Brits & Oscars
HELEN Mirren. Judi Dench. Kate Winslet.
Which of these three will bring home an Oscar, the epitome of acting excellence, the award that as much guarantees box office success as rewards it?
The Mail looks at the three British stars vying for the Best Actress award at the annual schmooze fest.
Of course, there are Oscar films, those overtly worthy gems that tap into the prevailing mood, the films that cause the 6,000 members of the Academy who vote for the winners to sit up and take note.
For this reason, it unlikely Meryl Streep will win a gong for her role in The Devil Wears Prada, a film imbibed with less poignancy and meaning than Paris Hilton’s breadboard.
The only other female who can prevent British success is Penelope Cruz for her role in Volver, a beautifully intense melodrama.
Beating Cruz presents no small challenge. Not only is her film very good, but Cruz is a looker who would grace any stage.
There is no picture of Penelope. There is no picture of Streep. At Oscar time, the papers grow patriotic. The announcement of three British women up for the same going is, as the Star says, “A BRITS SPECIAL”.
These three women “head our Oscar assault.” The “great Britons” are cheered on by the Mirror. “I’m incredibly proud for myself and for the film,” says The Queen star Helen Mirren, who would surely add that she is proud for her country and it peoples.
These are out “British hopes” for Oscar glossy, as the Mail says. “Britain’s best-loved stars are set to steal the show at the 79th annual Oscars ceremony next month,” says the Express. These are the player who will “be flying the flag”.
The British contingent includes Peter O’Toole (nominated for Best Actor for his performance in Venus), Sacha Baron Cohen (up for Best Screenplay with Borat), Stephen Frears (Best Picture for The Queen) and Paul Greengrass (Best Director for United 93).
John Woodward, chief executive of the UK Film Council, tells the Express: “This is a really great start to the year for the British film industry. Our 15 nominations come on the back of a number of wins at the Golden Globes and high hopes for the forthcoming Baftas.”
And this from Buckingham Palace: “It is a very positive day for the British film industry. We are delighted for all those who have been nominated.”
Surely not all those. Surely just the British ones…
Posted: 24th, January 2007 | In: Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
