While this is ski season for my husband, you’re more likely to find me tucked away in a movie theater, and this season I have had the pleasure of seeing several movies that have garnered many Academy Award nominations—all starring women in lead roles…
Lady Bird – a coming of age movie featuring two strong female performances—Saoirse Ronan as young Lady Bird, and Laurie Metcalf as her mother. Directed by Greta Gerbig, this quiet film balances vulnerability with raw, simple emotions and warmth.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – a dark character-study involving a mother struggling with an unsolved case involving her daughter. As usual, it’s star, Frances McDormand delivers a powerful performance as a woman who is clearly not easily defined.
The Post – yet another movie with a female lead, starring Meryl Streep who must be getting tired of the endless nominations. While this true story is compelling, and painfully relevant still today, even with the casting of Streep and Tom Hanks, the storytelling falls a bit flat.
The Shape of Water – arguably, the quirkiest of the movies nominated, with an endearing and understated performance by Sally Hawkins. Part fantasy / love story, The Shape of Water also stars Octavia Spencer as Hawkins’ partner-in-crime. Both are up for Oscars.
I can only speak for the movies and performances I have seen, so my Oscar predictions are…
Best Actress:
Frances McDormand / Three Billboards
Best Supporting Actress:
Laurie Metcalf / Lady Bird
Best Director:
Guillermo del Toro / The Shape of Water
(But I’ll be thrilled if Greta Gerbig wins for Lady Bird)
Best Picture:
Lady Bird
Bonus Prediction…
Best Animated Movie
Coco (Delightful & insightful, the best to come along since Toy Story 3)
The Oscar telecast is Sunday, March 4 on ABC, so there’s still time to catch a movie or two. Pass the popcorn!