Sneak Peak: Best Actress

18-11-2008This Month 18th Nov 11:34

Right so the awards season is almost upon us once again, god it's come around quick, and now the blockbuster summer is well and truly over the Oscar contenders have come out of the woodwork in droves.

So it's time to put my money where my mouth is and highlight some of the actresses who could be fighting it out for Best Actress come February.

With the festival circuit coming to a close for 2008 there are a few early contenders. Leading the British charge early on is Keira Knightley for her role in The Duchess that won over the critics at Toronto, she was nominated in 2005 for her role as Elizabeth Bennett in pride and Prejudice but was a surprise exclusion this year for her role on Atonement.

Also gaining recognition and winning over American audiences is Sally Hawkins for her role as an upbeat teacher in Mike Leigh's Happy-Go-Lucky, which warmed the hearts of the Toronto Film Festival crowds. Kristen Scott Thomas is also an early contender for I've Loved You So Long.

The festival circuit has also drummed up support for American actress Anne Hathaway for her role in Rachel Getting Married as a young woman who has been in and out of rehab for the past ten years and it is perhaps the role that stakes her claim as a serious actress.

However Best Actress looks like it's going to be the hardest fought category during the whole awards season with Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet all about to join the race.

After the blockbuster summer with Wanted and Kung Fu Panda Angelina Jolie returns to a serious role in Clint Eastwood's Changeling.