Like we did with supporting actress, I've displayed the most lauded ladies of 2010 in the order of your preference: Natalie Portman stabbed all competition with a nail file "IT'S MY TURN" to the tune of 47% of your votes; Annette Bening (19%) just barely edged out Nicole Kidman (18%) in the last day of voting for second place and second place is always where Bening seems to end up (more on that tomorrow); Michelle Williams (11%) and Jennifer Lawrence (2%) followed. But look at Lawrence. She doesn't care. She had a grand time at the Oscars apparently, turning heads in the red tank dress and relaxed enough to quip to the press about bringing her brother as her date.
I'm from Kentucky, so that's normal.
It's interesting that her distinction "Second Youngest Best Actress Nominee Ever" has been so ignored by the media; She's only 20. We might be seeing a lot more of her on Oscar's red carpet. She's already too old to nab the "fastest to two nominations in any acting category" since Angela Lansbury was 20 when she accomplished that. But theoretically Lawrence could still beat Joan Fontaine's record of fastest to two Best Actress nominations (Fontaine did the double by 24 and won) if good lead roles come soon. Up next are three supporting roles: The Beaver, Like Crazy and X-Men First Class.
Reaction shots, questions for readers and Portman's speech after the jump.
Jeff Bridges didn't waste any time opening the envelope so there was not a lot of dramatic reveal in terms of those tiny but mythic faces in the little boxes.
Natalie was ready to go, and I don't think anyone was expecting anything else. Bening, for as much as she's been pegged as Regal Bitch in the public imagination at times due to a few theatrically brittle roles, always seems to take these things in stride.
What was more interesting was their responses to their own clips, don't you think?
Annette winked and mouthed something to the camera (obviously intended for someone watching) but I couldn't make it out. Anyone know what she said?
Nicole Kidman shrugged her shoulders like "it's no big deal" which is so weird because her Rabbit Hole performance is A VERY BIG DEAL. Gold medal.
Michelle Williams is either:
- the definition of serenity
- terrified at public events
- above it all
- bored
- eager to get back on set to go about her real calling in life.
Which do you think it is?
Her expression never changes in public though onscreen she's quite expressive.
Darren Aronofsky kept glancing between Jeff Bridges on stage and Jennifer in front of him, two shows going on at once. Jennifer seemed delighted by the clip they chose and it was a goodie. My favorite thing about her Winter's Bone performance (and it shows in that clip) is the flinty no-nonsense intelligence and wit which give you a dry-eyed but sad indication that if Ree Dolly had real opportunities like an education, moving away, a career goal, she could really bloom. But it's not going to be. This is her world.
About Natalie's Speech
It went like so.
thank you thank you so much Thank you so much to the Academy. This is insane and I truly sincerely wish that the prize tonight was to get to work with my fellow nominees, i'm so in awe of you. I'm so grateful to get to do the job i get to do. I love it so much. I want to thank my parents, who are right there, first and foremost for giving me my life and giving me the opportunity to work at such a young ag. and showing me every day how to be a good human being by example.... [series of names] ....
My friends who are everything to me no matter what's going on in my career. And everyone who has ever hired me: Luc Besson who gave me my first job when i was 11 years old; Mike Nichols who has been my hero and my champion for the past decade; and now Darren Aronofsky. You are a fearless leader, a visionary. I am blessed to have just gotten to work with you every day for the period of time that we did. [A series of names that helped her train]. And my beautiful love Benjamin Millipeid who choreographed the film and has now given me my most important role of my life.
Also there are people on films that no one ever talks about that are your heart and soul every day: Marjorie who did my hair and makeup; Nicci who dressed me; Kate and Laura Mulleavy who designed the beautiful ballet costumes; Joe Reidy our incredible first AD and our camera operators; Stacey and Steve, you gave me so much soul behind the camera every day. You gave me all of your energy.
Most importantly my family, my friends, and my love. Thank you so much.
Portman has taken a lot of flak over the awards season for her girlie giggly unusually personal-life-exhibiting speeches but if you ask me she did brilliantly on Oscar night. It was professional but also emotional. The mention of her fellow nominees was distinctive, it was very classy to include Luc Besson and Mike Nichols (Nicole Kidman taught her well. Remember the note about choosing directors in the Hollywood Reporter Roundtable?). Finally, wasn't it especially interesting that she went so far down the metaphorical call sheet in her name-dropping. She wasn't thanking the heads of departments (some of whom were nominated) or even her co-stars but camera operators, dressers, trainers. Methinks she wins big fans among the crew members on every set.
QUESTIONS FOR YOU
- The Williams / Bening Questions above.
- Do you think Nat will pull a Gwyneth and disappear post-win? I mean, she's peaked right?
- Best Dressed?
- "It's My Turn!" which young actress (not these women) do you think is hungriest to have it be Her Year right quick?