No knock against any of the performances of the actors below. But
could you reasonably expect any of them to ever win more than the
one Oscar? It's truly one great performance in a career:
Haig S. Ngor
Martin Landau
Linda Hunt
Reese Witherspoon
Julia Roberts
Robin Williams
Halle Berry
Adrien Brody
Forest Whittaker
Peggy Ashcroft
Geraldine Page
Cher
Helen Hunt
Whoopi Goldberg
Geena Davis
Jack Palance
Marlee Matlin
Cuba Gooding, Jr.
Kim Basinger
Tatum ONeil
Mira Sorvino
Jennifer Hudson
Marisa Tomei
Mercedes Ruehl
Some of your choices are obvious one-hit wonders. I mean, Marlee Matlin?? Haig S. Ngor?
ReplyDeleteBut lemme tell you, under slightly different circumstances, Marisa Tomei would compete for Best Actress for THE WRESTLER. I'm not really a fan of hers, but she was excellent.
I have no doubt that Robin Williams would desperately disagree with you. He has been groping for another Oscar for the better part of his film career.
Tomei was also terrific in Brad Anderson's "Happy Accidents". I think she a very talented actress - with perhaps not always the best selection of roles.
ReplyDeleteLandau is also great. He was quite excellent in "Crimes And Misdemeanors" and I fully expect with the right role he could do it again.
Cuba Gooding Jr. was thought to potentially have some great roles ahead - the energy he brought to "Jerry Maguire" was enough to keep the good will going through a number of stinkers. But he's long lost any hope by now.
And Whitaker owned "Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai"
Brian,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I predict that Landau could go on with another and after reading Bob and Ray's comments I could be in the Marisa Tomei camp. Of most of these actors, she has at least gone on to a more interesting career.
I agree with the comments. Here is my revised list:
ReplyDeleteHaig S. Ngor
Linda Hunt
Reese Witherspoon
Julia Roberts
Robin Williams
Halle Berry
Adrien Brody
Peggy Ashcroft
Geraldine Page
Cher
Helen Hunt
Whoopi Goldberg
Geena Davis
Jack Palance
Marlee Matlin
Cuba Gooding, Jr.
Kim Basinger
Tatum ONeil
Mira Sorvino
Jennifer Hudson
Mercedes Ruehl
I would add Costner to that list. It was a fluke he won and as screwed up as the Oscars are, they will never make that mistake again.
ReplyDeleteCostner.
ReplyDeleteHe can't be on the list. I can't do it. That's another post. Great misses in Oscar history.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. At least it could be debated that the people on this list were deserving.
ReplyDeleteFreeway was interesting, but I wouldn't say Oscar worthy.
ReplyDeleteBut Moviezzz, you're right about Election. She was very good in it. She probably has the chops but those stupid Legally Blond movies killed it for her.
My favorite role of hers would have to be Fear. You know... um... that roller coaster scene.
cotton
ReplyDeleteOn the strength of "Election," I will take off Reece. Here is the revised list:
ReplyDeleteHaig S. Ngor
Linda Hunt
Julia Roberts
Robin Williams
Halle Berry
Adrien Brody
Peggy Ashcroft
Geraldine Page
Cher
Helen Hunt
Whoopi Goldberg
Geena Davis
Jack Palance
Marlee Matlin
Cuba Gooding, Jr.
Kim Basinger
Tatum ONeil
Mira Sorvino
Jennifer Hudson
Mercedes Ruehl
I've never liked her personally (outside of her appearance in Fletch, of course), but I think Geena Davis is/was a good actress.
ReplyDeleteI also think Cuba has done enough good to prove that he's an above average actor...with terrible taste. So, it'll never happen again due to where his career's at, but that's not for a lack of talent.
The rest of the offending picks have been removed already.
Except for Forest Whitaker...
Out of this list, I think the following actors could (and probably will) win a 2nd time:
ReplyDeleteJulia Roberts
Robin Williams
Adrien Brody
Forest Whittaker
Other than that, yeah. Probably not.
I just watched "World's Greatest Dad" starring Robin Williams and I'd love to see him win some sort award for that performance.
i just tried a Haig Ngor last nite...light, rich, little aftertaste and great with grilled chicken.
ReplyDeletemy addition to your list:
how did David Footlong not win an Oscar for "Saving Ryan's Privates"?
you're the best...
The Bow Tie Revolution is Near!!
Rajah,
ReplyDeleteDon't drink too many of those Haig Ngors, you'll end up in the alley with five dollars in your pocket and some poo in your drawers.
That's a good call on David Footlong. On a separate note, I was thinking that Harry Pooter and The Sorcerers Bone was really going to take it all. Boy was I embarrassed after all the smack talk.
The revolution is over. We won and I've got the sweet ass bow ties to prove it.
If Jennifer Hudson is ever in another overrated movie that calls for her to sing, she'll probably get nominated.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Adrian Brody is amazing. Take him off the list, you.