And the nominees are:
Sally Hawkins in "Blue Jasmine"
This was a surprise for me because it's not a flamboyant role. However, in Woody Allen's take on "A Streetcar Named Desire," she is the perfect Stella to Cate Blanchett's Blanche. The bohemian younger sister who takes in the rich, but now destitute older sister, she portrayed a woman in touch with her life, no matter the circumstances, trying to deal with a sibling spiraling out of control.
Jennifer Lawrence in "American Hustle"
A no-brainer. She is becoming one of our finest young actresses, and in this movie showed her comedic talents. Playing the wife of Christian Bale, who is cheating on her with Amy Adams, she epitomizes the typical 1970's New Jersey "broad." And nearly stole the movie out from under her fellow actors.
Lupita Nyong'o in "12 Years a Slave"
Astonishing. Not yet out of acting school, her first film performance is the most raw and emotional performance of the group. She plays Patsy, the abused, beaten, and downtrodden slave of Michael Fassbender. She has scenes that are so gut-wrenching, I almost walked out of the theater. And I mean that in a good way...it was THAT powerful.
Julia Roberts in "August:Osage County"
I admit, I'm not a big fan, probably because I still can't believe she won the Oscar for "Erin Brokovich" over Ellen Burstyn for "Requiem for a Dream" in 2000. But this movie gave me a new appreciation for Ms. Roberts. As the oldest daughter reluctantly coming home during a family crisis, and facing a mother she despises, she brought an almost feral reality to a character who hates, despises, but will still defend family.
June Squibb in "Nebraska"
The funniest performance of the year. The 40+ year theater and film veteran is the oldest nominee and the least known. Not any longer. She plays the frustrated wife of Bruce Dern and rebukes and curses everyone trying to placate his illusion of winning a million dollars. The profane things that come out of her mouth are hysterical, and yet at her core, she will defend her family like a tigress.
And my thoughts are:
Who will win
Lupita Nyong'o
This is almost a given and may be "12 Years a Slave"'s best shot at an Oscar.
Who I would pick
June Squibb
Without a doubt, the funniest, yet heartfelt performance of the nominees. She was exactly like "old ladies" that might be in our families. A very realistic performance.
Honorable mention
Julianne Nicholson in "August:Osage County"
There is always someone that is left out, and this would be my pick. As the youngest daughter of the most dysfunctional family on screen since "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe," she brought a vulnerable and nuanced performance to the role of the sister left behind, who's only happiness is falling in love with her cousin, and who is given the most emotionally shattering denoument.
So, Cinajim will continue next time with Supporting Actors.
Until then, keep it reel!
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