The Academy should simply change the name of Best Actress in a Leading Role to the Meryl Streep Award for Best Actress, shouldn’t they? What higher praise could there be for Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchette, Judi Dench or Amy Adams?
Will Streep win again this year for her work in August: Osage County? I don’t believe she will. Though I’ve no doubt she was spectacular – I didn’t see the film – there doesn’t seem to be a lot of support for her this year. Perhaps this is because the movie was not even a modest hit, even with that spectacular cast. No award for Meryl. She will, however, be most gracious, I am sure.
I think the Academy is also unlikely to recognize Judi Dench for Philomena for similar reasons. Though this movie was more highly regarded and Dench’s performance very well received, the praise here seems split between Dench and writer/co-star Steve Coogan. It’s more likely to win its prize in the writing category than here.
I though Sandra Bullock was much more impressive in Gravity (review HERE) than she was in her Oscar winning performance in The Blind Side a few years back. It is possible to argue that her performance in Gravity lifts the movie from being “Finding Nemo-in space with people instead of fish” to something far more affecting and deep. Caring about her is what takes the spectacle of Gravity and makes it personal, but I don’t think it’s enough to win.
Amy Adams joins David O. Russell’s cast of regulars in truly impressive fashion in the highly nominated American Hustle (review HERE). One of the many revelations of her in this role was just how sultry and sensual she was – an attribute not seen in many of her other roles. While she more than holds her own with Christian Bale and the rest of the all-stars, I cannot escape the feeling that American Hustle is going to be Academy’s bridesmaid this year… I think Adams will be left out of the winner’s circle.
That leaves the ever talented Cate Blanchette as our winner then, and it make sense. The Academy tends to protect its own. Woody Allen has had a rough year but supplied one of his best films in it and coaxed what is by-all-accounts a nuanced performance out of his leading lady. This award may be as much about her work as it is recognizing that Allen himself won’t have many more rides like this. In a very close race, Cate Blanchette will win.
CATE BLANCHETTE IS BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
And There Came a Day... 