Although disappointed, I expected this outcome. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is a different body than the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Historically BAFTA leans more toward recognizing British actors and filmmakers. Films that are a bit more Americana are vulnerable at these awards, and for pictures like August: Osage County and Dallas Buyers Club, the writing was on the wall (but congrats to Julia Roberts on her supporting nomination!).
This is not to suggest that Streep isn't vulnerable for being snubbed next week for an Oscar nom. I just don't think her lack of a BAFTA nod is the end. Meryl has already been nominated for a Globe, SAG and Critics' Choice award. I'd rather her have all of those three than a BAFTA if I were to assume any predictive value in the precursors. Plus, today is the deadline for Oscar nomination ballots, so they're basically already decided. Here are the BAFTA noms for Leading Actress:
1. Amy Adams (American Hustle)
2. Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
3. Sandra Bullock (Gravity)
4. Judi Dench (Philomena)
5. Emma Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks)
At this point, I feel Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock and Judi Dench are locks for nominations. Adams, Thompson and Streep are fighting for the fourth and fifth spots and I would predict them as:
4. Thomspon
5. Streep
6. Adams
The full list of BAFTA nominees can be seen here.
I was fortunate enough to see an advanced screening of August: Osage County last night and I was terribly impressed. Having read a lot of the critical comment on the film I was prepared for an ok-ish movie with sterling acting but was pleasantly surprised by how entertaining and well-made I found it.
ReplyDeleteMy only real criticism is they could have added some more scenes in, especially towards the end when so much happened in the space of 30 minutes which was surely stretched longer than an hour in the stage version. I could have happily watched more and don't think the film would have suffered from an extra 10-15 minutes of extra material.
Of course all the actors were on top form. I didn't think Margo Martindale's part was really big enough to allow her into such a tight awards race this year but found her very affecting. Of the men I think Cumberbatch and Cooper gave the most memorable acting. I can't believe some reviews that stated the actors keep trying to outdo each other and overperform - these characters are volatile for the most part and the acting spot-on.
Then there's Meryl. Having seen her act in this I am even more disgusted by all the critics who write of her "chewing the scenery" and being highly theatrical. I was beyond impressed with her ability to bring so many different shades to this woman and make her almost understandable. I could tell Violet loved her children but has been so damaged and lonely in the past that she wants to hit out and get a response from everyone around her. I did not feel by the end that this was a monster but rather a complex and frustrated woman who was on the edge of life.
Having also seen Blue Jasmine, Philomena, Gravity and (parts of) American Hustle I am in no doubt that Meryl impressed me the most with what I feel was the most challenging role of the season (Sorry I know Sandra's was technically the trickest). If Meryl hadn't won for The Iron Lady I don't see how they could pass her for Blanchett this year. Their characters are comparable to an extent but the impact on me as viewer wasn't at all the same.
I completely agree with so much of what you've written. Having fewer scenes deleted may have helped. Agreed that Meryl does so well being able to demonstrate and make believable so many shades of a tragic woman, and it was definitely the most challenging role we've seen this year.
DeleteAnd yes, if Meryl hadn't won two years ago this wouldn't even be a conversation as to whether or not she'd be nominated. She'd be challenging Cate Blanchett for the win.