2010 Oscar Nominees

Best Actress

 

Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side)

The year 2009 was a great one for Sandra Bullock’s career. Not only has she proven she’s a big box-office draw, she’s also proven that she has the acting chops to flip from her often-comfortable comedies to a more dramatic role. She does just that as Leigh Anne Tuohy in The Blind Side, based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless and troubled boy who became an All-American football player with the help of Tuohy and her family. Bullock’s take-charge performance of this sassy southern mother steers her in a direction we’ve never really seen from her before, which will definitely win her points with Academy voters. This is Bullock’s first Oscar nomination, and may be the crowning glory of her career.

 

Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia)

There’s no question that Meryl Streep surpasses expectations in just about every character she plays. In her lengthy career, the 60-year-old actress still proves that she’s a major audience draw and that she’s truly the benchmark against which good actresses are measured. Her 16th Oscar nomination (she’s already a two-time Oscar winner) is for a role that only Streep was meant to play: Julia Child. From Julia Child’s voice to her mannerisms to her quirky charm, Streep nailed this performance of the famous chef by also adding her own spin to it. There’s no doubt that the Academy loves Streep, but will it be enough to snag her another win?

 

Gabourey Sidibe (Precious: Based On The Novel “Push” By Sapphire)

Not only is this Gabourey Sidibe’s first Oscar nom, but it’s her first movie role ever. The 26-year-old Brooklyn native had appeared in school plays, and after a phone call from a friend telling her to audition for director Lee Daniels’ new film, she decided to give it a shot. It’s a good thing she did, because Sidibe got the part and a budding acting career. In Precious, she’s got her character covered both mentally and physically. Sidibe plays a young girl who is sexually abused by her father and mentally abused by her mother (Mo’Nique). But although the movie has gained momentum during awards season, it may not be likely that this newcomer will win.

 

Carey Mulligan (An Education)

There’s no disputing that Carey Mulligan is one of 2009’s breakthrough actresses. She’s definitely come a long way from starring opposite Keira Knightley as the giddy Kitty Bennet in Pride & Prejudice. The smart and charming 24-year-old Brit shines as a young girl (who, like Mulligan herself, has an old soul mixed in with youth) who, on the cusp of her 17th birthday, nixes her plans to go to Oxford after she begins a whirlwind romance with a much older man, David (Peter Sarsgaard). Not only is she tremendously believable, she’s delightful and mesmerizing to watch. Even if she doesn’t take home the gold, Mulligan will be on the Hollywood radar for a long time.

 

Helen Mirren (The Last Station)

Nothing seems to slow Helen Mirren down. In fact, she’s getting better with age as she continues to wow audiences and critics with her performances. Her role in The Last Station—adapted from Jay Parini’s novel—is no exception. It’s one of those films that went under the radar but one that has gained momentum. In the film, Mirren plays Sofya, wife of famed Russian author Leo Tolstoy, and focuses on his last days. That Mirren should win praise for her acting isn’t shocking. This revered actress is already an Oscar winner (for The Queen in 2007), and this is her fourth nomination, which makes her a credible top contender in this category.

By Toni-Marie Ippolito