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Are you a fan of And the Runner-Up Is? Kevin Jacobsen's podcast started as a way to look at past Best Picture races, going down Oscar history one lineup at a time. However, when every year was covered, it came time to change strategy. Going beyond the biggest category of them all, he refocused his attention on the Academy Award for Best Actress and revitalized the format along the way. Three years ago, I had the honor of guesting in the 1933 episode where we discussed Katharine Hepburn's first victory, May Robson's sentimental loveliness, and Diane Wynyard's short-lived Hollywood success story. This week, it was time to return to And the Runner-Up Is and relitigate one of the greatest Best Actress races ever. It's Swank vs Bening round two, 2004 electric boogaloo…
While I won't spoil the whole episode, I can't help but share some of my enthusiasm with you guys. It's always a pleasure to talk to Kevin about actressing, especially when the subject is as juicy as the 2004 race for gold. Topics ranged from the curse of underappreciated films facing off against Best Picture behemoths, Clint Eastwood's methodology in contrast with Mike Leigh's approach, underrated gems, the challenge of Clementine Kruczynski, Scarlett Johansson's Golden Globe nomination, and Tea Leoni's Spanglish orgasm. When it came time to answer listeners' questions, there was even an opportunity to imagine a few alternate Oscar histories. What would have happened had Winslet won in 2004? What's that butterfly effect like?
Find that out, and much more, on the podcast episode. And if you want to check out the nominated works, here are the nominees and where you can find each of their films:
ANNETTE BENING in BEING JULIA
The film is available to rent and purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
CATALINA SANDINO MORENO in MARIA FULL OF GRACE
The film is streaming on Max. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon and Apple TV.
IMELDA STAUNTON in VERA DRAKE
The film is available to rent and purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
HILARY SWANK in MILLION DOLLAR BABY
The film is available to rent and buy at Amazon, Apple TV, and the Microsoft Store.
KATE WINSLET in ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND
The film is streaming on Starz. You can also rent it on Amazon, Apple TV, Flix Fling, the Microsoft Store, and Spectrum On Demand.
How would you rank the 2004 Best Actress Oscar nominees? And what's your dream lineup, by the way?