Much has been made in the media that the three leading contenders in Supporting Actress, Laurie Metcalf, Holly Hunter and Allison Janney, are playing mothers. So it seemed natural for them to sit down together for an interview and photoshoot...

It was Hunter though who came up with the soundbite that maybe we should look further into their characters to find commonalities, telling The Wrap:

I feel like I’ve played mothers my entire career. [] For me, motherhood and the realm of the female are intertwined, obviously. It’s always a part of the expression when you play a woman: Do you have children or not? So the commonality of us, it doesn’t feel so odd to me. It doesn’t feel particular serendipitous. It feels like life.

For now it seems that Metcalf is out front having won both NBR and LAFCA, and the expected competition for wins with Janney hasn’t happened yet. We will see if that frontrunner status holds up as more awards are announced.

Sally & Guillermo earlier this year in Venice

The Shape Of Water had a very good week. It was clearly adored by both LAFCA and the BFCA. Guillermo Del Toro continues to be a delight on the press tour. Not only is he selling his own movie but also being generous to other filmmakers calling out Lady Bird and specifically Greta Gerwig’s direction:

Lady Bird’ is a fantastic first film. Such intelligence and acute eye for drama and cinema. Deceivingly natural, full of style.

Where’s Sally Hawkins though? That is the million dollar question. She has not done that much press since the Fall film festivals. This week her co-stars Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins and Doug Jones seem to be everywhere as the film is opening in theaters. They all sing her praises every chance they get of course. Is that enough?

Judi Dench accepts the Kirk Douglas Award at the Santa Barbara Film Festival

Meanwhile her fellow contenters in best actress are everywhere. Even those notorious for shunning press. Like Frances McDormand, who sat down for a big NYTimes interview. Like Dame Judi Dench, who was recently in LA accepting honorary awards and charming everyone. Maybe Sally is saving her press appearances till after the nominations are announced to maximize her winning chances?

Do you miss seeing Sally Hawkins? Who gave your favorite "mother" performance this year?

Other Oscar-Seeking Happenings This Week
Documentary Field Narrows to 15
New York Times Scare up 10 Great Actors
AFI's Top Ten List
Shape of Water is Critics Choice
Visual Effects Field Narrows to 20
Annie Nominations Honor Coco
LAFCA names Call Me By Your Name the Best