Yidio Oscars Spotlight: Supporting Actress
by Scott Nye
In the Yidio Oscars Spotlight, we take a look at the key races at this year's Academy Awards. Today we look at the Best Supporting Actress Category, the most hotly-contended acting category of the year.
Past Winners
The Best Supporting categories have long been the province of surprise newcomers and scene-stealers, and the last ten years reflect that tradition. Marcia Gay Harden won for "Pollack," Jennifer Connelly for "A Beautiful Mind," Catherine Zeta-Jones for "Chicago," Renee Zellweger for "Cold Mountain," Cate Blanchett for "The Aviator," Rachel Weisz for "The Constant Gardener," Jennifer Hudson for "Dreamgirls," Tilda Swinton for "Michael Clayton," Penelope Cruz for "Vicky Christina Barcelona," and Mo'Nique for "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire."
While the train is sometimes unstoppable - nobody was going to beat Mo'Nique or Jennifer Hudson in their respective years - it is just as often wildly unpredictable. Few saw Tilda Swinton's win in 2007, and I was always a little surprised that Catherine Zeta-Jones took it in 2002.
The Nominees
Amy Adams - "The Fighter"
Helena Bonham Carter - "The King's Speech"
Melissa Leo - "The Fighter"
Hailee Steinfeld - "True Grit"
Jacki Weaver - "Animal Kingdom"
What Critics are Saying
This is a category largely supported by critics. Rave reviews are the only reason Jacki Weaver is even a part of the conversation, and deservedly so, but the film was so small the nomination and a trip to the Oscars will be about all she should expect out the deal (oh, and a lot of work in the next year or two).
Melissa Leo turned out a lot of great work this year (also appearing in "Welcome to the Rileys" and "Conviction," but her turn in "The Fighter" was sort of unprecedented. One of the funniest parts of the film, Leo is at once totally fearless and unashamed and completely in control.
Adams provides the counterbalance as Charlene, a strong, solid presence that can accomplish with a couple words words what Leo's Alice flails around trying to say. But it's way too understated for the Academy.
Helena Bonham Carter is sort of a mystery here, aside from the general lovefest for "The King's Speech." She's fine in the movie and totally on point, but she's not asked to do very much and doesn't go overboard trying to accomplish it.
"True Grit" is the only film we've ever seen Hailee Steinfeld in (she was in films before this, but I've yet to meet anyone who has seen them), and she's already left a huge impression on the viewing public. Holding her own in scenes with Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon is one thing, but to also display a mix of childlike arrogance and fear, sometimes in the same moment, is what really made her stand out.
Predictions
This is the riskiest bet on my ballot, but I'm going with Steinfeld. She and Leo have been splitting the critics' awards, with Leo taking the edge by winning the SAG award. But it's hard for voters to resist sending a kid up there to accept an award, and since "True Grit" will be shut out of all the other major categories, they'll need to give it something.