Smackdown '21: Ariana, Aunjanue, Jessie, Judi, and Kirsten

Welcome back to the Supporting Actress Smackdown. Each month we pick an Oscar vintage to explore through the lens of actressing at the edges. This episode, kicking off a new season takes us back to... well, not back at all but to the current Oscar race which will be decided, officially, on March 27th. 

THE NOMINEES  Dame Judi Dench returns for an incredible 8th nomination while the rest of the field are first timers whether they're near the beginning of their film career (triple threat Ariana DeBose and dramatic powerhouse Jessie Buckley), deep inside it (character actress extraordinare Aunjanue Ellis) or, long past overdue for their first "shrimp" (movie star Kirsten Dunst).

THE PANELISTS: Here to talk about these five performances are (in alpha order) critics Rebecca Alter (Vulture), Cláudio Alves (The Film Experience) Sophia Ciminello (Oscar Wild), Ryan McQuade (Awards Watch / In Session Film),  and your host Nathaniel R.

 SUPPORTING ACTRESS SMACKDOWN + PODCAST  

LET'S BEGIN...

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"Introducing" The film debuts of your Best Supporting Actresses

by Nathaniel R

Aunjanue Ellis in her film debut, "Girls Town"

In the glitz and glamour of awards season it can be hard to remember that today's most celebrated performers were once just starry eyed hopefuls trying to land a movie role. For this four-part series, a look back at the films that launched each of our acting nominees, some more auspiciously than others. Because acting is a three medium art form (stage, tv, screen) we're sticking to their first feature film role to make it easier. Some of the nominees had acting gigs before landing their first film. We'll take them in chronological order of their debuts and share a screen shot of the very first credited moment on film.

We begin with Supporting Actress which we'll be discussing at length on the Smackdown this weekend. But first a look back at their very first roles...

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Best Supporting Actress - 'How'd she get nominated?'

The Best Supporting Actress Oscar Chart is fully updated with stats, trivia, a reader's poll, and "how'd they get nominated"? theorizing, so check it out. 

Yes No Maybe So: 'Lightyear', 'Jurassic World Dominion', 'Firestarter', and 'Men'

New trailer roundup!

Let's discussing upcoming prequels (Lightyear), sequels (Jurassic World Dominion), remakes (Firestarter) and one original (Men)... at least there's one! We'll do quick Yes No and Maybe So for each after the jump... 

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Team Experience Oscar Reactions: Mourning "Passing", relieved for Stewart, and celebrating "The Worst Person..."

For each big awards events we like to quickly check in with the team and see how they're feelin. So herewith short blurbs from Team Experience about the Oscar nominations this morning. Which nomination was most thrilling and shocking? What omissions are they mourning for the next 24 hours? Find out after the jump and do chime in yourself on these four questions please. Join the conversation...

1. WHAT SINGLE NOMINATION MOST THRILLED YOU?

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