The New York Film Critics Circle dropped a big surprise on award season yesterday in naming Rachel Weisz Best Actress for her performance in The Deep Blue Sea. Very, very few of the “Oscarologists” had her on their lists for the five nominee spots with the exception of Michael Musto from The Village Voice which, in hindsight, now totally makes sense. Even more remarkable is that while the NYFCC obviously loves Zero Dark Thirty, Weisz still won over Jessica Chastain.
Does that mean she’s the frontrunner? No, not at all. But it does mean she has a much better chance at a nomination now and, as a result, she’s pushed a few others down or out completely. Like maybe Hushpuppy Quvenzhané Wallis. Which I’m ok with because she’s 9 and at the same time I’m not ok with because without Q, well, as usual, there’s not much diversity, is there? Beasts Of The Southern Wild is out on DVD today.
And here’s how it’s looking now:
Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, and Marion Cotillard are still considered safe -- for now. Rachel Weisz may have just moved up to #4. And that leaves Helen Mirren, Naomi Watts, Emmanuelle Riva, Keira Knightley, and Quvenzhane Wallis all in the mix for the final spot.
So, if Rachel’s invited to the Oscars, do she and her husband Daniel Craig finally walk that carpet together?
