This is a tale of two continents.. (two countries, more so). On the one hand we have those rooting for Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock, the first of whom is the longest standing Academy favorite of ANY category whatsoever, with roughly the same nominations as Tiger Woods has won majors or Roger Federer has won grand slams. This feat, for movie making, is exceptional and should not be dismissed. As for Sandra Bullock, she's one of "America's Sweethearts" and her love-hate relationship with her viewership is all over the board, delivering a Razzie Award winning performance in All About Steve and her very strong role in The Blind Side, which we have to credit for having the movie nominated for Best Picture.
On the other hand we have Carey Mulligan portraying a young woman's assertive wanna-be break from childhood in what could simply be deemed as mere innocence in An Education; and Academy Award winner Helen Mirren as Tolstoy's wife in The Last Station delivering a huge range of emotions of a loving woman embittered by circumstances created by the state planning of her husband.
As I said, Meryl Streep's performances are never to be dismissed, though sometimes it makes me wonder if there are no other actresses... I admit I didn't pay much attention to Julie and Julia, as I was watching it out of the corner of my eye while, incidentally, cooking. The few scenes I could appreciate, though, seemed a tad bit over the top... but that's just me.
Sandra Bullock, truly delivers... this is her role of a lifetime, and it is refreshing to see a role of such character that makes a difference both on and off the screen. I mean, the strength of this woman to break from the traditional is something to reflect upon. If you haven't watched The Blind Side, I recommend it.
Now here's where my scale is tipped... For some reason, I found this year's British female acting slightly more amusing than that of their American counterparts. Carey Mulligan's role could've been stronger had it bounced off a stronger role than that of her supporting male actor, Peter Sarsgaard. Carey Mulligan's part speaks loudly of a young adult's need to break from her childhood. I like the fact that both her and her movie are recognized.
Helen Mirren, has accurately played "The Queen", before, and although I couldn't speak for how accurate her role as Countess Sophia is, I can only say it is very emotive and it carries a wide range of emotion of a character whose experience and toughness could make her the exact opposite of Carey Mulligan's.
As for Gabourey Sidibe in Precious, I think her character is not as much shaped by what she says and does as it is from the circumstances that surround her... plus, whatever light might shine through her role is strongly opaqued by the presence of Mo'nique as her supporting actress.
Though I've heard Sandra Bullock is leading her category as a favorite, which I wouldn't doubt, considering she also has more leverage to pull her weight through the Academy, I'm voting for Helen Mirren, a seasoned actress on the same level as Mrs. Streep. Honorable Mention of course to Carey Mulligan.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick, had the luck to land roles in Up in the Air, which is truly an outstanding screenplay. For this reason, their roles are very relevant, though I'm not sure they carry enough range and depth to garner an Oscar. If anything, I think Anna Kendrick's role as both an up and coming career girl and an obnoxious little brat really pushes a button.
Maggie Gyllenhaal's role seems a bit weak to me, but it bounces off the overwhelming presence of Jeff Bridges's role in Crazy Heart. I didn't get to watch Penelope Cruz in Nine but I think last year's award for her role in Vicky, Christina, Barcelona should suffice for now... and her role in Almodovar's Broken Embraces should also get some recognition.
Mo'Nique, or however her name is written, plays the Tour de Force role of this year, both surpassing any other role, leading or supporting, male or female. I think her interpretation, along with the poignant story told by Sapphire, put Precious up on the board amongst this year's top films. I won't even bother you with an honorable mention, this category is the clearest no-brainer of them all.
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