With
the Oscar just round the corner, I can’t stop gushing about everything Oscar. Yes,
that’s right, I am Oscar crazy just like most of the almost-40-million-viewers who
viewed it last year. The 84th Academy Awards will be telecast on February 26 and
This year Meryl Streep has been nominated for her portrayal of
Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady”. Though Streep’s
performance is always better than what we thought best was; there have been some
other noteworthy performances depicting real life female heroes that made it all
the way to Oscar glory. Here’s our take on some of the best in the recent past:
SANDRA BULLOCK : LEIGH ANNETUOHY
Although the movie “The
Blind Side” (2009) was semi biographical;
Sandra Bullock had every woman reminded of what a hero she is capable of becoming.
Bullock plays Leigh Anne Tuohy who adopted Michael Oher, an offensive linesman who
plays for the NFL. She pulls him out of his poor upbringing and gives him just what
he deserves. A performance that delivers punch, power and just goes on to prove
why mom’s are just the best.
HELEN MIRREN : THE QUEEN
Though people may have varied
opinions of the British monarchy, Helen Mirren just showed how to play "The
Queen" (2006) the royal way! As Queen Elizabeth
the Second, Helen brought such intense drama to the portrayal of events following
the death of Princess Diana. Though the plot is fictional, Helen Mirren made an
Oscar worthy performance for a movie that was highly surrounded by controversy.
REESE WITHERSPOON : JUNE CARTER CASH
Reese Witherspoon portrayed June Carter
Cash in “Walk the Line”, a 2005
biopic of Johnny Cash. As June, Reese Witherspoon performed the vocals, and showing
us why we loved June Carter for the strong, determined and the no-nonsense woman
she actually was. In a movie dedicated to Joaquin Phoenix (playing Johnny Cash),
Reese Witherspoon manages to carve out her stand and yes, she did walk away with
the Oscar that year.
JULIA ROBERTS : ERIN BROCKOVICH
As
the spunky and straight forward, in your face "Erin Brockovich" (2000),
Julia Roberts actually proved why she and Erin are both made of steel! Julia Roberts
played the woman, who fought against a giant energy corporation and actually won
the case, the Oscar, the Golden Globe , the BAFTA and the Screen Actor’s Guild Award
for Best Actress.
SUSAN SARANDON : HELEN PREJEAN
Playing the Sister who forms
a special bond with a man awaiting a lethal execution for six years, Susan Sarandon
showed what acceptance, forgiveness and redemption are truly capable of.
Helen Prejean has become the leading advocate for the abolition
of death penalty and this movie is a testament of her determination. Susan Sarandon
won the Oscar trophy for "Dead Man Walking" in 1995.
