Today in Recall the Gold: It’s time for a Terms of Endearment rematch! Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger famously clashed on the set as they Read the full post.
Oct 16
2008
11:15 PM ET
Recall the Gold: The 1983 Best Actress Oscar race
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Jane Alexander over Meryl Streep in KvsK?
When you consider that some of the missing names from the nomination slate that year included Barbra Streisand (Yentl) and Bonnie Bedelia (Heart LIke a Wheel), it is an even greater “Testament” (pun intended) to Jane Alexander’s stellar performance that she made the slate.
I remember leaving the theatre after seeing “Testament” and sobbing uncontrollably in my car over the simple truth of the film and the message of warning it gave us to be careful with our future.
And none of that could have happened without Alexander’s central performance as the dedicated mother who must cope — in a world without answers — with the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust and watch her children and her friends die slow, wretchingly painful deaths.
Yet, Alexander brought dignity, not histrionics to her role. She was a woman doing what she had to do.
Whether cleaning her baby’s bottom of blood and puss or listening to her husband’s voice over and over again on the answering machine, she was sensational.
I’m sure Shirley Maclaine will stand the test of time and win this vote, too, but I’ve always loved Julie Walters in Educating Rita. There was a scene where she was going to quit school and she talked herself back into it by remembering her mom at the pub. It was a powerful monologue, and she performed it perfectly. Just for that scene alone, I wanted her to win the Oscar.
“Testament” dimly remembered??? Then I am old old old. Just the mention of the title brings back vivid and visceral images from this stark and classy film. Alexander solemnly sewing up her child’s body into a canvas bag. William Devane’s ominous answering machine message. And the eerie quiet of an ordinary suburban neighborhood, the silent dramas occurring behind each door.
Correct me if I’m wrong but the husband( Jeff Daniels) commits adultery – not Debra Winger’s character. Just to comment on Gary Susman’s opening.
Now that that’s outta the way: The hospital scene – guts me every time. Shirley MacLaine absolutely gets my vote.
Terms of Endearment is one of my favorite movies of all time, and Shirley Maclaine did a fantastic job, but I think Debra Winger deserved the Oscar. The look she gives Aurora right before she dies always gets me. This alone should have earned her the Oscar. However, MacLaine’s freak out scene in the hospital is usually what people remember. Meryl Streep was awesome in Silkwood, but she had just won for her superior turn in “Sophie’s Choice” so she didn’t really have a chance. Haven’t seen Jane Alexander or Julia Waters so can’t comment on them.
SoG
Jeff Daniels did have an affair but so did Winger with John Lithgow (in the movie)
Debra Winger should have won
I truly loved all five performances,but still to this day Shirley MacLaine’s Aurora Greenway is one of my most favorite characters.Her performance was equally humourous,heartbreaking and exasperating!!!
If Debra had put name in supporting, she would have won.
Debra Winger
i really wana be an actress please please pplleeaassee im 12 and i live in victoria contact mee on me email addy jaredpadalecki1982@hotmail.com
First off, Julie Walters is so young! And gotta love the 80′s music!
Again, I love the comedy and Streep is great but “GIVE HER THE SHOT!!!” You have to go with MacLaine!
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