The Forgotten Few

We have a thing for the underdogs, particularly when they're extremely talented.  It seems every awards season garners a group of amazing performances that get overshadowed by the more mainstream or overly hyped.  With Anne Hathaway selling her soul to every person with an Oscar ballot and Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain dominating the Best Actress discussion, The Belles wanted to countdown some of our favorite overshadowed and forgotten individuals of this past year:

5. Jude Law in Anna Karenina

     Unlike the other people on our list, Jude Law failed to score any nominations this awards season.  Law’s portrayal of Karenin turned an unsympathetic character into one the audience took notice of and regarded with interest.  We wish he had earned more accolades for stepping outside his comfort zone and delivering a truly terrific performance.

4. Steven Spielberg

     Wait a second before you role your eyes at this.  While yes, this is Steven Spielberg, and yes, he has made some of the most famous movies in cinematic history, we honestly feel he hasn’t received the recognition he deserves this awards season.  For some unknowable reason, all the attention has been given to Ben Affleck and Argo (look at our other posts and deduce how we feel about that).  It’s a duel of the historical films, but to us there’s no competition.  We’re looking to the Academy to remedy this problem immediately.

3. Sally Field in Lincoln

     Let’s face it, this awards season is just one big Hathaway train ride, and we’re all forced  to ride along.  Field fought to keep the role after the younger Daniel Day Lewis was given the role. The end product speaks to the talent of the actress.  As Mrs. Lincoln, Field pushed back against dominating political figures.  She also managed to make a traditionally disdained historically figure relatable to movie audiences.  We dreamed a dream that would be standing on the stage this season.   

  

2. Bradley Cooper in Silver Linings Playbook

     

     The phrases “David O’Russell Film” and “Starring Bradley Cooper” seem an odd combination.  However, in the Silver Linings Playbook something magical happened.  Bradley Cooper depicted human complexity with honesty and vulnerability.  His character showed us how things don’t always go according to plan, but you should always try and find the silver lining.  We completely agree that Daniel Day Lewis deserves to win, but we wanted to take a moment to say “Bravo” to Mr. Cooper.

1. Naomi Watts in The Impossible (and really, the entire cast)

     It is a travesty that this movie has not received more honors this season.  While every performance in the film deserves praise, Watts both physically and emotionally embodies a mother struggling to stay alive for her son.  The audience believes her despair and determination with ever breath she takes and every tear she sheds.  You might want to have a box of tissues when you watch this film…in fact, better make it two.

We hope you enjoyed this post, dear reader.  Now, go watch a movie.