Actress in a Supporting Role

Well - I did it. I watched all the movies in all the major categories (i.e. best picture/actress/actor)

I am officially an Oscar expert.

For bonus points I am working through the documentaries, and animated movies. Not touching the shorts just because I don't have access to them.

Since this is the week before the Oscars I figured I'd do a post a day - ending with the Best Picture on Sunday.

You can play along with me and make your own picks at: oscar.go.com/mypicks

Last week I did best supporting actor. My vote was for Leto, but also super happy if Fassbender won.

Today we'll look at supporting actress. I'll be honest, this was the toughest category for me. I love every single actress, and didn't feel like any of them were not supposed to be here.

Sally Hawkins for Blue Jasmine. She gives a great performance. This is the first Woody Allen movie I've enjoyed in a long time. To be fair, I've skipped most of them recently because I've been burned so many times before.  Hawkins was a charming, and full-bodied character. Nothing was wooden or two-dimensional in her performance. While solid, I don't think there was anything amazing in her performance. It was a job well done, but there were so many others who did better this year.

Jennifer Lawrence for American Hustle
I have a giant girl crush on Jennifer Lawrence. I think she is amazing. Everything she has done I have loved. For me she was the best part of American Hustle. She had the best lines and the most fun character in the whole movie. She does crazy who doesn't think she's crazy really well. It's more of that, which I love - but feel like she got her award last year for a similar performance, so it will not be a repeat for her. Also - this year, there are stronger contenders.

Lupita Nyong'o for 12 Years a Slave
She plays a young slave girl who happens to be her masters favorite, and all the horror that is entailed with that attention. She broke my heart. Her innocence, and the depths of her despair and desolation are beautifully acted. She gave me chills and left me in tears. I don't know what else to say about her other than she portrays a character you won't be able to forget. She is my pick for best supporting actress.

 Julia Roberts for August: Osage County
I think Julia is channeling a little Erin Brockovich in this movie. She's the tough no-nonsense voice of reason in all the chaos. I have also always loved Julia Roberts, so maybe that's why I was so excited to see her in something a little more gritty than we've seen her in for a while? While Brockovich got her an Oscar before, I don't think this will be the performance to get her another gold statute.

June Squibb for Nebraska
I think most people are going to say June Who? But I actually recognized her as Jack Nicholson's wife in About Schmidt. (Possibly my 2nd favorite Nicholson film after Cuckoo's Nest.) Apparently if you need a dumpy midwestern wife, June Squibb is your go-to. Much like Jennifer Lawrence's character, she gets all the best lines. She's a sassy old lady who you feel hasn't given a shit since 1982, and has no problem telling you that to your face. She knows all the secrets in town, and also has no problem telling you. I know this woman. I grew up with women just like her, and I love them dearly, so I think that's why her performance tickled me so much. She was a true gem in a simple and heart-warming movie. It was hard for me to choose between her and Lupita. If I get a runner-up choice, it's for sure her.