Like last year, this year’s Best Supporting Actress race was a free-for-all when it came to the last spot. Potential category confusion almost had two spots up for grabs. And there was absolutely no shortage of possible spoilers once the BAFTA had spoken up with a slate of formidable possibilities.
And great work was still left off the ballot. Mila Kunis was on track to score, but ultimately fell short. Veterans Barbara Hershey and Miranda Richardson seemed to be making a play for recognition, too. In the end, an early campaign made all the difference for one indie contender, while another young hopeful managed to keep her grip in the supporting ranks despite giving a lead performance.
The nominees are:
Amy Adams, “The Fighter”
Helena Bonham Carter, “The King’s Speech”
Melissa Leo, “The Fighter”
Hailee Steinfeld, “True Grit”
Jacki Weaver, “Animal Kingdom”
Unlike last year, however, this field anything but decided. The neck-and-neck nature of the race will naturally make it one of the most interesting ones to follow throughout the second phase of the awards season. And for the most part, it’s difficult to argue with this field.
Amy Adams wasn’t at the top of too many lists going into the season, if only because word was that her co-star, Melissa Leo, had a juicier role and stole the show. But ultimately what we got out of Adams in “The Fighter” was something we’ve never seen before, and a head-spinning portrayal as a result. Eschewing her bright-eyed good-girl persona for a tough-as-nails Lowell bartender with a heart of gold, the actress couldn’t have been more surprising. Racking up her third nomination in just five years, Adams has proven her range with this performance, one that actually outshines her co-star if only because she gives what could have been merely a plot device character a natural complexity and a vigorous hidden spirit. I’d keep my eye on her for a potential shock on Oscar night.
One film that clearly had the Academy’s heart this year was “The King’s Speech,” which hauled in 12 nominations across the board. One of them has been considered a good bet since day one, perhaps less due to the merit of the work than the expected coattail ride on a front-running contender. But what Helena Bonham Carter does in the film really shouldn’t be undercut by the realities of an awards season. She adds a delicate humor and balance to the piece and provides, in fact, an emotional anchor for Colin Firth’s King George VI that is hardly a phoned-in portrayal. Not every performance is meant to be breathless, after all, and the grace of simplicity is as difficult to master as the usual intense emoting that earns accolades. As a result of love for the film, she could be a spoiler.
The frontrunner going into the race is clearly Melissa Leo, who flies off the rails in “The Fighter” in such a way that demands attention and tends to earn awards. It’s a showy performance which chews the scenery, but the irony is Leo (and the other actors tasked with portraying colorful characters) actually held back a bit. The Ward family is actually MUCH more colorful. But Leo has lapped up a Critics’ Choice Movie Award and a Golden Globe already. She may well take the SAG prize, too. But even that kind of haul wouldn’t seal the deal, I think. There are a lot of textures to this race, and one of them is the idea that Amy Adams could pull attention away from Leo as the circuit moves forward. Nevertheless, the safest place to put your chips is right here.
There was a lingering possibility going into this year’s nominations announcement that Hailee Steinfeld would receive enough lead actress votes to either land her in that category or divide her potential altogether, leaving her out of the mix. Thankfully she made it, even if it’s in the wrong category. In “True Grit,” this first-timer really lit up the screen opposite some of the industry’s most respected actors. She commanded unique language and cranked out a persona of unflinching justice and honor, giving a fully realized portrayal that felt entirely authentic. As a result, and considering the healthy nomination haul for the film, I think she could be a spoiler to watch for on Oscar night. To say nothing of the fact that she drives so much of the film, she simply makes for one of the best narratives of the season.
Rounding out the category is the spot which seemed to be up for grabs. Ultimately it was Jacki Weaver who nailed it down for her eerie portrayal of a mild-mannered Lady McBeth in the Aussie drama “Animal Kingdom.” Weaver’s campaign got off on the right foot as the film was one of the first screeners to hit voters’ doorsteps. She pulled off a National Board of Review win at the start of the season and boy, those T-shirts were all the rage. It’s understandable why actors gravitated to her work as the subtlety is intriguing and the character is fascinating. But I never felt that Weaver lifted it off the page and gave it a life that wasn’t already inherent. Nevertheless, who could begrudge her her success? She’s in the club now after working hard for years, but the nomination will likely be her reward.
Will win: Melissa Leo, “The Fighter”*
Could win: Hailee Steinfeld, “True Grit”
Should win: Hailee Steinfeld, “True Grit”
Should have been here: Lesley Manville, “Another Year”
Check out my current rankings for this race at its dedicated Contenders page here.
Who do you think deserves to win the award for Best Supporting Actress? Have your say in today’s sidebar poll!
*This prediction updated 2/24/2011.
[Photos: Sony Pictures Classics, Paramount Pictures]
Comments
129 responses to “OSCAR GUIDE: Best Supporting Actress”
I’m on the Jacki train 100%
Melissa Leo, “The Fighter.” A searing, terrifically meaty performance that gives the actress all the room to show off her talent. She becomes that character in such a way you simply can’t wait to see her back on the screen.
As much as I adored and loved Steinfeld’s performance in True Grit, I can’t bring myself to root for her to win. A deserving performance, yes, but with such flagrant category fraud would just be offensive to the 3 working actresses she’ll likely best. Poor Melissa Leo.
Will win: Melissa Leo, “The Fighter”
Could win: Hailee Steinfeld, “True Grit”
Should win: indifferent, not really a fan of any of them
Should have been here: Olivia Williams, “The Ghost Writer”
Oh, and I have to totally begrudge you for mentioning Manville as “Should have been here.” Save it for the Lead Actress post, please.
I liked Steinfeld a lot, and I have no problem with her being nominated in Sup. Actress, but for her to win in a category that she shouldn’t be in is just wrong. You cant and shouldn’t compare a performance that is in almost every scene of a movie to ones who aren’t. The performance is good, but she shouldn’t beat out true supporting actresses.
Will win: Hailee Steinfeld, “True Grit”
Could win: Melissa Leo, “The Fighter”
Should win: Amy Adams, “The Fighter”
Should have been here: Chloe Grace Moretz, “Kick-Ass”
Amy adams has long deserved to win and between her and Leo — I think they both give equally great performances — but it is Adams — who should have already won already for Junebug and doubt that I hope that she will finally win her much deserved oscar. I was not all that impressed with hailee, she’s good, but not oscar worthy.
Steinfeld is in a category of her own (no joke intended). She was truly acting when so many were merely performing.
I think Amy Adams is becoming overrated and I say this as someone who loved her earlier work.
Will win: Steinfield
Could win: Leo
Should win: Amy Adams
I won’t give that one to Steinfield, because it is not a supporting performance, and that bugged me.
Amy Adams had shown a part of her range she never had. It is her third nomination in 5 years and this only prove that she is one of the best emergent actresses (well, not that emergent today). Her subtle, but efficent, performance in The Figther deserves an Oscar in my opinion. Of course, I know it is not her year (maybe the actors will she her love at the SAG + BAFTA but I doubt that), but Amy Adams had once again shown her particular talent and confirm her status in Hollywwod!
“Save it for the Lead Actress post, please.”
I consider her a supporting actress in a film that is very much “about” Tom and Gerri.
Why are all of you hung up on hailee not being nominated for best actress — anthony hopkins won best actor for what is largely a supporting role in the silence of the lambs, rachel weiz won for the constant gardner for a lead role in a supporting category. all fans should be happy she was even nominated– look at julianne moore — who the studio or her insisted on being nominated for lead and she came up empty handed when clearly she had a better chance here in the supporting category. i don’t think Hailee should win in either category.
Can someone explain how the voting system works post nominations?
I know for nominations that each group gets to vote for best picture and also for their group (editing, sound mixing etc.)
Is it the same process for voting on the nominees as well? They get a second ballot and vote for best pic and also in their group again?
I hope Hailee wins, even if it was just a “here’s a script, read it, and action!” kind of performance. Something about her presence struck me as unique. And child actors are never given enough credit.
Haven’t seen Animal Kingdom, but the two ladies in The Fighter struck no emotional chord with me. Just a bunch of blabbing, hitting, and saying “fuck” a lot.
I don’t get taking the category fraud thing so far as to begrudge someone a win. Let’s say the best performance of the year, in your opinion, is a lead. And it’s nominated for supporting. So you would deny that performance an Oscar simply because it was placed in the wrong category?
Outrageous.
I’m glad you’re doing this series again! Great writeup. Rewatched Black Swan on nominations eve, and I really wish Mila had been here, as I really admired her subtle not-really-antagonist performance on second viewing. Hopefully this opens more doors for her as I really like her whenever she pops up in a movie (Forgetting Satah Marshall, Date Night).
Like Nolan’s snub, however, I’m glad that Kunis wasn’t left off in favor of any superfluous nominees and that it is a real testament to the number of quality female contenders this year. I haven’t seen Weaver, but the other four are just terrific. Leo is a bit chewey for me, but I still couldn’t be helped but be fascinated by her (and that hair!).
Will win: Melissa Leo, “The Fighter”
Could win: Jacki Weaver, “Animal Kingdom”
Should win: Honestly, I feel another viewing of both films could be the deciding factor between Leo and Weaver.
Should have been here: Kristin Scott Thomas, “Nowhere Boy”
matt — The entire academy votes for the winners — the most votes win and they must rank the top 10 movies in order of their preference.
I completely agree! I have Steinfeld winning, with Leo as the big threat. Steinfeld was the best part of a film that received the 2nd most noms. Enough said. …for now…
Ok so they rank their top ten pictures but only choose one from every other category?
Also doesn’t it seem a strange process that editors nominate the editing awards but then to pick winners EVERYONE can pick who wins editing?
@Kristopher
Well, it is not entirely the reason I wouldn’t vote for Steinfield.
I’ve really prefered Amy Adams, perhaps I was suprised with her ”anti-casting” performance. But don’t get me wrong, I would have vote for Adams!
Should have been here: Miranda Richardson ”Made in Dagenham”
It’s important to note that Steinfeld did not put herself in Supporting–voters chose to place her there. Yes, the studio campaigned for that slot, but it was ultimately the voters who made the choice. She shouldn’t be punished for category fraud. Bottom line is, I’m hoping she takes it, she was absolutely terrific.
I think Steinfeld will win this just because that’s the only top-6 category where True Grit, movie with 10 nominations, can win! I have a feeling that they will give the award to Steinfeld to reawrd the entire movie!
I’d rather see Amy Adams win this award. Even though Melissa Leo is good, I believe I liked Amy Adams’ performance better. Less showy, but more memorable (especially that scene with C. Bale in front of her door!)
I agree with Kris that Manville belongs to Supporting category. But again who would you kick out to have room for her? All these five supporting ladies are good! Maybe Steinfeld could be moved to Best Actress but again who would be out??? I really like the acting categories this year! All 20 deserve their nominations (Renner is at the bottom of the list though!)
@len Hopkins going from supporting to lead was, if anything, disadvantaging himself, putting himself against people with far more screen time. People who pretend to be supporting, on the other hand, are giving themselves an unfair advantage.
Anyway:
Will win: Melissa Leo
Could win: Hailee Steinfeld
Should win: Melissa Leo
“Also doesn’t it seem a strange process that editors nominate the editing awards but then to pick winners EVERYONE can pick who wins editing?”
Now you understand why certain things are predicted to win and what’s taken into account. The Academy at large doesn’t know from good sound mixing, sound editing, etc.
Should win: Amy Adams.
Could win: 4 of ’em.
Will win: absolutely NO idea, but not Weaver.
12 noms means they LOVE The King’s Speech. HBC is a veteran. She could get it if eveyrone is splitting.
Steinfeld most likely will get it because she’s young, great, a “story”, and TG has 10 noms.
I want Adams, but I think it’ll be HBC or Steinfeld. Leo ….. not buying the Academy going for her, even though I love her.
And on Manville ….. I went Supporting for my personal line-up (and win), because …….
… even though the film becomes very much so about her in the end, so much of the film is about Tom, Gerri, and all of their friends (each friend gets a large set piece). And Manville is not in the film for sizeable clips throughout. It’s very marginal, but I went Supporting.
The main reason Manville was not nominated was Another Year did not register at all this year. It came out way too late. If SPC had released it around the same time as say Animal Kingdom and they campaigned Manville like they campaigned Weaver then we might be looking at a different story.
It’s interesting that you personally advocate for Lesley Manville in supporting. I definitely understand your thinking… but I find myself flopping back and forth over whether she should be lead or supporting. I’ve decided (for now) that she is one of three leads in “Another Year”. Guy’s reasoning makes the most sense to me: how Tom and Gerri are the principal characters who serve as a sounding board to facilitate Mary’s development and progress as a character.
Nevertheless, she could have been nominated in either category, and it would have been legitimate. It’s not the same as Steinfeld, who was clearly *the* lead of her film. I think Manville’s category placement is entirely subjective.
Either way, I’m very sad that she was left out, though not surprised after the way the precursors went. I saw “Another Year” only this past Sunday, but I’ve thought of little else since then. Mary (and Manville) have gotten under my skin and burrowed into my soul. I have a friend who *is* Mary, down to the details. It was a very unsettling experience to see my friend up there on the screen, as if Mike Leigh and Lesley Manville knew her as intimately as I do. This film means more to me as a result, and feels exponentially more relevant. A complete masterpiece.
In terms of the line-up we got, I think Melissa Leo will, and should, win — though I have yet to see “Animal Kingdom”.
Voter’s chose to put Hailee Steinfeld for the win. And this really reflects on the 10 nominations that True Grit has. Which makes True Grit a scarier threat to The King’s Speech than the The Social Network. TSN can’t even get the nod for Andrew Garfield. So, for the academy, True Grit has a strong and willing support to win–EVEN IF they have to knowingly recategorize Hailee Steinfeld.
Guess what other movie had moved a best actor to best supporting for a win and eventually win Best Picture?
Ordinary People.
Support for True Grit is scary.
”… potential shock on Oscar MORNING”?
Haven’t heard that term before. Are you watching the show from Europe?
Well said, Nicolas Mancuso.
I, too, can not stop thinking of Manville (I saw it Sunday, as well). My thoughts on why I see her being (barely) Supporting are above, as well.
Manville’s Mary is just soooo “that” person that we all know in our own lives. i.e., a trainwreck that tries to act as normal as possible in public, yet you can only imagine how they truly are by their lonesome selves.
“But I never felt that Weaver lifted it off the page and gave it a life that wasn’t already inherent. ” Am sorry but would u mind elaborating alittle on what u meant by that sentence? Just abit confused.
Hmm I just realized if Guy watches the nominations over lunch then what time is he watching the awards? He must have to pull an all nighter on Oscar night/morning.
I don’t begrudge Steinfeld the nomination, because I think she was fantastic and it’s nice that she was recognized. It helps that the only dark horse I cared about (Weaver) made it in, and the likely victim of this category fraud was Mila Kunis, who I never felt deserved the nomination.
The issue I have with lead-in-supporting category fraud, though, is that I think it’s already difficult to compare one performance to another, so all the extra screen time is an unfair advantage. I’m happy for the girl, but I can’t cheer for her to win. I’m hoping a supporting actress wins Best Supporting Actress.
Steinfeld’s placement in the Best Supporting Actress category likely bumped out Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey or some potential shocker nominee whom very few people were expecting.I think the ONE person who can really praise Steinfeld’s category fraud placement is Michelle Williams. She should be extremely thankful that Steinfeld’s nomination fell the way it did or she would have likely been left out. I guess the universe has a way of evening itself out, doesn’t it.
I think Weaver will be a surprise victor here. This catagory loves surprise wins
Matthew: Yep, I always do. The Oscars followed by a big breakfast — can’t imagine it any other way.
First of Steinfeld gave a good performance yes, but it is no way the performance of the year. Second yeah no matter how good it is she should win for SUPPORTING actress with her LEAD role. How can you even compare her performance to the other actresses? The fact that some don’t get it is idiotic.
“But I never felt that Weaver lifted it off the page and gave it a life that wasn’t already inherent. ”
Whoever said this from above, I completely agree with.
Fine performance, nothing that screamed Oscar nom to me. But Weaver seems like a lovely woman; good for her.
Oscar night, that should say. Though Oscar morning is what I’ve called the day of the nominations announcement for a decade now, so it’s not totally foreign (and it was clearly stuck in my head from yesterday).
I think we’re post-performance now. I think it’s now in a phase where the Academy is deciding whether to spread the awards to a few movies or will it back one movie to take the sweep.
Should have been here: Dale Dickey, “Winter’s Bone.”
Then we could have had a trifecta of “monster mothers” battling it out with an “MTV Girl.”
Amy Adams could be a nice surprise, maybe she’ll take it over Leo.
Yes, I absolutely would refuse to vote for the best performance of the year if it were placed in the wrong category. The award is for “Best Performace by an Actress IN A SUPPORTING ROLE;” Steinfeld’s performance isn’t in a supporting role, so she doesn’t get my vote in this category.
That’s foolish. Not least of all since the nature of category placement can be such a subjective thing. If you have the chance to award the year’s best performance (again, hypothetical), you should do so.
At least that’s my perspective, anyway.
I saw “Animal Kingdom” the other night. I loved the film, but in regards to Weaver’s performance, I was quite a bit underwhelmed. She’s certainly effective, but far from the best thing about the movie. Ben Mendelsohn’s performance Is far more impressive, I think.
Will win: Leo
Could win: All five
Should win: All five
Snubbed: Kristin Scott Thomas, Nowhere Boy