Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep are the matriarchs of this category. Legends in their own right, they paved the way to excellence for many of the younger actors and their road doesn't seem to end.
The Queen-Helen Mirren
Dame Mirren is one of the most respected actresses in the business today. 4 Oscar nominations and 1 win for her extraordinary turn as Queen Elisabeth II in The Queen. She is, at 63 years old, at the top of her form. Mirren, like many British actors of her generation, started her acting career on stage with The Royal Shakespeare Company. Her most recognizable role, before playing HRH, was as Jane Tennison in BBC's mega hit mini-series Prime Suspect. This British icon and international star may have had a very eclectic journey but excellence was never compromised.
Her turn as Leo Tolstoy's wife Sofya, in Michael Hoffman's The Last Station was key to the film's success and critical acclaim. She truly embodied Sofya's passion and tempestuous personality.
A win for Mirren, however, is a long shot and very improbable but her not leaving with Oscar and hardly a loss. For this dame, the nomination and the recognition that comes with it, is enough. We will surely see her back in the Kodak Theatre very soon.
Long Live the Queen!
The Legend-Meryl Streep
1978-Nominated Actress in a Supporting Role-The Dear Hunter
1979-Won Actress in a Supporting Role- Kramer vs. Kramer
1981-Nominated Actress in a Leading Role-The French Lieutenant's Woman
1982-Won Actress in a Leading Role-Sophie's Choice
1983-Nominated Actress in a Leading Role-Silkwood
1985-Nominated Actress in a Leading Role-Out of Africa
1987-Nominated Actress in a Leading Role-Ironweed
1988- Nominated Actress in a Leading Role-A Cry in the Dark
1990- Nominated Actress in a Leading Role-Postcard from the Edge
1995- Nominated Actress in a Leading Role-The Bridges of Madison County
1998- Nominated Actress in a Leading Role-One True Thing
1999-Nominated Actress in a Leading Role-Music of the Heart
2002- Nominated Actress in a Supporting Role-Adaptation
2006-Nominated Actress in a Leading Role-The Devil Wears Prada
2008-Nominated Actress in a Leading Role-Doubt
2009-Nominated Actress in a Leading Role-Julie & Julia
16 nominations and 2 wins, Meryl Streep is definitely a living legend. This statement could seem like an opinion but it is not, it is a statement that many actors, film professionals and audiences abide to. Holding the record for the most nominations ever, she is the main competition for 1st time nominee and possible winner, Sandra Bullock.
Her turn as Julia Childs, in Julie and Julia, was truly flawless. She had an uncanny resemblance to the culinary queen in every aspect. Her performance brought this little quirky, untraditional biography to new heights like only she is capable of.
Streep did not walk away with a golden statue since she brought home the gold for her role as Sophie in Sophie's Choice and some might feel like she is due for her third after so many nominations. However, the odds are not in her favour. She won the best actress in a comedy at the Golden Globes, tied with Sandra Bullock at the Critics Choice Awards and lost to Bullock at the SAG awards. Streep might still be a contender but Bullock might have the edge necessary to bring it home.
Win or no win, Streep is still and will always be considered as the greatest, whether she approves the nickname or not. At 60, she is still a driving force in the industry and an inspiration to, not only her fellow nominees, but to actors and aspiring actors everywhere.
Karine Ohayon - I consider myself an aficionado, a lover of the greatest exportation any country could have; culture. I use words to communicate my ...
