Help, that the two likely actress winners this year (Davis and Octavia Spencer) had to play maids in a white-guilt-alleviation mediocrity in order to get the attention of Oscar voters speaks volumes about how old-fashioned the Academy actually is. It would be progress towards equal work opportunities for actors regardless of skin color, but one that would be followed by a sour aftertaste.
Well first of all the Academy didn’t make the Help so they can’t be faulted for premise you’re addressing. Davis signed on the film and I doubt anyone held a gun to her head. Whether Davis wins or not what The Help did for her was to elevate her into the realm of the movie going public. So The Help didn’t hurt Viola Davis. I still don’t believe she should be in the Best Actress category but here’s the point. You can’t diminish the work because the part is what it is. The performances based on what the actresses were given to work with is what has put them in the spotlight. Davis, Spencer, Chastain, Stone found love with the critics and the public. So how do you fault that? They delivered.
As for Williams I still don’t think she can pull this off. Honestly I thinks she’s a little overrated. Sorry I know that doesn’t sit well with a lot of people but I haven’t seen her play anything but some down trodden psychologically damaged woman trying to find love. Dunno maybe that’s just my take on her performances. I actually have no intention of seeing Marilyn. I was alive when Marilyn was around so some caricature of Marilyn is annyoing to me. So it’s possible that my take on the Marilyn thing is skewed.
Julian I do happen to agree with you. I still think that what is more likely to happen if Davis doesn’t pull this out of the hat is that some actress, could be any number of them will pull off from a smaller film. It’ll depend on whose’s nominated.
I think what’s more interesting in the Actress category is going to be whole fills the other three places.
I still think Michelle Williams was dynamite in My Week With Marilyn, and she’s the one who I’m pulling for most this year (barring any sort of miracle that sees Juliette Binoche or Rachel Weisz nominated). And while I do think Viola Davis was exceptionally good in The Help, that the two likely actress winners this year (Davis and Octavia Spencer) had to play maids in a white-guilt-alleviation mediocrity in order to get the attention of Oscar voters speaks volumes about how old-fashioned the Academy actually is. It would be progress towards equal work opportunities for actors regardless of skin color, but one that would be followed by a sour aftertaste.
I still think Michelle Williams was dynamite in My Week With Marilyn, and she’s the one who I’m pulling for most this year (barring any sort of miracle that sees Juliette Binoche or Rachel Weisz nominated). And while I do think Viola Davis was exceptionally good in The Help, that the two likely actress winners this year (Davis and Octavia Spencer) had to play maids in a white-guilt-alleviation mediocrity in order to get the attention of Oscar voters speaks volumes about how old-fashioned the Academy actually is. It would be progress towards equal work opportunities for actors regardless of skin color, but one that would be followed by a sour aftertaste.
I love Meryl, I’m sure she gives a good, hopefully great performance in TIL, but I don’t think she will win.
I’m just glad she does well at the “critics” (the real ones still need to come) so far.
Most people thought, hoped, wished, whatever, her to fail for this movie completely, which does not seem to be a real danger anymore.
That still could change, but I seriously doubt it.
Speaking of doubt….. We all know how Meryl admires Viola and remembers her shout out at the SAG 2009 for her.
I’m pretty sure she’d be very happy if Viola wins.
I love Meryl, I’m sure she gives a good, hopefully great performance in TIL, but I don’t think she will win.
I’m just glad she does well at the “critics” (the real ones still need to come) so far.
Most people thought, hoped, wished, whatever, her to fail for this movie completely, which does not seem to be a real danger anymore.
That still could change, but I seriously doubt it.
Speaking of doubt….. We all know how Meryl admires Viola and remembers her shout out at the SAG 2009 for her.
I’m pretty sure she’d be very happy if Viola wins.
Annoying are the ones who without even seeing the film bashing Streep not Streep fans who are just waiting for their favorite actress to win her third Oscar. Most of the fans who want her to win the third one are her younger fans and they just want to see her on the stage that’s all. Don’t you have any favorites in your life, rooting for them because you love them unconditionally? Don’t you have feelings? Having principals may be a good thing but it is overrated. I am a Streep fan and I want her to win a third Oscar. What is wrong with that? “Let the best performance win” bla bla bla Streep has given great performances worthy of Academy Awards and lost, I don’t really care about them. It is just that when someday she gets her third I know that she will get it deservedly unlike her bashers say. Get a life people. Love, cherish, find joy in what you are doing. Don’t get involved with the mechanics. Sandra Bullock doesn’t give a shit about what some people say about her Oscar win, I don’t know if you know what I mean. We don’t need to be bitter.
Thank you.
Annoying are the ones who without even seeing the film bashing Streep not Streep fans who are just waiting for their favorite actress to win her third Oscar. Most of the fans who want her to win the third one are her younger fans and they just want to see her on the stage that’s all. Don’t you have any favorites in your life, rooting for them because you love them unconditionally? Don’t you have feelings? Having principals may be a good thing but it is overrated. I am a Streep fan and I want her to win a third Oscar. What is wrong with that? “Let the best performance win” bla bla bla Streep has given great performances worthy of Academy Awards and lost, I don’t really care about them. It is just that when someday she gets her third I know that she will get it deservedly unlike her bashers say. Get a life people. Love, cherish, find joy in what you are doing. Don’t get involved with the mechanics. Sandra Bullock doesn’t give a shit about what some people say about her Oscar win, I don’t know if you know what I mean. We don’t need to be bitter.
Thank you.
I am a big fan of Meryl, but I don’t think she will win for TIL.
I’m just happy she’s doing well at “critics” (the real one still needs to come) so far.
I mean most people expected her to fail for this movie, which does not seem to be anymore. Could still change, but I seriously doubt it.
Meryl admires Viola Davis. I’m pretty sure she’d be very happy, if she wins.
I am a big fan of Meryl, but I don’t think she will win for TIL.
I’m just happy she’s doing well at “critics” (the real one still needs to come) so far.
I mean most people expected her to fail for this movie, which does not seem to be anymore. Could still change, but I seriously doubt it.
Meryl admires Viola Davis. I’m pretty sure she’d be very happy, if she wins.
The BO surely helps Davis, but there’s no reason to believe that The Iron Lady will flop. That will also make solid business, unlike Michelle Williams’ film, I believe.
I don’t buy it that the Best Actress winner should be from a Best Picture nominee. Last year Portman/Bening would’ve happened whether or not those pictures were nominated.
In a company of five pictures, The Blind Side would not have been nominated for Best Picture at all. Before that it’s been pretty much 50/50 with BA being from a BP nominee or not.
Being a Streep fan, I still want the BEST performance to win – whoever it will be. I’ve seen none of these performances yet.
Last year I was fine with Portman winning, even when I thought that Bening was slightly better. Looking at the nominees from the two years before that, Streep was probably the best of the bunch in both of them. Some of you will disagree.
The BO surely helps Davis, but there’s no reason to believe that The Iron Lady will flop. That will also make solid business, unlike Michelle Williams’ film, I believe.
I don’t buy it that the Best Actress winner should be from a Best Picture nominee. Last year Portman/Bening would’ve happened whether or not those pictures were nominated.
In a company of five pictures, The Blind Side would not have been nominated for Best Picture at all. Before that it’s been pretty much 50/50 with BA being from a BP nominee or not.
Being a Streep fan, I still want the BEST performance to win – whoever it will be. I’ve seen none of these performances yet.
Last year I was fine with Portman winning, even when I thought that Bening was slightly better. Looking at the nominees from the two years before that, Streep was probably the best of the bunch in both of them. Some of you will disagree.
Jeremie: I second that emotion…!
Jeremie: I second that emotion…!
God I forgot how annoying and nasty Streep’s fans can be.
God I forgot how annoying and nasty Streep’s fans can be.
Nic V: We only have a handful of reviews on My week with…plenty of room for improvement, I would say. And The Help didn’t exactly get stellar reviews either!
We are basically in a situation right now where a lot of the top contenders are in mediocre movies (or so it seems), so what if a movie like Young Adult turns out a great success both BO-wise and with the critics? That could turn this race into something else entirely: Theron against a bunch of “under-achievers”. You never know.
But overall, yes, I do agree with Sasha and co. that the narrative of Davis is maybe just a little too good to resist for voters. And of course it helps tremendously that the movie she stars in was a huge success BO-wise…
All I’m saying is, nothing’s fixed yet: To count out Williams at this point because of a handful of so-so reviews is premature.
Nic V: We only have a handful of reviews on My week with…plenty of room for improvement, I would say. And The Help didn’t exactly get stellar reviews either!
We are basically in a situation right now where a lot of the top contenders are in mediocre movies (or so it seems), so what if a movie like Young Adult turns out a great success both BO-wise and with the critics? That could turn this race into something else entirely: Theron against a bunch of “under-achievers”. You never know.
But overall, yes, I do agree with Sasha and co. that the narrative of Davis is maybe just a little too good to resist for voters. And of course it helps tremendously that the movie she stars in was a huge success BO-wise…
All I’m saying is, nothing’s fixed yet: To count out Williams at this point because of a handful of so-so reviews is premature.
As I recall Sasha has been championing a number of actress this year based on their performances. Close, Davis and Knightley come to mind immediately. She has always said that she believed Streep was going too figure into the mix.
As for Davis I still think she’s in the wrong category. I think that Davis is one of the hardest working and best actresses out there. Since it’s clear she’s going to be in the BA category I think the Oscar is hers.
Based on the reviews that are available for My Week With Marilyn I don’t see how Williams can walk off with an Oscar for a film that really isn’t getting much more than a nod for her performance. The MWWM reminds me so much of the Carroll Baker “Baby Doll” year. I don’t see Williams pulling it out of the hat and to be honest I’m kinda tired of the Marilyn rip offs. I can still remember Carol Lynley trying to pull off a Marilyn Monroe and I think Carroll Baker tried it as well and they both fell flat on their faces.
If there’s going to be a so called “upset” this year look for it too come from a smaller movie. Look for it to be someone like Dunst in Melancholia, Swinton for Kevin, Theron for Adult, or maybe Olsen. And yet we still have Carnage out there to be seen. There are still pieces out there that could change the whole nature of the race. But I truly doubt that.
And btw this site is working perfectly this morning so thanks for that.
As I recall Sasha has been championing a number of actress this year based on their performances. Close, Davis and Knightley come to mind immediately. She has always said that she believed Streep was going too figure into the mix.
As for Davis I still think she’s in the wrong category. I think that Davis is one of the hardest working and best actresses out there. Since it’s clear she’s going to be in the BA category I think the Oscar is hers.
Based on the reviews that are available for My Week With Marilyn I don’t see how Williams can walk off with an Oscar for a film that really isn’t getting much more than a nod for her performance. The MWWM reminds me so much of the Carroll Baker “Baby Doll” year. I don’t see Williams pulling it out of the hat and to be honest I’m kinda tired of the Marilyn rip offs. I can still remember Carol Lynley trying to pull off a Marilyn Monroe and I think Carroll Baker tried it as well and they both fell flat on their faces.
If there’s going to be a so called “upset” this year look for it too come from a smaller movie. Look for it to be someone like Dunst in Melancholia, Swinton for Kevin, Theron for Adult, or maybe Olsen. And yet we still have Carnage out there to be seen. There are still pieces out there that could change the whole nature of the race. But I truly doubt that.
And btw this site is working perfectly this morning so thanks for that.
It should have nothing to do with topping Sophie’s Choice. Sophie’s Choice wasn’t that great of a movie, either. The acting awards every year should be about the BEST PERFORMANCE. By that standard, Meryl Streep should have won for Doubt. I don’t have a problem with Kate Winslet’s win, but to me she was nominated for the wrong movie. Can’t rewrite history, so whatever.
It should have nothing to do with topping Sophie’s Choice. Sophie’s Choice wasn’t that great of a movie, either. The acting awards every year should be about the BEST PERFORMANCE. By that standard, Meryl Streep should have won for Doubt. I don’t have a problem with Kate Winslet’s win, but to me she was nominated for the wrong movie. Can’t rewrite history, so whatever.
While I love Awards Daily, of course you weren’t invited by the Weinstein Company’s PR when you have spent the last year on a soapbox about The King’s Speech undeservedly winning. While I agree with you on that point entirely–it shouldn’t be a surprise that you won’t be on the guest list for the first invited screening. Only The New York Times, or another major national outlet, would get that kind of free pass–otherwise, sometimes you make enemies.
While I love Awards Daily, of course you weren’t invited by the Weinstein Company’s PR when you have spent the last year on a soapbox about The King’s Speech undeservedly winning. While I agree with you on that point entirely–it shouldn’t be a surprise that you won’t be on the guest list for the first invited screening. Only The New York Times, or another major national outlet, would get that kind of free pass–otherwise, sometimes you make enemies.
You know, honestly, I’d rather have the freedom to speak my mind than stay mum just to be invited to an early screening. Having a point of view shouldn’t ever make anyone an enemy otherwise you have bland content throughout the web and that defeats the whole purpose of blogs — it also puts you in the pockets of studios. The Weinstein co. have no problem with my championing the Artist as I have been doing. It is one of my favorite films of the year and it’s not going to win any favors being manipulative, conventional film. It’s a brilliant film. I believe in the Weinstein co., always have. I believed in Miramax way back when. If they want to punish me by not having me see The Iron Lady they are not punishing me, they are punishing the film and that is, in the end, petty and bad publicity. Frankly it isn’t Harvey Weinstein’s style so I suspect it was probably even worse news for the Iron Lady – this shows me now that they have something to hide.
While I love Awards Daily, of course you weren’t invited by the Weinstein Company’s PR when you have spent the last year on a soapbox about The King’s Speech undeservedly winning. While I agree with you on that point entirely–it shouldn’t be a surprise that you won’t be on the guest list for the first invited screening. Only The New York Times, or another major national outlet, would get that kind of free pass–otherwise, sometimes you make enemies.
While I love Awards Daily, of course you weren’t invited by the Weinstein Company’s PR when you have spent the last year on a soapbox about The King’s Speech undeservedly winning. While I agree with you on that point entirely–it shouldn’t be a surprise that you won’t be on the guest list for the first invited screening. Only The New York Times, or another major national outlet, would get that kind of free pass–otherwise, sometimes you make enemies.
You know, honestly, I’d rather have the freedom to speak my mind than stay mum just to be invited to an early screening. Having a point of view shouldn’t ever make anyone an enemy otherwise you have bland content throughout the web and that defeats the whole purpose of blogs — it also puts you in the pockets of studios. The Weinstein co. have no problem with my championing the Artist as I have been doing. It is one of my favorite films of the year and it’s not going to win any favors being manipulative, conventional film. It’s a brilliant film. I believe in the Weinstein co., always have. I believed in Miramax way back when. If they want to punish me by not having me see The Iron Lady they are not punishing me, they are punishing the film and that is, in the end, petty and bad publicity. Frankly it isn’t Harvey Weinstein’s style so I suspect it was probably even worse news for the Iron Lady – this shows me now that they have something to hide.
If Streep were a little less convincing she wouldn’t outshine her films so much. I too have not seen the full movie, but chances are she’s the best thing about it. I hope the contrast between Steep’s (supposed) great performance and the (supposed) mediocrity of the film itself isn’t too distracting.
I also believe that if this were the first time we had seen Davis or Streep, Meryl would win hands down, but we’ve chronicled ad nauseum that the actual role performance is rarely the deciding factor. I mean, I heart Sandra Bullock, but really?
If Streep were a little less convincing she wouldn’t outshine her films so much. I too have not seen the full movie, but chances are she’s the best thing about it. I hope the contrast between Steep’s (supposed) great performance and the (supposed) mediocrity of the film itself isn’t too distracting.
I also believe that if this were the first time we had seen Davis or Streep, Meryl would win hands down, but we’ve chronicled ad nauseum that the actual role performance is rarely the deciding factor. I mean, I heart Sandra Bullock, but really?
“Viola took the movie beyond $100 million.”
Uh, it probably helped that it was a best-selling book. Viola wasn’t even the most well-known person in the cast.
“Viola took the movie beyond $100 million.”
Uh, it probably helped that it was a best-selling book. Viola wasn’t even the most well-known person in the cast.
“Streep is always astonishing, splendid, towering. There needs to be that extra thing – like she’s in a Best Picture contender, like she’s finally topped Sophie’s Choice, etc. Otherwise I don’t see how she beats Davis.”
I agree with you, Sasha, when it comes to the latter sentiment: Streep needs to work with a better director and star in better movies in order to ever win again. So far so good.
What I disagree with is the first part of the quote: I firmly believe that a statement like “Streep=always stunning” is a very uncritical assessment (good thing you are not a critic or claim to be one, per se). When you think about it is actually denigrating to the profession of acting. You either imply that acting is easy (it must be, when success is a guarantee!) or that Streep is not like other actors, she is somehow something more (which is a naive romanticization of the artist, at best).
Either way it is a bit discouraging and so very uncritical.
I can name you 8-10 below-par performances from Meryl Streep, yet I still consider her a great actress. Just like I consider Woody Allen a personal favorite, but acknowledges that half of his output is deeply flawed.
You somehow seem to neglect the possibility of Streep being less than stellar. If that is your pre-conceived notion, no wonder Streep can do no wrong in your eyes. So you mix a realist assessment (she has to work with better people, basically, to win again) with an un-realist assessment (she can do no wrong).
I know this site is not about “objectivity” (it would be boring, it it was), but I still find this a strange position.
Are there other actors/actresses who can do no wrong (and therefore are above a substantial criticism)?
“Streep is always astonishing, splendid, towering. There needs to be that extra thing – like she’s in a Best Picture contender, like she’s finally topped Sophie’s Choice, etc. Otherwise I don’t see how she beats Davis.”
I agree with you, Sasha, when it comes to the latter sentiment: Streep needs to work with a better director and star in better movies in order to ever win again. So far so good.
What I disagree with is the first part of the quote: I firmly believe that a statement like “Streep=always stunning” is a very uncritical assessment (good thing you are not a critic or claim to be one, per se). When you think about it is actually denigrating to the profession of acting. You either imply that acting is easy (it must be, when success is a guarantee!) or that Streep is not like other actors, she is somehow something more (which is a naive romanticization of the artist, at best).
Either way it is a bit discouraging and so very uncritical.
I can name you 8-10 below-par performances from Meryl Streep, yet I still consider her a great actress. Just like I consider Woody Allen a personal favorite, but acknowledges that half of his output is deeply flawed.
You somehow seem to neglect the possibility of Streep being less than stellar. If that is your pre-conceived notion, no wonder Streep can do no wrong in your eyes. So you mix a realist assessment (she has to work with better people, basically, to win again) with an un-realist assessment (she can do no wrong).
I know this site is not about “objectivity” (it would be boring, it it was), but I still find this a strange position.
Are there other actors/actresses who can do no wrong (and therefore are above a substantial criticism)?
I’ll be very surprised if Meryl doesn’t take it because her peers will be voting for not only her performance as Maggie T, but every role for which she lost the oscar, usually (always?) to a lesser actor. Love Davis and I’ll probably be rooting for Williams, but the Meryl train is going too fast right now. It has been way too long and I don’t think anything – not the so-so film, not the race card, not admiration Streep has exclaimed for her competition – will stop it this year. I don’t think the voters will want to deny her yet again.
I’ll be very surprised if Meryl doesn’t take it because her peers will be voting for not only her performance as Maggie T, but every role for which she lost the oscar, usually (always?) to a lesser actor. Love Davis and I’ll probably be rooting for Williams, but the Meryl train is going too fast right now. It has been way too long and I don’t think anything – not the so-so film, not the race card, not admiration Streep has exclaimed for her competition – will stop it this year. I don’t think the voters will want to deny her yet again.
Meryl will be fine. Things always work out nicely for Meryl, so try to relax until Sasha sees the movie, ok?
Ryan, this is exactly the problem. Sasha is claiming Davis is the one to beat when she hasn’t even seen Streep’s performance. It’s obvious she’s championing Davis to win. To my mind it kinda looks pathetic and desperate. Let’s remember that Sophie’s Choice was not nominated for Best Pix and Streep still won. After 30 years, it’s time for Streep to win again.
Meryl will be fine. Things always work out nicely for Meryl, so try to relax until Sasha sees the movie, ok?
Ryan, this is exactly the problem. Sasha is claiming Davis is the one to beat when she hasn’t even seen Streep’s performance. It’s obvious she’s championing Davis to win. To my mind it kinda looks pathetic and desperate. Let’s remember that Sophie’s Choice was not nominated for Best Pix and Streep still won. After 30 years, it’s time for Streep to win again.
I think that the race will eventually be between Viola Davis for her lovely subtle work in ‘The Help’ and Michelle Williams in ‘My Week with Marilyn’.
I actually think that Williams will win the Oscar. They love biopics and a respectable young actress (and one of the best-if not the best-of her generation) with two Oscar nominations playing Marilyn Monroe? If they like the film-and they seem to like it so far-and with the Weinsteins campaigning the crap out of it, I think that Williams will win this.
On the other hand, Viola Davis is, in my opinion, going to be the very very close runner-up. She has the benefit of playing in one of the biggest commercial successes of the year, lots of people liked the film a lot, the Academy likes her and she has way too much buzz right now.
I think that Meryl Streep will be #03 in the ballots. A great performance in a so-so film. She’s probably not reaching the heights of Sophie’s Choice or many other previous Oscar-nominated performances she’s given, but she’s still divine and gives a powerhouse performance. But is this enough for a third Oscar? I don’t think so, I’m afraid. Especially with the massive buzz of Viola Davis right now and Michelle Williams playing such an iconic actress, having to sing and dance (oh, they love that) and bring vulnerablitiy and sensitivity to her character. They love that and the buzz for her performance is already very strong.
I don’t have a clue about the other two spots. I think it’s going to be Glenn Close at #04 and Rooney Mara at #05. But Swinton or/and Olsen might surprise. Heck, even Charlize Theron has loads of buzz right now and she could make it. It’s a Jason Reitman film after all, and they love his stuff. I’m afraid that Kirsten Dunst, Olivia Colman, Keira Knightley and Felicity Jones are not going to make it.
I think that the race will eventually be between Viola Davis for her lovely subtle work in ‘The Help’ and Michelle Williams in ‘My Week with Marilyn’.
I actually think that Williams will win the Oscar. They love biopics and a respectable young actress (and one of the best-if not the best-of her generation) with two Oscar nominations playing Marilyn Monroe? If they like the film-and they seem to like it so far-and with the Weinsteins campaigning the crap out of it, I think that Williams will win this.
On the other hand, Viola Davis is, in my opinion, going to be the very very close runner-up. She has the benefit of playing in one of the biggest commercial successes of the year, lots of people liked the film a lot, the Academy likes her and she has way too much buzz right now.
I think that Meryl Streep will be #03 in the ballots. A great performance in a so-so film. She’s probably not reaching the heights of Sophie’s Choice or many other previous Oscar-nominated performances she’s given, but she’s still divine and gives a powerhouse performance. But is this enough for a third Oscar? I don’t think so, I’m afraid. Especially with the massive buzz of Viola Davis right now and Michelle Williams playing such an iconic actress, having to sing and dance (oh, they love that) and bring vulnerablitiy and sensitivity to her character. They love that and the buzz for her performance is already very strong.
I don’t have a clue about the other two spots. I think it’s going to be Glenn Close at #04 and Rooney Mara at #05. But Swinton or/and Olsen might surprise. Heck, even Charlize Theron has loads of buzz right now and she could make it. It’s a Jason Reitman film after all, and they love his stuff. I’m afraid that Kirsten Dunst, Olivia Colman, Keira Knightley and Felicity Jones are not going to make it.
@ Michael Herbertson
I’ve told you before. Sasha does not note contenders in the sidebar until she has seen the film or it has been released. Neither of these is true for The Iron Lady. If you have read several previous posts on Awards Daily, you may know that Sasha is currently predicting Meryl Streep to be nominated.
@ Michael Herbertson
I’ve told you before. Sasha does not note contenders in the sidebar until she has seen the film or it has been released. Neither of these is true for The Iron Lady. If you have read several previous posts on Awards Daily, you may know that Sasha is currently predicting Meryl Streep to be nominated.
Demi Moore is in the side-bar of PICKS, but not Meryl Streep, are you insane?
Michael, The sidebar isn’t for second-hand buzz, no matter how loud. The contender tracker only lists filmmakers and movies Sasha has seen with her own eyes.
If there are ever exceptions to that rule, it’s never a result of being nagged, bullied and insulted.
Makes me wonder if you’re insane for worrying so much about Merly Streep. But then, nah, insanity is a weird thing to suspect, isn’t it?
Meryl will be fine. Things always work out nicely for Meryl, so try to relax until Sasha sees the movie, ok?
Demi Moore is in the side-bar of PICKS, but not Meryl Streep, are you insane?
Michael, The sidebar isn’t for second-hand buzz, no matter how loud. The contender tracker only lists filmmakers and movies Sasha has seen with her own eyes.
If there are ever exceptions to that rule, it’s never a result of being nagged, bullied and insulted.
Makes me wonder if you’re insane for worrying so much about Merly Streep. But then, nah, insanity is a weird thing to suspect, isn’t it?
Meryl will be fine. Things always work out nicely for Meryl, so try to relax until Sasha sees the movie, ok?
Err, sorry I didn’t mean to say “I agree that there’s some uneasy feeling” since you obviously didn’t raise that point in your article. That’s really just my own gut instinct, so I should have said “I feel etcetc.”
Err, sorry I didn’t mean to say “I agree that there’s some uneasy feeling” since you obviously didn’t raise that point in your article. That’s really just my own gut instinct, so I should have said “I feel etcetc.”
I agree that there’s some uneasy feeling surrounding The Iron Lady that will stop Meryl Streep from claiming her third Oscar. And I’d love to see another black actress win the the Best Actress category (it’s depressing and sobering to remember that there’s only been one predecessor).
That said, if you continue to write about this angle in the future, I hope you’ll reconsider referencing the many debates and objections critics raised about The Help as simply “white people’s” “whining”. There were many heartfelt and carefully considered pieces written by women of colour in response to that film, and many of them were drawing from their own personal family histories as rebuttal. Histories that you state are wrapped up in the complex mire of under-representation for women of colour in Hollywood. It would be more effective for your argument if you didn’t raise up one black actress at the expense of misattributing these people’s writing as homogenously white or something so flippant and detached as mere “whining”.
I agree that there’s some uneasy feeling surrounding The Iron Lady that will stop Meryl Streep from claiming her third Oscar. And I’d love to see another black actress win the the Best Actress category (it’s depressing and sobering to remember that there’s only been one predecessor).
That said, if you continue to write about this angle in the future, I hope you’ll reconsider referencing the many debates and objections critics raised about The Help as simply “white people’s” “whining”. There were many heartfelt and carefully considered pieces written by women of colour in response to that film, and many of them were drawing from their own personal family histories as rebuttal. Histories that you state are wrapped up in the complex mire of under-representation for women of colour in Hollywood. It would be more effective for your argument if you didn’t raise up one black actress at the expense of misattributing these people’s writing as homogenously white or something so flippant and detached as mere “whining”.
Sasha,
you are just salty because you didn’t get an invite to The Iron Lady screening. I love how you hurriedly scribbled this post to counteract all the rave reviews Meryl is getting from the “elite group of bloggers.” It reeks of utter desperation. I noticed you re-posted the women in Hollywood speech and even included the clip from Doubt with Meryl and Davis. Equals? in your wildest dreams.
Like Davis, I’m also as black as the night but I will caution you against wagging the race card so carelessly. Yes! good roles for black women are rare but don’t use that to make baseless claims like Meryl is more successful because she is white. Meryl Streep is simply the best. Point. Blank. Period. Of course, there are more roles available out there for white actresses but Meryl’s greatness is not determined by length of her filmography. She is considered the greatest living American actress because of how she understands her characters.
Sasha,
you are just salty because you didn’t get an invite to The Iron Lady screening. I love how you hurriedly scribbled this post to counteract all the rave reviews Meryl is getting from the “elite group of bloggers.” It reeks of utter desperation. I noticed you re-posted the women in Hollywood speech and even included the clip from Doubt with Meryl and Davis. Equals? in your wildest dreams.
Like Davis, I’m also as black as the night but I will caution you against wagging the race card so carelessly. Yes! good roles for black women are rare but don’t use that to make baseless claims like Meryl is more successful because she is white. Meryl Streep is simply the best. Point. Blank. Period. Of course, there are more roles available out there for white actresses but Meryl’s greatness is not determined by length of her filmography. She is considered the greatest living American actress because of how she understands her characters.
i wish meryl streep would win. i really hated the help. and viola davis was a supporting role in that, which is never gonna not not bug me. but oh well. i guess it’s inevitable
i wish meryl streep would win. i really hated the help. and viola davis was a supporting role in that, which is never gonna not not bug me. but oh well. i guess it’s inevitable
The first reviews from critics from the Telegraph, Guardian, and Daily Mirror can only be described as raves. (No, the film was not screened just for “an elite group bloggers”) That coming from Brits who must’ve been only too willing to crucify an Amercian actress for failing to live up to an iconic British personality if given half the chance. Against all possible bias, Meryl still prevailed and garnered acclaim. That said, yes it is still early in the game but early indications suggest she turns in a performance worthy of the Oscar.
George yes, raves for Streep but not for the film. One of Streep’s biggest problems has been that she stars in films that aren’t good enough to be Best Pic winners. Heck, she could win. Who knows, right? Anything’s possible.
The first reviews from critics from the Telegraph, Guardian, and Daily Mirror can only be described as raves. (No, the film was not screened just for “an elite group bloggers”) That coming from Brits who must’ve been only too willing to crucify an Amercian actress for failing to live up to an iconic British personality if given half the chance. Against all possible bias, Meryl still prevailed and garnered acclaim. That said, yes it is still early in the game but early indications suggest she turns in a performance worthy of the Oscar.
George yes, raves for Streep but not for the film. One of Streep’s biggest problems has been that she stars in films that aren’t good enough to be Best Pic winners. Heck, she could win. Who knows, right? Anything’s possible.
Sasha! You were championing Glenn Close and her film last month. Why the change to Davis?
Davis is a great actress, but if they didn’t award her for DOUBT, which her performance was far superior to THE HELP, how do you think she will win? Streep DOES NOT have to top Sophie’s Choice. Did Nicholson top One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest when he won for the absurd AS GOOD AS IT GETS?
The stars seem to finally be lining up for Streep to get another golden guy. And DAVIS will be casting her vote for Streep 🙂
Sasha! You were championing Glenn Close and her film last month. Why the change to Davis?
I’ve been championing all of the actresses this year I think are great – Close, Davis, Tilda Swinton in We Need to Talk About Kevin — and Rooney Mara when I see Dragon Tattoo, if she’s as good as she seems to be, Streep if I ever see Iron Lady, Michelle Williams if I ever see Marilyn. But since Telluride I’ve been saying Davis.
Sasha! You were championing Glenn Close and her film last month. Why the change to Davis?
Davis is a great actress, but if they didn’t award her for DOUBT, which her performance was far superior to THE HELP, how do you think she will win? Streep DOES NOT have to top Sophie’s Choice. Did Nicholson top One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest when he won for the absurd AS GOOD AS IT GETS?
The stars seem to finally be lining up for Streep to get another golden guy. And DAVIS will be casting her vote for Streep 🙂
Sasha! You were championing Glenn Close and her film last month. Why the change to Davis?
I’ve been championing all of the actresses this year I think are great – Close, Davis, Tilda Swinton in We Need to Talk About Kevin — and Rooney Mara when I see Dragon Tattoo, if she’s as good as she seems to be, Streep if I ever see Iron Lady, Michelle Williams if I ever see Marilyn. But since Telluride I’ve been saying Davis.
I believe Davis is the frontrunner — and for many reasons, not the least of which is her performance. Williams is indeed very good as Monroe. I don’t think Streep has a chance at an Oscar playing Thatcher.
I believe Davis is the frontrunner — and for many reasons, not the least of which is her performance. Williams is indeed very good as Monroe. I don’t think Streep has a chance at an Oscar playing Thatcher.
Meryl Streep does great work and if she is nominated again, it’s simply more gravy in her boat. I think she would love to win again, but she knows that there will always be someone else who has never won before so she is the perpetual underdog. And she hates the campaigning, which as we know (Sandra Bullock, and yes, Viola Davis) is key to winning.
Meryl Streep does great work and if she is nominated again, it’s simply more gravy in her boat. I think she would love to win again, but she knows that there will always be someone else who has never won before so she is the perpetual underdog. And she hates the campaigning, which as we know (Sandra Bullock, and yes, Viola Davis) is key to winning.
I could see Michele Williams squeaking by with the win. Just a hunch. I’m also questioning how great Meryl Streep is in The Iron Lady. If it’s so great, let the more critics and even the people see it and not some small group of critics. Why wait until the very last minute to release it? Probably because it’s just a good performance in a so-so movie that wont last. I’m suspect of this late in the game strategy. Finally, I’m not convinced Viola Davis has it so in the bag. However, my judgement could be clouded because I really didn’t like ‘The Help.’
I could see Michele Williams squeaking by with the win. Just a hunch. I’m also questioning how great Meryl Streep is in The Iron Lady. If it’s so great, let the more critics and even the people see it and not some small group of critics. Why wait until the very last minute to release it? Probably because it’s just a good performance in a so-so movie that wont last. I’m suspect of this late in the game strategy. Finally, I’m not convinced Viola Davis has it so in the bag. However, my judgement could be clouded because I really didn’t like ‘The Help.’
Mark – two “cherry picked” reviews does not cut it for me. It begs the question why only two reviews were released. Clearly to influence everyone else. I think Meryl will probably get lots of good reviews …. just not that great! I think Meryl could even struggle to be a nominee if some of the other studios properly back their actresses!!!
Mark – two “cherry picked” reviews does not cut it for me. It begs the question why only two reviews were released. Clearly to influence everyone else. I think Meryl will probably get lots of good reviews …. just not that great! I think Meryl could even struggle to be a nominee if some of the other studios properly back their actresses!!!
Streep gives a brillant once in a lifetime performance in The Iron Lady. It tops Davis’ performance by miles. Expect Meryl to win the Oscar. Did you not read the reviews (astonishing, splendid, towering, setting a new benchmark for acting.)
Did you not read the reviews (astonishing, splendid, towering, setting a new benchmark for acting.)
What reviews were those? The ones by bloggers invited to the special screening? Or the ones in the UK paper? Streep is always astonishing, splendid, towering. There needs to be that extra thing – like she’s in a Best Picture contender, like she’s finally topped Sophie’s Choice, etc. Otherwise I don’t see how she beats Davis.
There needs to be that extra thing – like she’s in a Best Picture contender, like she’s finally topped Sophie’s Choice
heck, for that matter, she’s got to top Doubt.
The Iron Lady need to be a better movie than Doubt
Will it get 5 Oscar nominations including Best Screenplay too?
Streep gives a brillant once in a lifetime performance in The Iron Lady. It tops Davis’ performance by miles. Expect Meryl to win the Oscar. Did you not read the reviews (astonishing, splendid, towering, setting a new benchmark for acting.)
Did you not read the reviews (astonishing, splendid, towering, setting a new benchmark for acting.)
What reviews were those? The ones by bloggers invited to the special screening? Or the ones in the UK paper? Streep is always astonishing, splendid, towering. There needs to be that extra thing – like she’s in a Best Picture contender, like she’s finally topped Sophie’s Choice, etc. Otherwise I don’t see how she beats Davis.
There needs to be that extra thing – like she’s in a Best Picture contender, like she’s finally topped Sophie’s Choice
heck, for that matter, she’s got to top Doubt.
The Iron Lady need to be a better movie than Doubt
Will it get 5 Oscar nominations including Best Screenplay too?
I still can’t believe that the Academy would award Beatrice Straight for het 5 minute, over the top shouting show in “Network”, and not give it to Davis for this brilliant, unsettling and slow-burning scene where she nails it 100%. There isn’t anything that could be better about her performance over here. But hey, why don’t we give the Oscar to Cruz instead. She shouted some random spanish at the top of her lungs in a Woody Allen movie. Seems legit.
Don’t know much about “The Help”. Haven’t seen it yet. But I sure as shit know that the movie’s poster should read “Academy Award Winner Viola Davis”.
I still can’t believe that the Academy would award Beatrice Straight for het 5 minute, over the top shouting show in “Network”, and not give it to Davis for this brilliant, unsettling and slow-burning scene where she nails it 100%. There isn’t anything that could be better about her performance over here. But hey, why don’t we give the Oscar to Cruz instead. She shouted some random spanish at the top of her lungs in a Woody Allen movie. Seems legit.
Don’t know much about “The Help”. Haven’t seen it yet. But I sure as shit know that the movie’s poster should read “Academy Award Winner Viola Davis”.
It’s hers to loose. Her biggest competition, I think, will be Williams and Mara. Especially the former.
And the amazing Streep will win an Oscar when she finally challenges herself and decide to work again with great directors who are worth her talent. I cannot imagine how great The Iron Lady would have been, had it been made by a someone like Ken Loach or Mike Leigh (or plenty of other great British directors). It certainly wouldn’t have been this washed out, polite version obliterating the monstrosities committed by Thatcher, and made to be sold to The King’s Speech audience.
It’s hers to loose. Her biggest competition, I think, will be Williams and Mara. Especially the former.
And the amazing Streep will win an Oscar when she finally challenges herself and decide to work again with great directors who are worth her talent. I cannot imagine how great The Iron Lady would have been, had it been made by a someone like Ken Loach or Mike Leigh (or plenty of other great British directors). It certainly wouldn’t have been this washed out, polite version obliterating the monstrosities committed by Thatcher, and made to be sold to The King’s Speech audience.
So is Glenn Close out of the running entirely?
So is Glenn Close out of the running entirely?