Golden Globe Musings: Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

The following represents some preliminary thoughts on Golden Globe contenders for the given category. Predictions will be narrowed and revised towards the end of November or the beginning of December. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is way to early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point. Nominees in this category come from drama, comedy, and musical motion pictures.

The top contenders:
SAOIRSE RONAN, ATONEMENT
I have never heard of this actress but she is supposed to be terrific in “Atonement”. I am under the impression that “Atonement” will sweep this awards season and a certain dearth of supporting actress contenders will help the unknown Ronan break into the category.

MARISA TOMEI, BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD
Truth be told, she is not in the movie very much but does make one hell of an impression. Unfortunately for her, the impression is not quite strong enough to make it through the entire film and leave the viewer remembering just how great she was. A lack of other contenders could work in Tomei’s favor.

JULIA ROBERTS, CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR
This film could tank majestically, but it could also be a major success. Roberts was snubbed last time she starred in a Mike Nichols film (“Closer”) but looks to have a far juicier role in this film that should garner her a nomination unless voters find her too obnoxious.

AMY RYAN, GONE BABY GONE
Reviews and buzz for Ryan have been stellar. Thinking more and more about her role, I am impressed with her work in this film. It is a good role but her character may be too trashy and the film may be too small and non-awards fare to make Ryan a serious contender.

MICHELLE PFEIFFER, HAIRSPRAY
It may not be as good as Pfeiffer’s previous award-worthy performances (which I have not seen – I have to get on that), but she is certainly fun to watch. If the film performs well, as it should, Pfeiffer should make the cut.

CATE BLANCHETT, I’M NOT THERE
I really need to see this movie soon to see if Blanchett genuinely has a chance. Everyone who has seen it says that she is in for sure. The performance is certainly strange, but I honestly have no idea what to expect.

JENNIFER GARNER, JUNO
From the preview, it looks like this could be an extremely sympathetic role for Garner. From the reviews and the buzz surrounding her, Garner is said to be a certifiable candidate for a nomination. I do not think she will make it to the Oscars, but this could definitely be the venue for the Globe winner (for “Alias” back in 2001).

LESLIE MANN, KNOCKED UP
There is often a good actress who has a breakthrough comedy role that makes some sort of splash at the Globes. Last year it was Emily Blunt for “The Devil Wears Prada” and this year people are saying it will be Mann. I personally liked Paul Rudd’s performance better in the film, and I think that Jennifer Garner will overtake Mann for the slot.

JENNIFER JASON LEIGH, MARGOT AT THE WEDDING
Leigh is a veteran actress who has not done much major work lately. If “Margot at the Wedding” is a success, this could be a chance to rejuvenate her career. She already has one Globe nomination for “Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle” from 1994.

TILDA SWINTON, MICHAEL CLAYTON
Swinton is at the center of much of the buzz surrounding “Michael Clayton”. She was nominated for a Golden Globe back in 2001 for the independent film “The Deep End” and may make it in even if her film sits out the other races.

Anyone else? “Atonement” is said to feature a powerful cameo from Vanessa Redgrave, but I am staunchly against nominations for revered actors with bit parts (I despise Judi Dench because of her Oscar win for eight or so minutes of “Shakespeare in Love”). Kelly Macdonald, an actress who has appeared in small parts in many films, faces a similar problem as her role may be too brief in “No Country for Old Men”. Evan Rachel Wood for “In Bloom”? Tell me more about the movie first. Laura Linney and Susan Sarandon earned positive reviews but have their own handicaps. Linney’s role in “The Nanny Diaries” is too much like “The Devil Wears Prada”, and Sarandon is barely in “In the Valley of Elah”. Stretch your memory way back and you might recall a little film called “The TV Set” for which Sigourney Weaver earned good marks. And while this would never actually happen, Margo Martindale is absolutely hilarious in the final vignette of “Paris, Je T’Aime”. If it helps, the website awardsdaily.com voted her Best Supporting Actress back at the halfway mark.

Current predictions:
SAOIRSE RONAN, ATONEMENT
JULIA ROBERTS, CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR
MICHELLE PFEIFFER, HAIRSPRAY
CATE BLANCHETT, I’M NOT THERE
JENNIFER GARNER, JUNO