Photo: Getty Images
As the buzz has it, Best Actress nominee Angelina Jolie (The Changeling) will have to settle for looking gorgeous with Brad on the red carpet. Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married) might have won if two words didn't destroy her chances—Bride Wars. There has been some talk in the countdown to Sunday's Big Event that Melissa Leo (Frozen River) has been gaining momentum. Oscar voters have finally watched her movie, which they ignored at the multiplex, on freebie Academy screeners, and they like what they see. Much the way they caught up late last year with Marion Cotillard playing Edith Piaf in La Vie en Rose. And Cotillard scored a surprise win. Will Leo win in an upset and caress the golden dildo? Though a shock would be nice, don't count on it. The race has come down to two contenders— Kate Winslet for The Reader and Meryl Streep for Doubt. The funny thing is most of the comment about each actress has barely focused on their acting in these films. It's been about their entire careers. Let me explain:
Kate Winslet should win for The Reader. Why? Not because she was excellent (she was) as the former SS guard who feels guilty about her illiteracy as a metaphor for her guilt about aiding in the murder of Jews. But because The Reader represents her sixth acting nomination with no wins. That's right. Winslet scored nods for Sense and Sensibility, Titanic, Iris, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Little Children and now The Reader. At 33, she's the youngest actress to pull off that record. So the reasoning goes that Winslet deserves the Oscar as a career achievement award. At 33? I mean, isn't this a bit early to worry that Winslet won't get another (and better) movie to take to victory? For those (like me) who think Winslet is nominated this year for the wrong movie— I much preferred her risky work in Revolutionary Road—the argument seems specious. Al Pacino, the mad genius of The Godfather, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico and Glengarry Glen Ross, wins for Scent of a Woman. Please!
Meryl Streep should win for Doubt. Why? Not because she was great (she was) as the nun who suspects a priest of child abuse. But because Doubt represents Streep's 15th acting nomination—a record. That's right. Streep scored nods for The Deer Hunter, Kramer vs. Kramer, The French Lieutenant's Woman, Sophie's Choice, Silkwood, Out of Africa, Ironweed, A Cry in the Dark, Postcards from the Edge, The Bridges of Madison County, One True Thing, Music of the Heart, Adaptation, The Devil Wears Prada, and now Doubt. Unlike Winslet, Streep—59—has two Oscars on her shelf, for Kramer vs. Kramer and Sophie's Choice. But that last one was in 1983, practically the Stone Age. So the reasoning goes that Streep should win because it's been 26 years since she hit the podium. And, really, didn't you want her to win for The Devil Wears Prada? WTF?
So I'm asking you, based purely on the quality of the individual performance, who do you think should win? Reasons, please. A simple Yea or Nay won't cut it.
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thinking | April 3, 2009 4:14 PM
streep should win practically every time she is nominated. the academy probably holds back on letting her win b/c she almost always would
jesse | March 3, 2009 10:59 AM
what the hell!!!!!!!!!!!
Carrie | February 23, 2009 6:50 AM
Leighton,
Can you really judge Meryl's acting in Doubt based on the last line of dialogue in the movie??? She was the ACTOR not the SCREENWRITER, nor even the original PLAYWRIGHT. ACTOR. She says the words written by someone ELSE. If you didn't like the last line (which is actually integral to the movie and Meryl's character, but hey, that's a minor detail) then surely that is a testament to how you felt about the storyline, not Meryl.
Do you think maybe the fact that you walked out disillusioned with her character after believing she was so sure actually means that the storyline affected you the way it was supposed to?
Having said all that, although Meryl & Kate were the sentimental favorites, I actually think poor old Angie was severely overlooked this year, as was Leo, because the whole "who's turn is it" narrative between Streep & Winslet that was running alongside the nominations was too strong. So I guess in the end, the media won because the girl they determined should win, did.
FDR | February 22, 2009 8:23 PM
It's gotta be Streep. She's the greatest actress of the past 30 years. The Academy is the measuring stick used for future generations to examine the best works in the history of film. People keep saying Kate Winslet's been nominated 5 times before but so what? I haven't seen one person say she deserved to win any of those previous 5 times.
Anonymous | February 22, 2009 3:43 PM
i think winslet will win and next year the academy will reward Meryl with an oscar for her performance as julia child. you can take that to the bank. the academy loves a holocaust movie so kate has it in the bag. that's why she was nominated for the reader and not rev road.
Patrick B | February 22, 2009 1:46 PM
The award is for BEST actress of the year. That said, Meryl Streep should win. Hands down the best performance. She has been overlooked before... this pro deserves the trophy.
Anonymous | February 22, 2009 3:59 AM
Ok. I would be happy if our other underdog, Melissa Leo took the oscar, because she was excellent with alot of emotional grit and nuance in her performance.
Lets just say that Winslet's win will count both Revolutionary Road and The Reader, and her whole career as an actress, even though she was better in RR.
Winslet will win and should.
Leo should be the underdog win, and she deserves it. I would be happy that the hollywood cliques and predictable wins were replaced by good quality understated, yet moving films
Anonymous | February 21, 2009 4:36 PM
UM...practically half the comments do exactly what Travers was asking you NOT to do - namely, argue who should get the award based on past merit. One guy/girl even lists all the movies Streep should have won for. WTF?
If I'm completely unbiased, I think it should be between Streep and Leo. I just watched Frozen River and Leo had me within the first 2 minutes of the opening scene. She just inhabited that woman like she had lived that way her whole life. Very very impressive. On the other hand Meryl Streep of course just disappears into this role like she has done so many times before. It almost seems like even the way she walks is different. Like a different person is inhabiting her whole body. I think Streep used to be a very 'technical' actress, but lately she has really blossomed. She seems to really inhabit the characters she portrays and isn't only acting from the neck up (see for instance 'Out of Africa'). The fact that she is over the top is not a criticism but a benefit - Sister Aloysius would be exactly like that, waving her crucifix and shiz. I think she hit it right on the nail. As for Winslet, at times she couldn't even get the german accent right. I mean, come on! Obviously she has a chance here only because this is another Holocaust movie, and we all know how much the academy loves Holocaust movies. She was much better and much more nuanced in Revolutionary Road, imao.
John | February 21, 2009 4:36 PM
Meryl won the most important "other" award the screen actors guild award. At 3/1 im backing Meryl.
MIKE | February 21, 2009 12:40 PM
ITS CALLED BEST ACTRESS NOT MOST OWED ACTRESS. SOMEONE SAID EARLIER ABOUT DESTROYING THE MERIT OF THE AWARD. THAT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED WITH THE COLOR PURPLE(WHOOPI, OPRAH, SPIELBURG TO NAME A FEW) GOOD FELLAS(SCORCESSE), DUSTIN HOFFMAN (TOOTSIE), NEED I GO ON.
THE ACADEMY HAS ALREADY LOST IT MERIT. IF THE AWARD IS FOR THE BEST IT SHOULD BE FOR THE BEST. TOO MANY TIMES THE AWARD HAS BECOME A SYMPATHY AWARD. HERE IS AN EXAMPLE: JIMMY STEWART TOTALLY DESERVED AN OSCAR FOR MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON AND DID NOT GET IT. SO THE ACADEMY TRYING REDEEM ITSELF GAVE IT TO HIM THE NEXT YEAR FOR THE PHILADELPHIA STORY WHICH WAS AN OK PERFORMANCE BUT NOT THE BEST FOR THAT YEAR. THE ACADEMY HAS DONE THAT SO MANY TIMES THAT TO ME THE OSCAR IS A JOKE. IF WINSLETT WINS IT FUTHER MAKES MY POINT. STREEP WAS OUTSTANDING IN DOUBT AND SHOULD HAVE MORE OSCARS THAT HEPBURN. EVERYONE OF HER OSCAR NOMINATED PERFORMANCES ARE DIFFERENT. NONE OF THEM HAVE ANY SIMILARITIES. THAT IS WHAT MAKES STREEP A GREAT ACTRESS. IN MY OPINION SHE IS THE BEST OF ALL TIME AND AFTER HER BETTY DAVIS THEN GLENN CLOSE. I KNOW THAT SOME PEOPLE MAY DIAGREE WITH MY NEXT COMMENT BUT I THINK KATHERINE HEPBURN WAS OVERRRATED. I BELIVE SHE WON SOME OF THOSE OSCARS BECAUSE OF POPULARITY NOT PERFORMANCE. IF STREEP DOES NOT WIN IT WILL BE A GREAT SHAME. MY PREDICTION IS THAT MAYBE THE ACADEMY WILL GIVE TO HER NEXT YEAR FOR HER PERFORMANCE AS JULIA CHILD (BECAUSE THEY OWE HER)(ACADEMY AWARD: BIG JOKE AND POPULARITY CONTEST).
Kate Fan | February 21, 2009 9:30 AM
It's Kate Winslet's year with two outstanding performances where she plays uniquely tragic figures with a stunning poignancy. These two films define the actress for me, and I celebrate her unscripted and honest emotions as she accepts her awards. Bravo, Kate!
Sean | February 21, 2009 12:20 AM
Streep was laughable in Doubt. I think it's her worst performance - so hammy and mannered. Anne Hathaway gave the best performance but I don't have a problem with Winslet finally winning, although The Reader isn't her best work.
JEAN | February 20, 2009 8:20 PM
Meryl Streep should win. She should have at least 6 Oscars by now. It still burns me every time I think that Cher won over Meryl a few years ago. I think the Oscars are a bit of a joke. If a movie is nominated for best picture then the director of that movie should be an automatic nominee. Meryl deserves to win but probably won't. I will have my soft slipper ready to throw at the screen if she doesn't win! You go girl!
mickey | February 20, 2009 1:17 PM
anne hathway deserves the oscar..........
She shocks u 2 death and makes u sit up and know that she is here to stay..........
kate,meryll will keep getting better roles but that's doubtful 4 anne as bride wars is also not doing well.....
Hope she gets the oscar for best actress in a leading role
Ronald | February 20, 2009 7:44 AM
Streep is the best bar none. After all these years nobody can still hold a candle to her, performance-wise.
Ronald Bautista | February 20, 2009 7:42 AM
Meryl Strep should win this as her performance was consistent from beginning to end. And that emotion! Only Streept can do that which seems better thatn real!
Roxanne | February 20, 2009 1:03 AM
Meryl Streep, THE GREATEST ACTRESS OF ALL TIMES, is in a class by herself. No one "takes her on".
Meryl should have also won the Oscar for leading actress in these brilliant, le grande performances, the likes of which Winslet is presumptous to even assume that she is even worthy of being compared to the Mighty Meryl.
Meryl is able to so inhabit these characters, that you ask yourself very soon in the movie, where is Meryl Streep???!!! Where has she disappeared to???!! I would like to see Kate or anyone else pull that one off!
And she is so intelligent and artistic that she is able to nuance these character to the finest of the expression of who they really are, deep down inside. If you don't believe me watch these classic Meryl movies!
1).Silkwood (Should have won)
2).Ironweed (Should have won)
3).Bridges of Madison County (Should have won.)
4). A Cry in the dark (Should have won)
5). Adaptation (Should have won)
6). Sophie's choice (won)
7). Kramer Versus Kramer (won)
8). The Devil Wears Prada Should have won)
9). Out of Africa (should have won)
From my count from 15 nominations, Meryl should have the necessary hardware to back up her iconic performances. It should have been 7 oscars for lead and 1 for best supporting actress.
As for Kate Winslet whinning like she's entitled to an Oscar because she has been nominated 5 times, I've for two words for her: Glenn Close!
And if she still doesn't get it, try being Meryl Streep and be nominated 12 times and have to sit on the sides for nearly 30 years with all these stunning oscar worthy performances being passed over!
Critical Panda | February 20, 2009 12:50 AM
I think Kate Winslet was better in The Reader than in Revolutionary Road, though overall Revolutionary Road was the better film.
Winslet's performance in The Reader was nuanced, controlled and pitch-perfect. I can't say quite the same for her performance in Revolutionary Road--maybe I'm swayed by having read the book and my feeling that the character she played was much more complex in the book than in the movie.
Yeah, it sucks that The Reader kind of sucks, but you know what, Winslet was great in it and deserves the win! She just brings something to the table that no one else right now can, in any film she's in.
That being said, I've seen all the performances in the Best Actress category EXCEPT Streep's. Of the four I've seen, Melissa Leo stuck out, and in my mind would get the "runner's up" prize, if there were one.
Brock | February 19, 2009 8:34 PM
I know it won't happen, but Melissa Leo deserves it. In my personal opinion, no other actress displayed frustrations and emotions better than Leo. Also, the other actresses will get scripts worthy of oscar contention in the future. That cant be said for Leo. She got what could have been ordinary role and made it her own. She really made the most of it.
Lisa | February 19, 2009 8:03 PM
Kate Winslet campaigned hard using the I've been nominated so many times and the media picked up on it and said it's her time but it's not. She's undoubtedly a great actress and deserves all her nominations but fact is she hasn't won because she has never given the Best Performance against the other nominees and she hasn't this year either. Meryl Streep was much better and deserves the win, after her I'd pick Melissa Leo then Anne Hathaway. I'm not sure why Jolie is in there when Sally Hawkins and Kristen Scott Thomas were more deserving to be nominated.
Benjamin Burt | February 19, 2009 6:25 PM
If I picked the winner, it would be Anne Hathaway. Since I know she won't win, I'm going with Winslet. Even though she's nominated for the wrong movie, she blows Streep out of the water. I'm sorry, I like Meryl Streep, but HATED her in this movie. Not that I hated the character (Doubt is one of my favorite plays and I really liked the movie) but I hated her acting. It was way too much. Way too over-the-top.
For an example, watch the confrontation scene between her and Philip Seymour Hoffman: he is completely natural and lets the emotions come, hitting every note beautifully, while she goes to the lengths of literally ripping off her cross, holding it in front of her face, and screaming at him. Seriously, Meryl. Too much. Tone it down.
Meanwhile, I'll be silently rooting for Hathaway and smile when Winslet finally wins her overdue Oscar.
Lina | February 19, 2009 6:05 PM
Meryl was good,Kate was good, but as u say, she was better in Revolutionary Road.I personally would love to see Angie win again,although I know it`ll not happen.I completely agree with Clint that her gorgeous face prevents us from seeing her talent.
Nick | February 19, 2009 4:45 PM
I think that even though she wasn't nominated in "Revolutionary Road", voters will still take the achievement of both perfomances into consideration. If a nominee makes a bomb of a movie before or around awards time that, as Travers says, can alter a voter's choice, then why can't another good movie that person is in give them a positive nudge.
Remember a few years ago when Sean Penn was named Best Actor in Mystic River...I thought Bill Murray was just as good if not better in Lost In Translation, but I feel that Penn's equally great(I even thought it was better) in 21 Grams that year factored into the voters picking him. I think it will be the same case with Winslet. She was powerful in both films....and just because she gets more recognized for one doesn't mean the other one is any less great.
MW | February 19, 2009 3:55 PM
I love Meryl Streep, but this one left me kind of cold. Her performance seemed very meticulous and very detailed, which is usually the case with her, but it also felt too mannered to me.
Winslet was all right, but...c'mon, she's done better and she'll probably do better. Of all the nominees, Leo should get this.
Having said that, I'm still disappointed that two of my favorite performances this past year - by Sally Hawkins and Michelle Williams - didn't get a nod.
Fady | February 19, 2009 3:13 PM
Meryl Streep. It was an impecable job. She deserves this for a brilliant performance.
Leighton | February 19, 2009 2:04 PM
I agree with most on here when they say Kate was better in Revolutionary Road than she was in The Reader. I think that's purely based on the fact you're allowed to feel the emotions of that character; you feel what they feel - Hannah Schmitz never led anybody in, not even her audience. I still think she did a fantastic job in The Reader - the courtroom scenes were the best moments of the film.
Of the five nominees in the category, I think Leo best inhabits her role, but I think Anne Hathaway makes your skin crawl. At the end of the day, just looking at the roles, those would be the two I'd choose to duke it out. But, since it comes down to these two singular performances, I feel it's a toss-up. Realistically, I think Kate's going to walk away with it. Yes, at only 33 and receiving a "lifetime achievement," but the Oscar has always been deserved, just never awarded. Meryl, as well, has been better than she is here - that last line of dialogue left me with a really bad taste in my mouth and seems to destroy what the character was trying to do in the previous hour and 45 minutes. On pure merit, I give it to Kate.
I agree also that when voting people probably thought of both performances of Kate's and, in a sense, voted for both. Meryl doesn't have that edge.
Tequila Mockingbird | February 19, 2009 1:38 PM
I still vouch for Anne Hathaway, Bride Wars (and Kate Hudson) be damned.
Alex | February 19, 2009 12:56 PM
Meryl so deserves this. My favourite actor of all time, seriously overdue a 3rd Oscar.
bennie new york | February 19, 2009 12:48 PM
i know travers is a professional critic and all, but i have to disagree with him: Kate Winslet was nominated for the right movie, though i think it would have been awesome for her to have been nominated for both Revolutionary Road and The Reader. she's only 33? she's been around so long! my heart says winslet, but my head says streep. streep's been nominated almost annually it seems for the last 25 years. 25 years is a long time not to give someone so deserving an award, and this is probably her best role and best movie in a long time. okay, you know what, fuck my heart. i love Kate and i thought she was great in The Reader, but she'll have other chances. Meryl Streep deserves this award.
BJC | February 19, 2009 12:07 PM
I can almost bet on Winslet taking home the Oscar this year, her "past history" will probably sympathize with the Academy more than Streep's, and it'll be something they won't want to pass up. As much as I would love to see a fine actress like Winslet finally take home an Oscar, it disappoints me that it could be for The Reader, when she was much better in Revolutionary Road. I thought both movies were good, not great, and it still angers me that The Reader scored a Best Pic nod.
If it were up to me to pick this year's Best Actress based on actual performance, I would have to go with Angelina Jolie. I found her performance in Changeling the most compelling. It's also one of the best films I've seen this year.
Nick V | February 19, 2009 10:46 AM
Why does past history and a person's track record have to be factored in when considering oscars? The perfomance nominated should speak for itself and that and that alone should be the deciding factor. Too often, we see actors, actresses and directors getting awards that we all dub their "finally" oscar. If an actress gives hands down the best performance of the year five years in a row, then she should win each time.
Kate Winslet has earned all of her nominations, and the reason she hasn't won yet is that in each year, hers wasn't the best performance. This year, Streep was dynamite in Doubt and deserves to win...and it shouldn't be held against her that she's already won before, otherwise it would just take away the merit of the award.
Anonymous | February 19, 2009 10:37 AM
There is an unequal weight between Steep in DOUBT and Winslet in READER, although it would have been a true horse race if Winslet had rec'd the nod for REV ROAD. So this award will come down to who the voters feel is more DUE. Let's not forget, Streep has not won in 29 years...how is that remotely possible (how did she not win for THE HOURS, ONE TRUE THING, BRIDGES OF M CTY...come on!?!?!)?? And how is it possible that the best actor of her generation, Ms. Winslet, has not won to date either? I HATE it when this happens (remember Streep as Sophie vs. Jessica Lange as Frances Farmer in 1982...how do you really pick one of those performances over the other?!?). If Streep wins, Winslet can thank whoever pushed her work in REV ROAD aside and got her a BEST ACTRESS nod for a SUPPORTING performance. I love 'em both so I'm ok however it turns out. And, yeah, probably the best work of any female actor last year was Scott-Thomas so the rest is just idle chatter.
Bill | February 19, 2009 10:25 AM
Winslet isn't even in the same league as Streep. If Meryl doesn't win this year, the Academy should just admit that they have a new rule of never allowing anyone more than two Oscars. She's been snubbed over and over again. This is her year. She was BRILLIANT in Doubt.
MBS | February 19, 2009 8:44 AM
A Melissa Leo win would restore serious credibility to the whole race.
Winslett was brilliant in Revolutionary Road, and would have my hands-down vote if she were nominated for that.
Eijnar Amadeus | February 19, 2009 7:10 AM
I think Meryl Streep deserves the win, her performance against P.S. Hoffman was outstanding and she brilliantly nailed a role filled with dark corners of, well - doubt. Winslet on the other hand, should have won had she been nominated for the right movie, not the Reader, but Revolutionary Road. So for me Streep can anchor the Best Actress for the stupidity of the Oscars not nominating Winslet for the correct movie.
abdulnasir | February 19, 2009 6:04 AM
meryl should win. i think as great as kate winslet is, she was overrated for the reader, simply becasue of the movie's content and not necessarily for her acting chops.
jimjam | February 19, 2009 2:03 AM
Meryl was outstanding in DOUBT and I think if you judged her performance next to Kate's in THE READER, although it's like comparing apples and oranges, Meryl's apple is so much bigger, juicer and richer than Kate's orange which was tasty, yet not particularly memorable. Meryl's performance stayed with me. Unfortunately she's usually passed over becuase it's a "given" that she's great so usually the award goes to someone else. And I didn't totally buy Winslett's accent in the film.
Gabe | February 19, 2009 1:54 AM
Either one: Streep or Winslet, thanks Peter for mentioning the fact that Winslet was better in Revolutionary Road, while on the other hand, it is becoming more likely that what she righteously so claimed on Ricky Gervais show (I wont win an award until I do a holocaust movie)will become true.
WINSLET FOR ACHEIVEMENT, NOT FOR SINGLE PERFORMANCE
STREEP FOR PERFORMANCE
WHO SHOULD WIN? TOUGH CALL
Doctor | February 19, 2009 12:51 AM
I vouch for Melissa Leo.
JBL | February 19, 2009 12:33 AM
How about discussing the three actresses this year who were not nominated but all gave superior performances to any of those nominated. Kristin Scott Thomas, in my opinion, clearly gave the most powerful performance of the year, male or female. She was the emotional and psychological heart of one of the most complex dramas this decade, and her performance rested entirely on the subtle movements of a facial expression or the restraint of a monosyllable. If it couldn't go to Thomas, though, I would have loved to see Michelle Williams get a nomination for Wendy and Lucy, another movie that was all based upon the success of the lead actress' inhabitation of a role. Williams lived her part, and the thoughts of her going so unrecognized this award season is sickening. I only hope she takes the Indie Spirit, at the very least. And finally, the most surprising non-nominee: Sally Hawkins. Here was a performance totally unlike any of the other nominees. She made what would have been the most obnoxiously cloying character of the year, by far, the most heartwarming and engaging. Hawkins was an all-around delight, and again gave a better performance than all those nominated. However, if I had to pick one of the nominees, I would definitely go with Hathaway in Rachel Getting Married. It was the most unexpected performance of the year. But I'm realistically rooting for Kate on Oscar night.
Alijroxitinka | February 19, 2009 12:31 AM
I think that given the run up to the oscars and the awards won by Winslet so far are a good indication of who the favourite is, however we must not forget the Americans always prefer to give the award to a fellow American, so based on that we may be in for a surprise.
Joe | February 18, 2009 11:59 PM
Kate Winslet will win for her "career achievement" award, but, in a race based on merit, Melissa Leo would edge out Angelina Jolie. Besides, I'd rather see Viola Davis win for "Doubt" rather than Meryl Streep.
Nathaniel | February 18, 2009 10:56 PM
Melissa Leo is superior to both in their respective nominated films, but I'd say Streep outshone Winslet in almost every way (in "The Reader" of course; I'm in definite agreement that she was even better in "Revolutionary Road").
The last lines of "Doubt" bothered a lot of people, but I found them quite haunting, mostly due to Streep's delivery and previous restraint in the film.
beingryanjude | February 18, 2009 10:45 PM
Streep should win.
Winslet nominated for wrong movie.
shakespeare | February 18, 2009 9:58 PM
Kate should win because I have seen her in all of her previous work. & in each film she does a great job but she still reminds me of Kate. You know the kate in titanic, even if the plot of the film is different. The Reader is the first film of hers which i did not look at her as Kate Winslet, the girl from titanic, and who is the same in every film. For the first time I saw her as an german SS officer, not an english born GOD of acting!
Anonymous | February 18, 2009 9:31 PM
Meryl was not in her first film until she was 28 , so comparing them based on performances and age is ludicrous. I have seen both movies and Meryl DESERVES the Oscar. She made you feel what her character was feeling. I felt absolutely no sympathy for Winslet in the Reader, she left me cold and unaffected. Meryl is the best actress living or dead, and I hope to see her walk to the podium on Sunday. Plus, she gives THE BEST acceptance speeches, bar none. And you are right, she should have won for PRADA ( as well as some other films in earlier years ).
Pauley | February 18, 2009 9:09 PM
Winslet should win simply because her performance(s) in The Reader and Revolutionary Road were the best. She could win for either and because she can only win for one, I personally think her performance in The Reader was superior.
If you compare Winslet's performances with Streep's up until she was 33, Winslet has, by far, better performances and films to her credit. As long as she keeps on this path, she will surpass Streep (even though talent wise, I think she already has).
fsf | February 18, 2009 8:26 PM
meryl streep deserve to win,,good luck!god bless
matt09m | February 18, 2009 7:14 PM
Streep should win. Her performance is a force of nature, and layered with complexity. I would still pick Streep even if Winslet was nominated for the right movie. Winslet does extraordinary work in almost every movie, and her haunting turn in Revolutionary Road deserves more acknowledgement, but Meryl Streep is a legend who can carry any movie, and she carries Doubt despite all of the other legendary performances in it.
JP | February 18, 2009 3:02 PM
This is the reason why I don't like the Oscars. It suppose to be awarded to the best in the category and nothing else. No lifetime achievement award, nominated alot of times but haven't been awarded recently or ever, or died prematurely after being snubbed for a deserving performance *ahem* Heath Ledger.
DMR | February 18, 2009 12:27 PM
Streep Haunted me! Like went I went to catholic school, she was just like one of the nuns, as far as Winslet, she was snubbed for Titanic, her role was more of a supporting actress, it was the boy's movie. I thought she did better in Revolutionary Road? The Reader was good, but not a best picture nod? Streep is just clearly the better actress, The scene with Hoffman when he was being questioned and the scene with the boys mother, what's better than that!