I love the Oscars. They’re the Grandaddy of awards shows. Since the race has begun I thought I’d do a 5 part tribute to them. I’m a bit obsessed with movies. I’ll include as much info as I can find. If anyone has anything to add, please feel free.





BEST ACTRESS TRIBUTE:




Biographies of remarkable, real-life individuals (showbiz figures and entertainers) and portrayals of the mentally ill are heavily represented among Oscar winners (and nominees), particularly in the acting awards. It helps an actress's chances of winning (or being nominated for) an Oscar if the character dies during the movie, or is alcoholic (or drug-addicted), or is a murderess. Also, first-time Oscar nominations are more often given to actresses below or around the age of thirty.


BEST ACTRESS TIE:


In the Best Actress category, an unusual tie (the only occurrence among female acting performances) occurred in 1968 between Katharine Hepburn and Barbra Streisand, for their respective performances in The Lion in winter (1968) and Funny Girl (1968).



There have been only seven African-American actresses nominated for Best Actress. All nominees were nominated only once:

• Dorothy Dandridge, nominated for Carmen Jones (1954)

• Diana Ross, nominated for Lady Sings the Blues (1972)

• Cicely Tyson, nominated for Sounder (1972)

• Diahann Carroll, nominated for Claudine (1974)

• Whoopi Goldberg, nominated for The Color Purple (1985)

• Angela Bassett, nominated for What's Love Got to Do With It (1993)

• Halle Berry, nominated (and winning) for Monster's Ball (2001)



Only four black performers have won the Oscar in the lead category (three Best Actor, one Best Actress).
Only one African-American actress has ever won the Best Actress Oscar:

• Halle Berry (with her first nomination) for Monster's Ball (2001)





Although I’m not crazy about Berry’s performance, I did believe it deserved an award. I’m not sure about the Oscar but it certainly was a wonderful performance. I think had her competition had not been as light (Spacek was the only standout) I doubt she would have walked away with that statue. I like Halle Berry, and I appreciate her talent. Her Dorothy Dandridge portrayal is stunning. I have a feeling though, if there were more than three or four roles available at all for African Americans (espeically women), she would have more roles to choose from. I loved the role, don't get me wrong, but I think she can do better. Hollywood needs to be color blind, and not just in a political way. Good for her though. I was thrilled to pieces when she won.




There has only been one Mexican actress nominated as Best Actress, Salma Hayek for Frida (2002). And Portuguese Fernanda Montenegro was nominated as Best Actress for Central Station (1998). Colombian-born actress Catalina Sandino Moreno was nominated for Best Actress as Maria, a pregnant 17-year-old Colombian girl who agrees to be a 'drug mule' in director Joshua Marston's Maria Full of Grace.


The only Latino female to win an acting Oscar was Rita Moreno as Best Supporting Actress for West Side Story (1961).




Moreno, the only actress to have all the major awards on her trophy shelf, is wonderful in West Side Story. Her competition, like Berry’s was fairly thin however. Fay Bainter in The Children’s Hour gave her a run for her money, and the only other Grand Dame in the lead that year was the irascible Judy Garland for Judgment at Nuremburg. Although disappointing, it certainly wasn’t the Grace Kelly robbery that happened for her iconic A Star Is Born. Moreno sings, dances, and sizzles as Anita, She’s a literal hurricane, and although Garland gives a near perfect, surprisingly restrained performance, Moreno is definitely Oscar worthy.


No female Asian-Americans have been nominated for the lead acting Oscar. White, Austrian performer Luise Rainer won a Best Actress Oscar for playing an Asian role in The Good Earth (1937).


Sophia Loren was the first and only foreign actress to win an Oscar (Best Actress) for a Foreign-Language film, Two Women (1961).



Loren is one of my favorite actresses. She’s excellent in Two Women. It’s one of my favorite movies and she’s one of my favorite actresses. Although Two Women is in Italian, it’s easy to follow and eventually, you forget completely about the subtitles. It’s Loren at her finest. This was a sever year, Hepburn for “Breakfast at Tiffanys”, Piper Laurie for “The Hustler”, Geraldine Page for “Summer and Smoke”, and the always underrated Natalie Wood for “Splendor in the Grass” (a banner year for Wood, she had also just finished “Wes Side Story, which she was NOT nominated for). Loren though with her radiant beauty turned inside out, ripped blouse and her screeching like a wildcat in the streets of Italy scene (one of the finest mad scenes on film) swooped out of nowhere and snatched the statue out from under these women. Unique and magnificent.


13 year-old New Zealand/Maori teen Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for Best Actress for Whale Rider (2003) - and became the youngest nominee in the category. The first acting Oscar winner from South Africa was Charlize Theron as Best Actress for Monster (2003).




FILM DEBUT WINNERS:

Six actresses have won the Best Actress Oscar for their first screen roles or during the first year of their film careers:

Katharine Hepburn for Morning Glory (1932/33)

Shirley Booth for Come Back, Little Sheba (1952)

Julie Andrews for Mary Poppins (1964)

Barbra Streisand for Funny Girl (1968)

Louise Fletcher for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Marlee Matlin for Children of a Lesser God (1986) (Matlin was also the first (and so far the only) deaf actress to win the Academy Award.





THE MOST "BEST ACTRESS" NOMINATIONS AND WINS


Actresses with the most Best Actress nominations include:

• IRENE DUNNE (5) - with no wins; two nominations were consecutive (from 1936-1937)



Dunne, mostly forgotten now, was a terrific actress with a long career. In her prime she was Hollywood’s best known leading lady. Starring in Showboat, and opposite Cary Grant. Her most well known role however, happened to be in “I Remember Mama”, for which she will be forever remembered.



• ELIZABETH TAYLOR (5) - with two wins (1960, 1966); four nominations were consecutive (from 1957-1960)



One of my favorite actresses. From a young, violet eyed child star, she grew into a prominent, out and out Hollywood legend. Her performance in “Virginia Wolf” is the stuff that makes legends. There’s nothing like Taylor rolling on the ground blind drunk baying at the moon.




• SUSAN SARANDON (5) - with one win (1995); two nominations were consecutive twice (1991-1992, 1994-1995)



I remember her in Rocky Horror and I remember loving her. “Thelma and Louise”, and “Dead Man Walking” are two of my favorite performances of hers. But it’s in “Bull Durham” that she catapulted from a wonderful actress, to a brilliant one. Always, always good.




• SHIRLEY MACLAINE(5) - with one win (1983)



It took her 25 years to finally win that Oscar for “Terms of Endearment”. Well deserved and long overdue. I love Shirley MaClaine. She’s one of those actor’s that can never be too big. Even when she’s over the top, I believe every single word that comes out of her mouth. In “The Apartment” she’s subtle, small, and terrifying, as opposed to “Madame Sousaska” (a film I actually love) where she’s gesturing more than Bette Davis. She’s always creating characters that serve the movie and are always remembered afterwards.




• JESSICA LANGE (5) - with one win (1994); two nominations were consecutive (from 1984-1985)



She always seems to be on the edge of something. She’s always tipping toward a madness that is ultimately and confidentially hers. “Frances” has got to be one of the greatest bio performances ever. As opposed to “Tootsie” where she’s so fragile, she seems as though she might be dropped and crack at any second. A wonderful actress. I wish she’d work more.




• SUSAN HAYWARD (5) - with one win (1958)



There is no one else. The way to spot an instant star is by the fact that no one can do precisely what they do. They have no equal. No one did what Hayward did. No one touched her sense of pathos and melodrama. Although stylized to fit her time, she still remains an enigma ion screen.




• AUDREY HEPBURN (5) - with one win (1953); two nominations were consecutive (from 1953-1954)



Hepburn had great style and who she was in life always came through in her performances. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” remains a classic because of that fact. An inspiring beauty on and off screen.




• ELLEN BURSTYN (5) - with one win (1974)



Julia Roberts won the Oscar over Burstyn’s brilliant portrayal as a housewife hooked on uppers. Can anyone explain this to me? Ellen is one of the greats. From “The Exorcist” to her Academy Award winning Mom in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” she’s always precise, interesting, funny, and enigmatic. Never anything but a compelling performance from this woman.




• ANNE BANCROFT (5) - with one win (1962)



Her recent passing was a loss to the acting world. Bancroft, from her meticulous turn in “Don’t Bother To Knock” (as a nightclub singer no less) to the world renowned “Miracle Worker”, Bancroft is an amazing actor. Although she will probably always be known as Mrs. Robinson, I still think of her as a chameleon. Think back to the bravura “Turning Point” and the bar brawl she has with MaCaline where Anne improvised throwing a drink the actresses face. She is unparalleled.




• SISSY SPACEK (6) - with one win (1980)



There is no other Carrie, and there is no other Loretta Lynn. As with Lange in “Frances”, Spacek (who did her own singing) simply WAS Loretta Lynn. Spacek has an undermining way of sneaking into a character. Consider her work in “In the Bedroom”: quiet, dissolving, and unscrupulous. She is a wonder.




• NORMA SHEARER (6) with one win (1929/30); three nominations were consecutive (from 1929/30-1931)



Again, as with Hayward, Shearer is a product of her time. For her era though, she was surprisingly natural and fearless. In “The Women” she is at the top of her game. She’s loving, unbearably kind, and glamorous beyond imagination. She had a rare gift of being able to slip in and out of both hilarity and human drama that was practically unheard of back then.




• JANE FONDA (6) - with two wins (1971, 1978); three nominations were consecutive (from 1977-1979)



She’s tough, she’s ballsy, she’s political, and she hails from an acting dynasty. I love her work. I’m never bored with her. She always has something interesting to say and is always, moment for moment honest and up front. Although I think she’s a bit wasted in “Golden Pond”, you can’t deny her work in both “Klute” and “Coming Home” (her 2 well deserved Oscars). She’s completely unafraid and completely dedicated to the scene she’s in. A magnificent actor.




• INGRID BERGMAN (6) - with two wins (1944, 1956); three nominations were consecutive (from 1943-1945)



Bergman had a sense of herself (much like Fonda) in ever role she portrayed. She was never “lost” in anything, but at the same time, always believable. I don’t think I can say enough about “Casablanca” that hasn’t already been said. Her work is heart wrenching. She’s one of the greats.




• GREER GARSON (7) - with one win (1942); five nominations were consecutive (from 1941-1945)



I’ve mentioned Greer Garson to people before and they look at me like I’m nuts. It’s a shame considering her varied and turbulent career. “Mrs. Miniver” and “Madame Curie” again, fabulous bio portrayals. Although her time on screen was limited, she garnered more awards than any other actress considering her screen time. She was also producer of the Broadway play “On Golden Pond”. She is missed.




• BETTE DAVIS (10) - with two wins (1935, 1938); five nominations were consecutive (from 1938-1942)



There’s no mistaking Bette Davis. When Davis enters a room in a scene something happens. Something is different. Something changes. The camera adored her, and she went from soapy sudsy melodramas, to compelling unusual dramas, to creep, off beat horror flicks with ease. “All About Eve”, “Now Voyager”, and her over the top, disturbing Baby Jane in “Whatever Happened to baby Jane” opposite Joan Crawford. This was the Oscar she hoped to get. This, and as Margot Channing. Although she remained bitter and disappointed throughout the rest of her career her characters never showed it. She was always indomitable, and always a force of nature. Bette Davis is one of a kind.




• KATHERINE HEPBURN (12) - with four wins (1932/33, 1967, 1968, 1981); two nominations were consecutive (from 1955-1956)



Hepburn is the first to admit that her Oscar for “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” was a sympathy vote for the longevity of her career. It’s one of the reasons she didn’t show up to claim her prize. She hoped the statue would go to either Anne Bancroft (for The Graduate) or the up and coming erotic and earth shaking performance of Faye Dunaway (Bonnie and Clyde). Had that happened, she would still be the winner of the most Best Actress awards with three. As of this writing, she still holds the title with the most wins. Hepburn is one of a kind. Her work from “Morning Glory” as the stage struck young ingénue actress looking for her big break, to her complex and ruthless role as Eleanor in “Lion in Winter” are practically two different actresses. She was an actress first, and a star second. This makes her a Legend. She survived being labeled Box Office Poison by bouncing back with “Philadelphia Story” (arguably one the best comedies ever made, and playing opposite the delicious and equally brilliant Cary Grant. She went on to conquer Television, as well as the Broadway stage. Hepburn is an American Icon.




• MERYL STREEP (13) - with one win (1982); three nominations were consecutive (from 1981-1983)



Speaking of great actresses, here I can say, without reservation, is the greatest actress of this generation. Streep has been called too technical by some critics, but I believe that comes from a sense of their own personal reserve of enabling a woman with the kind of strength of character and vindication that comes from being a living legend. This woman is freakishly talented. The fact that she has only one Best Actress Oscar is a literal crime. It makes me viscerally angry. I think any time Streep makes a movie they ought to come up with some kind of award to simply hand her. There’s never a performance that doesn’t move me. Not one. I’m one of the few humans that actually loves her in “She Devil.” I think she’s hilarious. In fact, her comedic performances are some of my favorites in movies: “Death Become Her”, and of course, “Postcard from the Edge”. Let’s not forget “Sophie’s Choice”, and “Out of Africa”. You know she’s something special when you can mention her name to any drunken frat boy and they know exactly who you’re talking about.

Streep’s talents are immeasurable. I don’t find her too technical in the least. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say I NEVER see her working. She is specific and defined, but never boxed in by her role. She assessable, which in today’s actors, is a rarity. She’s also at an age where I believe her best work is ahead of her. And from all the things I’ve heard about her, she’s a joy to work with. I never hear of Meryl Streeps’ temper, or her outbursts, or her causing any kind of friction on any set. This is the mark of a generous actor. That’s what I believe contributes to her success and fuels the relationship of who she is to who she creates. She is also totally fearless. Even in sappy and predictable movies like “Music of the Heart” she earnestly took up the violin and gave what would normally be considered a Lifetime movie of the week character a true spirit that was understated, flawed and a joy to watch. By the way, she got the role only after Madonna turned it down. There is a God.

Some of my favorite Streep performances:

A Cry in the Dark (the courtroom scene)

A River Wild (When she tells off Kevin Bacon. The way she literally whispers her threats to him is brilliant)

Defending Your Life (She and Albert Brook’s playing miniature golf with each other as she tells him how she died. Her laughter is real.)

Silkwood (Watching Streep attempt to steal important negatives from poor unsuspecting Craig T. Nelson. When she’s caught she has to lie. Nothing more interesting than watching a character lie. And Streep does it beautifully.)

Postcards from the Edge (Meryl and Shirley sitting on the couch after Streep’s come home from an evening with her beau. The two of them discussing their relationship as McLain sips her wine is priceless.

MaClaine: "Do you mind if I have drink?"

Streep: "Do you mind if I drop acid?"

MaClaine: "Darling, I drink socially."

Streep: "I took acid socially."


There will only be one Meryl Streep. She is an ever changing enigma that continues to surprise and keep us all guessing. She is what movies were designed for, an engaging presence smothered in unexplainable talent.






MERYL STREEP TRIVIA

Learned to play the violin, by practicing 6 hours a day for 8 weeks, for her role in Music of the Heart.

Has a fear of helicopters.

Married with 4 children: Henry, Mary Willa, Grace, Louisa

Graduated from Vassar College in 1971.

Before making it big, she was a waitress at The Hotel Somerset in Somerville, New Jersey, USA.

Was a cheerleader and homecoming queen in high school.

She left her just-claimed Oscar for Kramer vs. Kramer on the back of a toilet during the 1979 festivities.

Replaced Madonna for the lead in Music of the Heart.

Named an Officer of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Tennessee Williams wanted her for a film version of "A Streetcar Named Desire" in the 80s. When Streep proved unavailable, the project was refashioned for television and the role of Blanche given to Ann-Margret.

Has a deviated septum which she refuses to have fixed. Directors work around it by avoiding straight-on close-ups.

Has 4 children; Henry Gummer (aka Harry Gummer, Mary Willa Gummer (aka Mamie Gummer), Grace Jane Gummer, and Louisa Jacobson Gummer

The children's TV series "Sesame Street" has featured a character named "Meryl Sheep", in her honor.

Was originally supposed to play the role of Iris Hineman is the film Minority Report, but had to back out. She was replaced by Lois Smith.

Applied to Law School.

Sigourney Weaver was a fellow classmate at Yale Drama School

Back at the Drama school, she and Sigourney Weaver appeared in a play staged in a swimming pool together. The play is called 'The Frogs'.

Diane Keaton calls her "my generation's genius."

According to Katharine Hepburn's official biographer A. Scott Berg, Meryl Streep was her least favorite modern actress on screen: "Click, click, click," she said, referring to the wheels turning inside Streep's head.

Has only been turned down for two roles. Patsy Cline in Sweet Dreams (1985) and Miss Kenton in The Remains of the Day.

Tony Nominee in 1976 as Best Actress (Featured Role - Play) for Tennessee Williams' "27 Wagons Full of Cotton"

Took serious singing lessons.


________________________________________
STREEP QUOTES
"You can't get spoiled if you do your own ironing."

(On whether Madonna should play Eva Peron in the film version of Evita instead of her):

"I can sing better than she can. If Madonna gets it, I'll rip her throat out!"

I don't want to spit in the eye of good fortune, but it was weird. I felt like I'd butted in line in front of Lucille Ball, Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn. Hello? How did this happen? I was only the sixth woman to receive it, but they found 26 men to give it to. I thought that was embarrassing. [on her Lifetime Achievement Award from the AFI]

I thought it was really fun, you've got to understand, but I didn't think it was a serious way to conduct your life. You know, I had a sense of mission. I was a true child of the '60s. [on her view of acting back in college]

I love doing comedy, but people just don't give me enough of a chance. It's one of the reasons I enjoy The Manchurian Candidate so much. It's because I actually get a chance to be funny.:

"There are some days when even I think I'm overrated, but not today." (When accepting Emmy for "Angels in America")


……Oscar Tribute Part 2 to follow.