Q&A Pt 2: Comic Winners? Revisiting Characters? Oscar Darlings of 2026?
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 5:30PM Yesterday we got all the Leonardo DiCaprio questions out of the way so now on to other Reader Questions. Let's jump right in. Here's eleven questions from readers. You asked. I'm answering.
EUROCHEESE: What's your favorite comedy to win Best Picture?
NATHANIEL: Toss up between It Happened One Night (1934) and Tootsie (198---Damnit. Tootsie is >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Gandhi)
CHRIS JAMES: Sylvester Stallone now holds the record for the longest time between Oscar nominations for the same character (39 years between 1976 nomination and 2015 nomination). Which nominated roles would you love to see a sequel of 39 years after their original film with the same actor reprising the role? Is there some from the past year or are there any characters this year you would love to check in with 39 years down the road?
NATHANIEL: What a cool question! Unfortunately a lot of these characters might not be alive in 40 years... so we'll have to stick with (mostly) the younger players and wonder who still has story left in them? Brooklyn ends so winningly in the golden sunshine, so let's leave Eilis there. I'd say Ma & Jack from Room but I don't wish them anything but completely normal non-eventful lives after Room.
Some of the "true life" characters died or died much sooner than 39 years after the events of the film.Which leaves us with Therese Belivet from Carol which is the correct answer. Rooney Mara will be 69 years old in 39 years so that puts her at the same age as Charlotte Rampling now...
Will the world still care about Rooney Mara in 2055? Who can say but imagine a movie about an elderly lesbian photographer who lived through the Stonewall years in NYC and is still working in 1990 (when the movie would take place, in the chronology of this question) during the AIDS epidemic in NYC.
PEDRO: Of the eight Best Picture nominees, which ones do you think could have been made with people of color in the lead? And how would it have affected their Oscar chances?
NATHANIEL: People are just trying to keep me in the hot seat on this topic huh? It is an interesting question from the casting side though and I do love a casting angle. Obviously Spotlight, The Big Short, Bridge of Spies, The Revenant are out of the conversation since they're true stories based on actual pasty white people. Brooklyn's out too since it's all 1960s Irish immigration (Even in this century, Ireland is still 94% white). Which leaves Room, Mad Max Fury Road, and The Martian and there's no reason that any of those stories couldn't be told with an Asian actor, or a black actress, or any other non-white ethnicity.
But here's where I get in trouble in the second part of the question: I don't think it would have affected their Oscar chances to be cast with a person of color -- certainly not Mad Max (which in play solely because of the strength of its filmmaking... which almost never happens. Yipee!) or The Martian (which is already diversely cast) -- maybe Room would have had trouble getting people to watch it (trouble it already had with a white cast given how horrified people were with the premise) I guess? Here's the thing: I don't actually think the Academy is racist and even among their members, I'm betting the actors branch is the least racist. I think what we're dealing with here is racial bias (i.e. they're most drawn to stories they can personally relate to which is true for just about everyone on the planet no matter their skin color which is why a diverse membership -- which they don't have -- is super important). That and the most defining factor which is that they're dealing with a hugely white crop of movies each year. I think their past history indicates that they are very open to actors of color -- except Asians. I have NO idea what that is about and it bugs the shit out of me!
That's not to deny that we have had a rough couple of years (we have!). I'm glad the conversation is happening because it seems to be slowly dawning on the easily outraged internet (and I thank Viola Davis again for being so wise and underlining this) that this is a much larger studio and film-production problem than it is an Academy members problem. And once you understand the problem you can work towards fixing it.
TW: I don't think I've seen much about Glenda Jackson on this site. I've never really understood why she won two Oscars. Can you explain? How do you feel about her?
NATHANIEL: I cannot explain. I don't really remember her work clearly. When I first because obsessed with the Oscars in the 80s I watched a lot of movies on VHS that I was way too young for including some of hers and I didn't 'get' them. I remember nothing from Women in Love (1969) for example beyond the nude man wrestling -- so it's hard to reconcicle that memory with the knowledge that it's a Best Actress Winning Film! And her second Oscar pains me because I am a huge fanatic for The Way We Were (1973) so that Oscar shoulda been Babs'.
I think if I watched her work now I might feel differently but I never have time to do all the projects I'd love to do.
KIMBERLY S: Do you think that nowadays remarkable actress like Streep, Blanchett, Winslet, Moore, Viola Davis, etc, will be remembered from here to 40 or 50 years and will be myth (with a thousands of books, movies, documentaries) like the usual Marilyn, Greta, Ingrid, Grace, Audrey, Marlene, Bette, Doris, etc? Do you agree that the most remembered are from the big studios age (1930's-1950's) ?
NATHANIEL: The studio system had its issues but they did right by the myth and persona building around their biggest stars. They invested a lot in making sure their personas were clearly defined because they essentially owned their careers and saw the ROI for careful handling. It was oppressive for the actors, creatively, but it mostly helped them when it came to film immortality. The problem with modern actors being remembered in 50 years will be twofold: the quality of the films themselves and the erratic nature of their output since most actors want to be chameleons but not all of them are Meryl Streep level talented at being different in every film.
Meryl Streep will obviously be remembered because her name is now shorthand for something else (GREAT ACTING!) the way say Audrey Hepburn (ELEGANCE) Marilyn Monroe (SEX SYMBOL) and others mean something outside of the limits of their filmography. I think Tilda Swinton will be remembered too because she has an out of time otherworldly quality and is not like anyone before her so she'll probably read as completely modern long after she's dead... plus she has a good track record in terms of quality films. Not sure about the others though Blanchett, Kidman, and Moore have an advantage in that they are drawn to auteurs and auteur films are the ones most likely to survive if past history is any indication.
If Hollywood would only build films around Viola Davis (as they should have done starting with her blockbuster success in The Help) she might have stood a chance, as her screen persona is also unique. And I'm not talking about the color of her skin though that would also help bolster her myth if she was the first blacktress to have an expansive film career worth celebrating 50 years later; her predecessors were abandoned by Hollywood before they could stick the landing if you will. As for TV stardom... I think no one knows what will survive there because TV has entered a whole new era of anything-goes in terms of genre, quality, quantity, ways to see it. The only TV stardom that seems immortal from the first few decades of TV is sitcom stardom: Mary Tyler Moore, Lucille Ball, the Golden Girls, and so on. So who knows what kind of TV show/star from today people will still remember in 2066?
CHRISTOPHER: Several years ago you posted about how many acting nominees are never nominated again. What first time nominee do you think is least likely to be nominated again? Which one is most likely to be nominated again?
BELLA THORNE: Which ten actors of today would you bet are likely to be nominated in 2026?
NATHANIEL: Okay so we're sticking with the crystal ball future fame thing, eh? Our first time acting nominees this year are Leigh, McAdams, Vikander, Rampling, Larson, Hardy and Rylance. Of those I think Vikander and Hardy (both just warming up and hugely talented) are most likely to return and McAdams and Leigh least likely.
As for ten years from now: Cate Blanchett and Kate Winslet will both be in their 50s which is still the most dangerous life decade for any actress in terms of getting good jobs (though Hollywood usually comes back around to the superstar thespian women in their 60s, perhaps since by then people have remembered their talent and forgotten about that awkward period wherein they had their "last fuckable day" to quote Amy Schumer)...
Awards magnet Christian Bale, smooched by his Big Short director here, will continue to be one.
I'd say Alicia Vikander is likely because she's, thus far, super consistent and will be in her 30s which tends to be the most superlative decade for leading ladies. I love Brie Larson but i still don't quite know what to make of her longevity as a film star. I could see her being one of those huge talents that never quite hits with the public and moves to TV where she is fully embraced (like a Claire Danes) though I hope film stardom works out. Obviously Christian Bale will still be nominated because men are allowed to work in their 50s and actors idolize him. I'm guessing by 2026 we'll have moved into a less frequently nominated DiCaprio period since that usually happens to stars who win the Oscar once they're "overdue" - awards take a break (see also: Winslet/Sarandon/Kidman... oh wait, maybe that's just actresses). So my answer is, in this order: Bale, Vikander, Hardy.
But, yes, 1st nominations are often last nominations for actors -- not to pour cold water on anyone's happiness this season. So I turn it over to all of you: Who do you think is coming back soon and who will still be vying for gold in 10 years time?
VOLVAGIA: Jacob Tremblay is making rumblings of wanting a role in Star Wars. Would you prefer he do that, or get him playing Dick Grayson? I know I'm leaning on the latter, but that's because I think the opportunity to do a good take on a Robin origin.
NATHANIEL: I can't think of a worse fate for a complete dramatic natural like Jacob Tremblay to get stuck in a dull superhero movie like yet another Batman.
/3RTFUL: What actor do you want to see win a Second Oscar?
NATHANIEL: This year Kate Winslet without a doubt! As for a second Oscar, it should be plainly stated that I am not a big seconds and thirds guy. I am more of a "spread the wealth" person. I'd much rather have Fiennes, The Bening, Viola, La Pfeiffer, Knightley, Norton, Linney, Martin, Williams, and other Oscarless winning before anyone gets a second. This is probably why SAG and EMMY just don't captivate my imagination the way Oscar does, since they repeat so often. All that said if I had to gift one previous winner with a killer performance/role that can't be denied it'd either be Nicole Kidman/Tilda Swinton (due to consistent brilliance and auteur lust) or Anne Hathaway/Marisa Tomei, just to f*** with people's heads.
BD: Considering the lack of precursor dominance and the (mostly) unpredictable race for Oscar, do you think this was generally a strong year in film or not?
TOM: Can we have a smackdown for this year's supporting actress? And next year are we going to start with 1963?
NATHANIEL: The Smackdowns will return. I have to admit that 40% Egregious Category Fraud in this year's lineup gutted my previous desire to begin the new Smackdown season with the current year. Well, that and Danish Girl fatigue (watching it a third time in one season? no buenos) Plus, everyone I know thinks Rooney Mara is the best one (as do I... by a huge margin... though I'd vote for Winslet since she actually is supporting) and I don't want to be all hypocritical w/ "here's our Oscar endorsement!" I haven't picked the years for the new season but 1963 will be among them. Announcements to come before Oscar night.
Reader Comments (43)
I love Anne and Marisa. If all their haters actually sat down and watched all their nominated performances, they'd have no choice but to like them. Right?
So you don't think McAdams would be nominated again,she's the one I think will and certainly Hardy.
I love a comment I saw here once that one day, in 100 years time, film historians will question why Nicole Kidman was never appreciated while she was alive and what a brave screen icon she was.
her second Oscar pains me because I am a huge fanatic for The Way We Were (1973) so that Oscar shoulda been Babs'
I believe she lost because of how she won her first Oscar. By pleading for membership status so she could vote for herself hence the only official acting tie in Oscar history. There is an EW interview with Jackson where she clearly gives no damns about winning those Oscars. She said once the name is read all tension leaves the room and nobody cares. She talked about the platting coming off the statuettes.
Shocked you've given up hope on Hunter getting another shot at Oscar. I believe supporting actress will be kind to her in the future. Hathaway getting a second Oscar should not be controversial. She has been thirsty for Hollywood recognition since she first envisioned herself in the movies as a child. I do wonder if she'll be able to get it in Best Actress? It is possible double Supporting Actress winners will become common soon enough. I think Huston could pull it off. I want Bates and Sarandon to get seconds in Supporting since Best Actress has essentially shut them out since winning it.
Hollywood is not friendly to black artists. Men and women (especially women) are dismissed as insignificant and marginalized.
I'm a huge defender of her nomination for Spotlight, but I agree that McAdams feels unlikely to be back. Although one of her most notable roles is that of a high school student in a film that doesn't feel too long ago (Mean Girls), she is about to enter an age bracket where it gets harder for women to get the really good roles. Her slate of upcoming films supports that theory.
Okay, I get the dread of not wanting to waste a good-great actor on franchise fare. I really do. Tremblay is at least a good actor, and wanting him far from franchise fare to stretch his muscles is a valid view. But I'm ALSO dreading the idea that we're going to have to sit through another cinematic take on a Robin origin with an actor 10-15 years too old for a real good one.
I am mesmerized by that photograph of Adam McKay and his muse. Can't...stop...staring...
So, yeah, I'M conflicted, but I also admire your total disgust at the concept.
A second Oscar for Marisa Tomei ? I'm just about over her winning over the likes of :
Husbands and Wives: Judy Davis
Howards End: Vanessa Redgrave
Damage: Miranda Richardson
Sorry - too many actresses without even one for me to be thrilled at the idea of Tomei having 2.
I like Anne Hathaway but her counterpart Emily Blunt needs to get some Oscar love before Anne gets another one as well.
And on a happier note - I'm so glad we both agree that Tootsie was >Ghandi.
Supporting Actress Smackdown brings me so much joy. I have so much fun discussing film and performance with other film lovers. I feel that if we did a smackdown for this year McAdams might get some Hathaway/McConahey backlash.
I believe that Winslet is getting a second Oscar and Blanchett is getting a 3rd one. They will both surpass Bette Davis with her 10 noms for sure
Christian Bale is gonna win a 2nd Oscar as well
I hope that before 2026 that Glenn Close has been given her Oscar. The same with Jake Gyllenhaal, Fassbender, Hardy and Blunt
What about ScarJo and Evan Rachel Wood?
watch glenda jackson in sunday bloody sunday; all will be explained
I adore Glenda Jackson and find her a unique, individual actress but as is often the case she didn't win for pictures that were really the best representation of what she could do. Women in Love is an odd film AND she's really supporting. I love her work in A Touch of Class, though I agree that the win should have gone to Babs for her best performance ever in The Way We Were.
To get a better idea of Glenda at her best watch Marat/Sade, The Maids (where she's matched with an equally brilliant Susannah York) or The Return of the Soldier (cast against type she gives a beautifully delicate performance as a gentle soul) or the 70's British mini-series Elizabeth R.
Looking forward to the return of the Smackdown! Speaking of 1963 I saw that the elusive, at least it has been for me, Tom Jones will be showing on TCM the 21st of this month. I was beginning to despair of finding it and since three of the five nominees come from that film it's a vital one to see to be able to play along.
If McAdams gets a killer role in the next two years she will win. After that I really doubt it.
Glenda Jackson's best performance was on TV i.e. Elizabeth R (1971) which she won 2 Emmy.
For the longest time, Cate was THE Queen Elizabeth I for me, until I watched Elizabeth R. Jackson really bowled u over! She had a stately, androgynous, fiery spirit (not unlike Cate & Tilda) & thr's no other actresses like her at tt time and that made her unique. Plus, her disdain for the awards quickly made her the new K Hepburn (she never attended during both her wins)
Her 1st win for Women in Love was in a large due to the critical success of Elizabeth R released in US around the same time (voters were bowled over by this new British sensation)
Her 2nd win for A Touch of Class was more of a surprise, but I guess the voters were so taken tt she could do comedy as well as drama, they wanna crowned her as the new K Hepburn. But sadly her star waned in mid 70
Also check out Sunday, Bloody Sunday (1971) which many thot was the 2nd best actress perf after Fonda's Klute. if she haven won for Women in Love, she probably will win for this
I like your 2026 predictions for longevity (Bale, Vikander, Hardy). I would add Streep and Winslet too because they have shown they already have the longterm goods, and why not allow them to keep going? Blanchett and Fassbender too? Lupita would be my investment if given opportunity.
I do think Nicole will be remembered as a great actress. There are certain cinematic links (The Hours, Moulin Rouge and To Die For) that will fold in and include her great work.
@ Joel6- thanks for the Tom Jones TCM tip! I couldn't find a copy of that movie anywhere! I have the VIP's on my dvr and having already sat through Lilies of the Field, I will get to watch all the films this time!
The thing about Holly Hunter is that she's capable of go-for-broke genius—rarer than it sounds, even among my favorite actresses—and gets recognized for it. If you look at her three best Oscar-nominated performances (Thirteen, Broadcast News, The Piano) they are all so different and tower so inimitably in their respective years. And in three different decades!
When she's at the top of her game, it's impossible to miss. I don't see an Albert Knobbs or Mrs. Henderson Presents happening in her late career...more like a 45 Years, Away From Her, Amour, or Notes on a Scandal. When Holly Hunter is in the zone she fucking sends for you.
Re Glenda Jackson: think of her as one of the crowd of Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Helen Mirren, with the same self-possession, withering scorn, but young with a raw earthy sexuality and scads of talent.
When Jackson quit acting to be a member of Parliament for the artist's part of London, her constituents knew that she would effectively fight for them.
As an actress, when Jackson disagreed with a more prominent male artist, she fought for what she believed and won. Where so many actresses and actors are intimidated into being agreeable and accommodating, and underpaid and never "difficult", she was a fireball who never backed down. Of course the acting community wanted her to represent them, and show what their profession could be.
Glenda Jackson certainly has a strong screen presence, and while I wouldn't say I loved either of her Oscar wins, Women in Love was interesting to watch around the time I saw A Normal Heart. The film is so open in its bizarre sexuality and it's no surprise Kramer wrote it, considering he's such a vocal, apparently divisive person.
Thanks for answering my question! My Fair Lady edges out Birdman for me, but both It Happened One Night (which I own) and Tootsie (which I should) deserve a rewatch.
Glenda Jackson was an incredible actress who chose to retire and devote herself to the world of politics. Her work in Sunday, Bloody Sunday (for which she was nominated in 1971) was awe inspiring, as was Peter Finch's. The Oscar went to Jane Fonda in Klute. The film was directed by John Schlesinger after completing Midnight Cowboy. The year before, 1970, she'd won the Oscar for Women in Love - an extraordinary performance in a film unlike the ones we could normally see at the time.
The third nomination and second win was for A Touch of Class, a charming, little comedy co-starring Walter Matthau. The winner was expected to be Barbra Streisand for The Way We Were, with Ellen Burstyn (The Excorcist) possibly pulling an upset. And don't forget Joanne Woodward for Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams, a very popular film with actors. When Jackson's name was called out by Charlton Heston and Susan Hayward, you could clearly see Burstyn pulling a face like "If it was not to be Barbra it should have been me!".
The fourth nomination in a 6-year period came in 1975 for Hedda where she played Ibsen's tragic heroine Hedda Gabler. The Oscar went to Louise Fletcher for One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest.
Matt Damon's role in The Martian could have easily been played by a person of color, but Ridley Scott has made it clear that he doesn't think his films would get funded if he didn't cast a white actor. I argue that he would because he is Ridley Scott.
I like the question about what will be remembered 50 years from now.
In cinephile circles for sure giant names will survive, but as an overall trend it seems to me that being talented and respected doesn't do much to improve one's odds at a legacy. Let's call it the Paul Muni factor. His name survives mostly to a slight segment of dedicated cinephiles or Academy Awards completists, without any other significant cultural dent.
What manages to make its way as part of the broader culture is a much different ball game. Some movies and moviestars become high art, some become pop culture staples, the rarities become both (the Marlon Brandos and the Gone with the Winds of the world), the vast majority becomes neither.
It is crazy to think, but likely true, that someone like Arnold Schwarzenegger has a bigger chance at wider cultural longevity than much finer actors of 80s (like William Hurt, for example) because his movies have a captive audience and some have spun longlasting multiplatform franchises, like the Predator and the Terminator series.
Meryl will be remembered, of course, but she actually has very few great movies under her belt. Her career is mostly comprised of excellent performances in mediocre pictures, peppered with a Deer Hunter and a Silkwood here and there. I expect a reassessment of her career once she and her immediate (and rabid) fanbase are gone. Of course, all you need for that iconic legacy is one film/performance and her run in the 80s alone is sufficient for her name to survive.
It is fun to guess but I am sure if peeps in the 40s and 50s were told that in 2016 more people would know Anne Baxter than Greer Garson, they would have scoffed at the notion. Alas, on the strength of All About Eve and The Ten Commandments, that's pretty much what came to be.
It makes me worry about Cate Blanchett. Winslet will be fine, she has Titanic, but Blanchett could end up being best known for playing Galadriel in the LotR/Hobbit series.
I don't buy the Meryl argument. She will be remembered just like Hepburn and Davis will be remembered. You can't just erase her from cinema, as much as some people would desire. Why is Top Gun on the National Film Registry but not Silkwood? Same with Kramer. Seems sexist. And I know this shocks people, but a lot of people do love her movies. A fan base which has been passed down now a couple of generations. See you at Oscar.
Halle Berry is heartbroken she remains the only nonwhite actress to win Best Actress fifteen years after her historic breakthrough in the category.
http://www.essence.com/2016/02/03/halle-berry-breaks-silence-about-oscar-diversity-controversy-its-heartbreaking?ESS+FB=ESS_socialflow_Facebook&xid=essence_socialflow_facebook
A second Oscar for Marisa Tomei ? I'm just about over her winning over the likes of :
Husbands and Wives: Judy Davis
Howards End: Vanessa Redgrave
Damage: Miranda Richardson
Sorry - too many actresses without even one for me to be thrilled at the idea of Tomei having 2.
Tomei's first nomination came at the expense of Alfre Woodard getting a second.
I can understand saying McAdams, but I actually think this will ignite an improved career for her and she'll get another nomination within the next five years.
Jennifer Jason Leigh will definitely not be back tho. This is her career nod lol.
Jennifer Jason Leigh plays Lady Bird Johnson in a new Rob Reiner movie. It is plausible she could make a return in the category.
You're right on about how movie stars will not be remembered the same way they were during Old Hollywood, which could create legends out of even the least talented people.
But the ones who work with auteurs and take their legacies seriously, they will be noticed 50-100 yrs from now.
It's like Charlotte Rampling. She's respected for The Night Porter and The Damned -- they always get brought up with her. She isn't Old Hollywood, but she made a couple daring, bold choices that will stand the test of time.
/3rtful: It's been 20 years since Rob Reiner was relevant enough to command Oscar buzz. North (his first disaster), The Story of Us, Alex & Emma, Rumor Has It, The Bucket List, Flipped, The Magic of Belle Isle, And So It Goes. I'd expect another Diana from that directorial record before I expected, even, an Imitation Game or Theory of Everything level biopic.
V anything can happen with middlebrow material finding its way in the Oscar conversation next year. Did anyone think Julianne Moore would return after double defeat in 2002? Voters have their habits of moving on from certain performers despite their talent due to their unpopularity when it comes time to vote on a winner.
I say Leigh is good for a second nomination. Look at Janet McTeer and Laura Dern.
Tumbleweeds (1999, Actress), Albert Nobbs (2011, Supp)
Rambling Rose (1991, Actress), Wild (2014, Supp)
/3rtful: Um...that's supposing that Reiner's even capable of an Imitation Game level biopic and the most important thing I said as far as on-paper Oscar prospects was "I'd expect another DIANA".
Best Comedy Winner - I love It Happened One Night, but I still laugh louder rewatching Annie Hall.
39 Years After - They're both alive, so I think that I could almost tolerate a mother/daughter Exorcist revisit. I'm not believing that it would be anything memorable, only in the same league as Texasville was to The Last Picture Show.
Repeat Winner - In my lifetime, if the role was deserving & not a 'lifetime achievement Oscar,' I'd like to see another win by Goldie Hawn, Sissy Spacek or Dianne Weist.
Substituting actors of color - Though it wasn't nominated as Best Picture, the only 2016 that might've worked with a skin color switch might be Carol. If the audience could accept it, Viola Davis possibly could've done her own version in the Lead. (Though he's claimed to be a great actor, so says his wife, I'd almost want to see Will Smith as Steve Jobs, Dalton Trumbo or The Danish Girl. A 'great' actor, regardless of skin color, would've made you forget him in those roles - thinking of Dustin Hoffman as a woman/Tootsie. Will Smith would'nt have done the same in The Martian or The Revenant because he already did those 'last man on earth' films.
Of the Best Pictures nominated - of those left - had the skin color changed of any original character, the narrative would mostly be changed as well. Had Irish girl S.Ronan fell in love with a black boy, the returned to Ireland and now must decide - the synopsis would've been more like 'lovely girl goes to racist America - nothing has changed seen (Republican) Ike E. times - you almost would'nt want to watch the movie. Ditto for Room - had it starred a black actress - most people would expect a 'Monster's Ball' sex scene - and you couldn't enjoy the film since too many outside voices would be shouting about 'sexually portrayals' blah, blah, blah...
Glenda Jackson - I rewatched A Touch of Class and found her to be quite funny. Better than B.S. - yes.
/3rtful -- but that's forgetting that Leigh is already 50 years old. Janet McTeer was turning 50 and Laura Dern was still in her 40s for the second nomination. Leigh is entering the age range that's least castable (according to Hollywood)
Hayden -- oh god i got all tingly imagining Holly Hunter getting her own 45 years style role. But Hollywood doesn't seem interested in her at all anymore :( but I agree that when she's on it's impossible to look away.
Another supporting actress nomination is not an improbability for Leigh. David O Russell or Darren Aronofsky could potentially cast her because she's exactly the kind of polarizing actress they personally gravitate towards.
/3rtful --- ????? O. Russell loves *very* popular mainstream actresses like Lawrence & Adams (he's hardly after iconoclasts) or comically gifted older women -- neither of which the dead serious always polarizing JJL qualifies for. Aronofsky goes for the magnicificently beautiful (Portman/Tomei/Connelly)
TOM -- That Exorcist idea sounds brilliant actually. Too bad there've been so many bad sequels that would make that something people would laugh at rather than want to support.
PHILIP H - i wonder if you're right. I've never quite understood McAdams appeal (to me she's so much blander than her contemperaries/competiors but people have always rooted for her.
The key word in my statement Nathaniel is personal. Because you cannot point to an example of a Jennifer Jason Leigh character or performance in their filmographies does not mean they would shy away from casting her now she is "relevant" by virtue of becoming a newly minted Oscar nominee. Laura Dern has another supporting actress vehicle which should find her in the conversation again. Christopher Plummer landed a deserving second nomination after his first just three years early. Almost anything can happen concerning actors.
I often wonder if they had really killer portraitists that we might have actors who would become immortal. I know it sounds goofy, but think about how just a handful of images of certain classic stars are really all that anyone knows about them? You can still see a still photo of, say, Garbo or Montgomery Clift and have your gaze riveted right there. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if Farrah outlasts real actresses in 50 years.
And a well curated career really can take you far and I agree with Nathaniel. I think Barbra and Oprah do that sort of thing and it has helped them to last well beyond their expiration dates.
And about Glenda Jackson's second Oscar win, I defy anyone to watch that and think it's any good at all, let alone funny. :-)
I would rate the odds of Jennifer Jason Lee getting another Oscar nod as 1 in 1 million. She mumbles, averts her eyes and is all over the map.
Nathaniel - As for an Exorcist reunion - I wouldn't want or even believe another revisit by the Demon. (Doubt it could be at the Aliens level). I simple mother & child reunion drama with no stupid f/x or scare tactics is enough. 1st choice would've been a revisit of the Pink Flamingo families - grossness is what audiences what nowadays.
Meryl Streep is basically the Katharine Hepburn of our era--the "beloved" great actress--but without the myth. Not saying that's a bad thing, but modern day stars don't build/burnish myths.
I so agree on iconic imagery. Vikander said Streep was iconic so something clearly imprinted. Myth is associated with history. With Meryl you see progression of women in culture. Plus her love life has always been spicey, and I know Kate's was too. With women.