Today’s Oscar preview is of Best Actress Nominees. 2006 was an unusually strong year for female performances with the best without a doubt coming from Helen Mirren in The Queen.
This is Cruz’s first Oscar nomination.
What the critics have said:
“Cruz has never been more radiant and funny: Comparisons to Sophia Loren in her Vittorio DeSica heyday are flying about, and richly warranted.” — Jan Stuart, Newsday
“Penelope Cruz has never looked more beautiful and she gives a sensational, career best performance as Raimunda.” — Matthew Turner, ViewLondon
“Whatever the director asks of Cruz she delivers with poise and sincerity. It’s easily her finest work, and one of the year’s best performances.”– Shawn Levy, Oregonian
Penelope Cruz [imdb] Volver [imdb] [rottentomatoes]
This is Dench’s sixth Oscar nomination; she won in 1999 for her work in Shakespeare in Love.
What the critics have said:
“The build-up in this movie is actually too good for its ending, but that’s also no reason to skip out on a wonderful turn from Dench.” — Jeffrey Chen, Window to the Movies
“In England, it seems, actresses have nothing to fear from age. They can simply wait for writers to create fresh work for them.” — David Denby, New Yorker
“Dench is nothing less than great in this role. It’s hard to recall a recent performance of such unrelenting ferocity, such a thoroughgoing devotion to the domination of another life.” —TIME Magazine
Judi Dench [imdb] Notes on a Scandal [imdb] [rottentomatoes]
This is Mirren’s third Oscar nomination; she is the favorite to win.
What the critics have said:
“That’s Mirren’s magic: She makes us care, no matter how shallow our curtsies.” — Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Mirren’s ability to disappear into the stoic modern monarch in the week following Princess Diana’s death may warrant her an Oscar for The Queen — and it would not be undeserved.” –Gina Carbone, Seacoast Newspapers (NH/Maine)
“Brilliant as Morgan’s script is, it is Helen Mirren’s diamond-hard performance that is the jewel of The Queen’s crown.” — Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
Helen Mirren [imdb] The Queen [imdb] [rottentomatoes] [my review]
This is Streep’s fourteenth Oscar nomination; she has won two previous times, for Kramer vs. Kramer and Sophie’s Choice.
What the critics have said:
“Streep makes it work. Streep makes it fun. Best known for her dramatic brilliance, Streep has done strong comedic turns in the past, and this performance is a reminder of that, and then some.” — Jennifer Frey, Washington Post
“Streep’s practically the whole show — and steals it accordingly.” — Carol Cling, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Meryl Streep inspires both terror and a measure of awe as the imperious editor of a glossy fashion magazine in the screen version of Lauren Weisberger’s best-selling novel.” — A.O. Scott, New York Times
Meryl Streep [imdb] The Devil Wears Prada [imdb] [rottentomatoes] [my review]
This is Winslet’s fifth Oscar nomination; she has never won.
What the critics have said:
“The main reason to watch is Winslet, who brings flesh-and blood dimension to Perrotta’s central character.” — Gary Thompson, Philadelphia Daily News
“An honest look at infidelity and its ramifications. Clearly one of the best of the year with multiple Oscar-caliber performances, especially by the brilliant Kate Winslet.” — Tony Medley, tonymedley.com
“Kate Winslet is damn hot. That, and just about the best actress in film today.” — Kevin N. Laforest, Montreal Film Journal
Kate Winslet [imdb] Little Children [imdb] [rottentomatoes]
@Cinefille 