Mulligan vs. Streep

Here's my two cents about Roger Friedman's 8.21 piece assessing the leading Best Actress contenders of the moment. Right now it's a two-actress race -- Carey Mulligan in An Education vs. Meryl Streep in Julie & Julia (with possible fortification coming from her It's Complicated performance.). Obviously there are four months to go and anything can happen, but right now the Oscar is Mulligan's to lose because of (a) the old "Streep nominated again?" factor and (b) Mullligan's performance is delightful/exciting while Streep's is merely expert.


(l. to r,.) Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep, Abbie Conrish, Penelope Cruz

Mulligan might very well not win because Oscar tradition has generally been about ingenues being nominated but not winning because they have to pay their dues and all that jazz. It would actually be cooler for Mulligan to just have fun with the nomination dance and boost An Education in the bargain, etc.

Abbie Cornish might manage a Best Actress nomination in for her performance in Bright Star, although she's looking like a bit of a weak sister at this stage. (The movie's real star is Jane Campion.) Nobody knows anything about Rachel Weisz in The Lovely Bones so just shut up and wait. Forget Penelope Cruz in Broken Embraces (although I think she's wonderful in this film) because the reaction to Pedro Almodovar's latest has been tepid since Cannes. Forget Zooey Deschanel in 500 Days of Summer...just forget it. (You can't be nominated for playing a whimsical, self-absorbed ditzoid.) And forget Gwynneth Paltrow in Two Lovers....not happening!

Friedman, by the way, says that Mulligan is the breakout star among his list of nominees and then adds, "Remember, you heard it here first." That's funny. I seem to recall some other guy jumping up and down about her last January and predicting that An Education "will definitely be in contention at the end of the year" in some capacity.

Posted by Jeffrey Wells on August 24, 2009 at 8:54 AM

comment #1

Ulysses Author Profile Page says ...

I am dying to see An Education, mostly because of what you've written about it.

Posted by Ulysses Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 9:40 AM

comment #2

BoshBarnetWonkyDonkey Author Profile Page says ...

I saw a big poster for Bright Star at the subway station this morning. I had no idea they would be marketing it as widely as that. Thought it'd slip through the cracks. If it makes a decent amount of money at the box office (obviously not mega-bucks, but if it generates some buzz) then Cornish might be in with a shot. She's certainly a star on the rise.

Posted by BoshBarnetWonkyDonkey Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 10:22 AM

comment #3

Josh Tate Author Profile Page says ...

Seeing An Education this Thursday. Very much looking forward to it. I knew something big was going on with Ms. Mulligan when my interview with her at Sundance was suddenly canceled (presumably because bigger fishes wanted to speak with her).

Posted by Josh Tate Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 10:23 AM

comment #4

RSBrown Author Profile Page says ...

What about Pfeiffer...? Just asking.

Posted by RSBrown Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 10:25 AM

comment #5

renorambler Author Profile Page says ...

I'm loving all the pre buzz about An Education and Mulligan but am VERY worried that it's too much too soon. Shouldn't this energy be peaking in December/January and not August?

Posted by renorambler Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 10:26 AM

comment #6

MikeSchaeferSF Author Profile Page says ...

You mean Hilary Swank isn't gonna win her 3rd Oscar?

Posted by MikeSchaeferSF Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 10:29 AM

comment #7

Glenn Kenny Author Profile Page says ...

The only way I'm gonna like this is if Carey Mulligan beats in someone's head with a baseball bat in it.

Posted by Glenn Kenny Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 10:30 AM

comment #8

Josh Tate Author Profile Page says ...

I hear she does, Glenn!

Posted by Josh Tate Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 10:31 AM

comment #9

Chase Kahn Author Profile Page says ...

"Abbie Cornish might manage a Best Actress nomination in for her performance in Bright Star, although she's looking like a bit of a weak sister at this stage. (The movie's real star is Jane Campion.)"

This is extremely accurate. Cornish is good in the film (as is Paul Schneider), but I don't see "Bright Star" catching on at all with anybody. I liked the film, it's extraordinarily composed, cut and photographed, but it's way too slight, restrained and cold to garner much attention.

Plus, its September release date assures that it will be forgotten by the time Oscar season starts.

Posted by Chase Kahn Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 10:46 AM

comment #10

Josh Tate Author Profile Page says ...

Bright Star is slight? That's disappointing. The last months of Keats' life with Hallam in Italy are excruciating. Not sure if the film covers that, but it should have.

Posted by Josh Tate Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 10:52 AM

comment #11

Chase Kahn Author Profile Page says ...

Josh -- I'm not going to spoil anything, but the movie basically takes place in two houses for the entirety, no more than 3-4 characters.

Posted by Chase Kahn Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 10:55 AM

comment #12

Josh Tate Author Profile Page says ...

And what a whiff on my behalf. It was Joseph Severn not Hallam. Sounds like Campion is focusing on one of the weakest parts of the Keats' story -- namely his pursuit of Fanny Brawne.

Posted by Josh Tate Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 11:01 AM

comment #13

Jeffrey Wells Author Profile Page says ...

Wells to Kenny: Good one.

Posted by Jeffrey Wells Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 11:16 AM

comment #14

The InSneider Author Profile Page says ...

Wells, I will literally stop writing about movies if Streep wins for Julie & Julia. Good performance but Best Actress? What are you smoking, dude? Swank is WAY above Streep on the chart. Streep was better in Doubt. If she wants it this year she should try to sneak into supporting. Streep vs. Mo'Nique!

Posted by The InSneider Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 11:22 AM

comment #15

LexG Author Profile Page says ...

Melanie Laurent for BASTERDS would be an AWESOME pick. Certainly better than that blowsy, overrated hen Streep collecting another needless Oscar for mugging harder than 1991 Al Bundy.

Assuming the Academy will not recognize Melanie Laurent for THE BEST PERFORMANCE IMAGINABLE, I am wholeheartedly in favor of the CHARMING Mulligan or smoking-hot Cornish taking this in a landslide.

Posted by LexG Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 11:24 AM

comment #16

actionman Author Profile Page says ...

Welcome back, Lex.

I agree -- Laurent was wonderful in IB. One of my favorite performances of the year as well.

Posted by actionman Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 11:44 AM

comment #17

BoshBarnetWonkyDonkey Author Profile Page says ...

Yes, Laurent was brilliant. One of the great aspects of the movie was seeing all these excellent performances from actors I'd never heard of before. Waltz, Laurent, Bruhl, even the guy who played the barroom antagonist - all great.

Posted by BoshBarnetWonkyDonkey Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 11:47 AM

comment #18

Josh Tate Author Profile Page says ...

Laurent was the BEST part of the film. I much preferred her to Waltz. Don't get me wrong -- he was electric, but there was a bit of mugging in her performance (THAT'S A BINGO!)

Posted by Josh Tate Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 12:21 PM

comment #19

Jeffrey Wells Author Profile Page says ...

You guys are going nuts. You've gone gay for Inglourious Basterds this and that. Oscar nominations! Anyone in Inglourious Basterds...nominate them all! Nominate Melanie Laurent for being pretty and having great blonde hair and looking sullen! (Cue the choir) Inglourious Basterds, Inglourious Basterds, Inglourious Basterds!

Posted by Jeffrey Wells Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 1:03 PM

comment #20

byanyother Author Profile Page says ...

They're not only nuts they're borderline morons - and I love the commenters here. Oscar crap isn't rocket science but there is a certain logic to it. Anyway, please, Friedman is king of stating the obvious. Tell us something we didn't know re: Best Actress. Streep has something Mulligan doesn't have; she is playing an icon.

Posted by byanyother Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 1:57 PM

comment #21

Rod32303 Author Profile Page says ...

Jeff, what about my Pfeiffer? I know you thought Cheri was overrated, but you've kept Michelle in there for Best Actress. I thought she gave a brave, expert performance, not just because she looked her age, but it was one of the best modulated performances I 've seen from an actress in quite some time...almost a great silent film performance.

Of course, I have a huge hard on for Pfeiffer.

Posted by Rod32303 Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 2:39 PM

comment #22

Terry McCarty Author Profile Page says ...

Any word of mouth one way or another about Emily Blunt playing Queen Victoria (film already released in UK and supposed to open here this fall)?

Posted by Terry McCarty Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 3:02 PM

comment #23

Terry McCarty Author Profile Page says ...

Or Audrey Tatou in COCO BEFORE CHANEL?

Posted by Terry McCarty Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 3:03 PM

comment #24

the400blows Author Profile Page says ...

Look, if Reese Witherspoon can win an Oscar for her imitation--I mean, rendition--in WALK THE LINE, then Meryl Streep definitely deserves one for her brilliant performance in JULIE AND JULIA. She nailed Julia Child.

Posted by the400blows Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 3:13 PM

comment #25

adorian Author Profile Page says ...

Robin Penn Wright for Pippa Lee.
Natalie Portman for Brothers.
Gabourey Sidibe for Precious.
Emily Blunt for Young Victoria.

Posted by adorian Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 3:14 PM

comment #26

BoshBarnetWonkyDonkey Author Profile Page says ...

Has Marion Cotillard been forgotten already?

Posted by BoshBarnetWonkyDonkey Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 4:12 PM

comment #27

lipranzer Author Profile Page says ...

I'd say Tilda Swinton for JULIA (who I think has given the best performance of the year so far), but not enough people have seen the movie, in all likelihood.

As good as Laurent was, that is probably a supporting role. Ditto Cotillard in PUBLIC ENEMIES.

Posted by lipranzer Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 4:52 PM

comment #28

markus Author Profile Page says ...

I would say that Streep's performance was indeed delightful in J&J. Remember, Streep has all the momentum going into this Oscar season and she is playing a real person with a powerhouse performance. This usually means she will walk away with Oscar.

Posted by markus Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 5:01 PM

comment #29

K. Bowen Author Profile Page says ...

You know, one year after being nominated for a bland performance in Doubt, Amy Adams stood out in the only role that I've really liked her in -- Sunshine Cleaning. But no mention of it. And Blunt was about as good in support.

I don't know if it was a lead or support, but Weisz was terrific in The Brothers Bloom.

Posted by K. Bowen Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 5:32 PM

comment #30

adorian Author Profile Page says ...

Yes, lipranzer! Last week, I rented the dvd of Julia, and I was stunned by Tilda Swinton's brilliant performance. It's a shame it won't get nominated because not enough people have even heard of it, much less seen it.

Posted by adorian Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 5:36 PM

comment #31

actionman Author Profile Page says ...

swinton's performance in Julia was totally riveting and definitely one of the best of the year but the movie went nowhere.

Posted by actionman Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 6:20 PM

comment #32

raygo Author Profile Page says ...

Renee Zellweger has been collecting some nice reviews for My One and Only, from the NY Times, Salon, and LA Times.

Posted by raygo Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 7:11 PM

comment #33

GiveMeTheMapScott Author Profile Page says ...

Adams was magnificent in sunshine but it was not a good-enough film to warrant awards consuideration

Posted by GiveMeTheMapScott Author Profile Page at August 24, 2009 11:50 PM

comment #34

dana k Author Profile Page says ...

Marisa Tomei won an Oscar, first time at bat.

Not impossible...just sayin.
Although, I do want Meryl Streep to win a long line of Oscars, because she has given a long long line of excellent performances.

None. Were. Chance.

Dana Kaminski

Posted by dana k Author Profile Page at August 26, 2009 9:51 PM

comment #35

Noiresque Author Profile Page says ...

TWO LOVERS is eligible? I didn't know. Not that she has a chance, but I would like to Gwyneth Paltrow up there, as she is fantastic in the film. She has given several truly underrated performances since Shakespeare In Love.

Posted by Noiresque Author Profile Page at August 29, 2009 6:19 PM

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