9 Oscar-Worthy Women of 2018: A Celebration of Talent and Achievement
9 Oscar-Worthy Women of 2018: A Celebration of Talent and Achievement
The Oscar nominees for 2018 were announced in late January, and the anticipation has been building ever since. This year marks a historic moment with a record 51 women nominated, the highest number in the 90-year history of the Academy Awards. While a nomination does not guarantee a win, it signifies a significant step forward. We have chosen to highlight some of the most outstanding nominees and their notable works.
Sally Hawkins
Sally Hawkins is nominated for Best Actress for her leading role in Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water. The British actress has primarily played supporting roles or worked in voice acting, with her theater career being more prominent. She has performed at the Royal Theatre in London and made her Broadway debut in 2010. Despite not fitting the typical Hollywood mold, Hawkins is considered a frontrunner for the upcoming ceremony.
Notable Work: Blue Jasmine (2012)
Frances McDormand
At 60, Frances McDormand is nominated for Best Actress for her role in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. This would not be her first Oscar; she previously won for her role in Fargo. McDormand is known for her versatility, portraying a wide range of characters from a free-spirited single mother to a strict, religious matriarch. She is also skilled in adopting various accents and mannerisms from different regions of the United States.
Notable Work: Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Margot Robbie
Initially, critics were skeptical of Margot Robbie, particularly for her role as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad. However, the Australian actress has proven her talent with her nominated role in I, Tonya. Robbie’s performance has silenced her critics and showcased her acting prowess.
Notable Work: The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Saoirse Ronan
The Irish actress is nominated for her leading role in Lady Bird. Ronan is known for her selective choice of roles, having turned down parts in Silent Hill 2, Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Hobbit, and Anna Karenina. She has a preference for deep, tragic roles and is not averse to low-budget films.
Notable Work: Brooklyn (2015)
Meryl Streep
With her 21st nomination, it’s almost time to rename the Oscar to the Streep. The greatest actress of our time, a doctor of arts from Harvard University, and a speaker at the National Women’s History Museum, Meryl Streep’s filmography includes dramatic and comedic roles, as well as musicals. As noted by the Daily Mail, it seems that Meryl Streep joins the Oscar race every time she appears in a film.
Notable Work: The Iron Lady (2011)
Greta Gerwig
The American actress and director is nominated for Best Director for her debut feature film, Lady Bird. The film set a record on Rotten Tomatoes with no negative reviews. Gerwig wrote the screenplay herself and did not have the backing of a major studio or a large budget.
Notable Work: Frances Ha (2012)
Vanessa Taylor
The co-writer of The Shape of Water received her first nomination. Taylor has previously worked on several episodes of Game of Thrones, as well as the films Divergent and Hope Springs.
Notable Work: Hope Springs (2012)
Nora Twomey
The Irish animator is nominated for the third time, this time for the animated feature The Breadwinner. The film tells the story of life in modern Afghanistan and focuses on a young girl who challenges the patriarchy around her. The project was even supported by Angelina Jolie.
Notable Work: The Secret of Kells (2009)
Jacqueline Durran
The British costume designer is nominated for two films this year: Beauty and the Beast and Darkest Hour. Durran is known for her exquisite designs, having previously worked on films such as Anna Karenina, Macbeth, and Pride and Prejudice.
Notable Work: Vera Drake (2004)
