As Lainey mentioned in the open today, the 15th annual Governors Awards were held last night, and if you’re wondering didn’t we just do this back in January, yes, we did. The 14th annual ceremony was bumped because of last year’s labor strikes, so like the Emmys, we get to do it twice this year. Hoo raaaay. This year’s awards honored Juliet Taylor and the late Quincy Jones with honorary Oscars, while Richard Curtis received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, and Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.

 

We’ve been saying ever since the fall film festivals that this year’s Best Actress race is shaping up to be, at least in part, a battle of 90s icons, and the icons were out in force at the Governors awards. Demi Moore, Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, Jennifer Lopez, Joan Chen, Angelina Jolie, Pamela Anderson—what is it, 1997? Just to emphasize the 90s diva vibe of the night, Sharon Stone also showed up, looking hot as ever. 

 

Angelina was accompanied by her youngest son, Knox Jolie-Pitt (don’t yell about his name, as far as we know, he hasn’t changed it). Last week, Tom Ford Beauty released a new ad featuring Angelina and Jesus Christ. HER FACE.

 

This is why the kids say the face card never declines. This is also the first time I’ve liked the blonde hair, the contrast with the bold red lip is great. By the way, “Jesus Christ HER FACE” was basically what I texted Lainey after seeing Maria. I don’t know how to describe her performance except that she leads with her face and it’s very effective. Career best, maybe. I can’t wait for everyone to see it and debate. Like Natalie Portman and Kristen Stewart before her as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Princess Diana, Angelina as Maria Callas is bound to provoke a conversation. 

 

Meanwhile, JLo showed up with her most faithful companion, a nude lip. I don’t particularly love this dress, but I do like the optical effect of the black velvet and the sheer sparkly sections. It would probably stand out more against a traditional red carpet, but the effect is a little Charles James, and I appreciate it, even if I don’t love it. I also appreciate that she continues to hustle for Unstoppable, even though she is a long shot for a Best Supporting Actress nomination at this point. 

Also sporting a nude lip is Pamela Anderson, to go with her now trademark no makeup look. (I find it a little disingenuous to call this “no makeup” when there is obviously some makeup, but it’s definitely a much lighter, more neutral application.) I am still rooting hard for her and The Last Showgirl, but like JLo, she remains a very long shot. So far, the Oscars establishment is not taking her seriously, but The Last Showgirl hits theaters next month, let’s see if that changes at all once her film is available for more people to see. 

 

Another depressingly long shot who deserves better is Dìdi’s Joan Chen, who has better odds than JLo in the supporting category, but she should be more of a conversation this awards season than she has been to date. She is heartbreaking in that film. Kate Winslet is also a longshot for Lee, but she’s still out here hustling. We’re halfway into November and all the major Oscar races remain wide open, I like that no one has conceded yet, everyone is hustling like it’s still September. 

Two people with much better odds, though, are Demi Moore and Nicole Kidman. They both had a similar style idea with black dresses, long, loose hair, and silver embellishments, though Demi wore a diamond choker and Nicole’s dress is embellished. Nicole, Angelina, and Demi have the best shot at landing nominations, though as has been the case recently, Best Actress is extremely competitive this year. I don’t think all three will be nominated, but whoever is left out, it won’t be a snub. 

 

There are so many great performances this year, they’re just not all going to get nominated. Although in Pamela Anderson’s case, she is being snubbed in that she is not getting the same consideration as her peers, even though she gives a performance as good as anyone mentioned here. I’m hopeful she can build some momentum over the next month, maybe land some critics groups nominations and go from there. Maybe she’ll be a pleasant new year surprise.

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