Emmy diva battle gets fierce: Best lead actress in a TV movie/mini
I hear that Jessica Lange has insisted to HBO that she campaign in the Emmy race for best lead actress in a TV movie/mini, not supporting, even though that pits her against "Grey Gardens" costar Drew Barrymore, who has a more emotionally flamboyant role. Maybe that's shrewd. Lange's role has less screen time and flashiness, but more gravitas and Emmy voters are snobs about past Oscar champs. Lange won twice ("Blue Sky," "Tootsie"). That may give her the Emmy edge.
But Lange and Barrymore face lots of formidable challenges in this crowded category, particularly from Sigourney Weaver in Lifetime Channel's "Prayers for Bobby." "Sigourney Weaver surely is the front-runner," says our forums moderator Robert "Rob L" Licuria (Awardsheaven.net). "I think she's going to win."
Read more details about these roles and view videos below. First, let's start with a glimpse at "Grey Gardens."
Shohreh Aghdashloo, "House of Saddam"
This four-part miniseries about the inner power circle of Saddam Hussein was aired by HBO last December ("is above average as docudramas go," said the L.A. Times). Shohreh Aghdashloo as "the dictator’s scorned first wife, Sajida, played with considerable charm," said the New York Times.
Lauren Ambrose, "Loving Leah"
"Six Feet Under" stars Lauren Ambrose as a Hasidic Jewish widow who marries her deceased husband's brother. Rather quirky for a a Hallmark movie. "Lauren Ambrose, although a past nominee, is not really an 'Emmy fave' anymore," notes Licuria.
Tammy Blanchard and Jessica Lange, "Sybil"
Yes, a revisiting of the drama of a gal with 16 personalities (Blanchard) and her doctor (Lange). Sally Field pulled off an Emmy upset for the schizo role back in 1977.
Sarah Chalke, "Maneater"
"Scrubs" star Sarah Chalke portrays a conniving Hollywood social climber in a four-hour Lifetime miniseries. "She couldn't make it in for the 'Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy' movie a year or two ago, so she'll struggle," says Licuria. (No video clip.)
Shirley MacLaine, "Coco Chanel"
MacLaine nabbed a Golden Globe nomination for this back in January. "Not being pushed by Lifetime, but she'll be on the ballot, and will get lots of votes 'just because,' " says Licuria. "She's in."
Anna Paquin, "The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler"
Paquin as a member of the Polish underground who saved the lives of nearly 2,500 Jewish children during World War II.
Uma Thurman, "My Zinc Bed"
Thurman as a recovering alcoholic in an adaptation of the David Hare play. Licuria says she's a contender because "it's on HBO, and it's Uma freakin' Thurman."
Sigourney Weaver, "Prayers for Bobby"
Weaver gives a fireworks performance as a mom who becomes a gay-rights crusader when her gay son kills himself in response to her religious intolerance. Lifetime Channel is pushing this hard for Emmy gold.
Chandra Wilson, "Accidental Friendship"
The "Grey's Anatomy" star as a homeless woman with an extreme love of dogs. "She is an Emmy fave," says Licuria. "She apparently is very good in this. But it's a tough category."
We have a winner: Sigourney Weaver !!! no matter other nominees !
Posted by: Gonzalo de Argentina | April 27, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Signourney Weaver wins. Case. Closed.
Posted by: Terrence | April 24, 2009 at 07:06 AM
Drew Barrymore better win.... Not than Lange wasn't good because she was but I was hoping she would campaign in supporting because she'd probably have a better chance and not split votes with Barrymore. Chandra Wilson was good but I thought Shohreh Aghdashloo was just okay... I haven't seen the others to make a better assesment.
Posted by: Cody | April 23, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Woo! Jessica for the WIN!
If everyone hadn't noticed, Lange has been making the rounds to all of the important talk shows and events to promote her work in GG and normally, she is quite reclusive.
She is out there showing everyone what a true star is made of and I for one am glad she is not accepting lesser placement for her stellar work in GG!
Hopefully we see her sweep this upcoming season in the style of Meryl, Laura Linney, and all of the other HBO ladies who have taken home Emmy gold!
Posted by: Matt Mazur | April 23, 2009 at 12:58 PM
I think the post by Paul breaks down the race & actressess very nicely - nice job. And I agree with all of it (save myself the trouble/space of typing it all again).
Posted by: TORRENCE5 | April 23, 2009 at 11:28 AM
While I can understand the decision to campaign Jessica Lange in the lead category as opposed to supporting, it saddens me that both actresses cannot win Emmy awards for their stunning performances. I also worry that votes may be split between the two actresses, allowing another woman to win. Sigourney Weaver is quite worthy, but I was most moved by the ladies of "Grey Gardens."
Jessica may have the edge at the Emmy awards, but I sincerely hope Drew Barrymore wins an award for her riveting portrayal of Little Edie.
Posted by: Mike | April 23, 2009 at 11:20 AM
I'm also glad Lange didn't succumb to category fraud. She and Drew are in, but I hope and think Sigourney will deservedly win she was phenomenal in "Prayers for Bobby". That leaves the question of who the other two nominees will be. I would guess Paquin and MacLaine.
Uma was snubbed for "Hysterical Blindness" and that was HBO too.
Aghdashloo looks great too.
Posted by: Mike | April 23, 2009 at 10:57 AM
I know Blanchard's movie was aired MONTHS ago, but her performance really does deserve to be recognized. She is a past Emmy winner and she was nothing short of brilliant in Sybill.
IMO, Barrymore, Lange, MacLaine, Weaver, and Blanchard should get the nominations. Well, MacLaine shouldn't have any business being nominated for that awful movie, but she will. If voters were smart, they'd leave her off and make sure Blanchard gets in.
Posted by: glfan | April 23, 2009 at 10:52 AM
A very good move by Jessica Lange. I respect her for that. She's co-lead and should be a contender in a leading category. But all in all, this category has already a winner for me. It's outstanding Sigourney Weaver in "Prayers for Bobby". Anyone winning over her would be a disgrace. Shohreh Aghdashloo has a supporting role in "House of Saddam and should be/will be pushed supporting. The same goes with Uma Thurman. She's playing supporting character and that's category for her. But I have a feeling that if she didn't get nominated for her Golden Globe-winning performance in "Hysterical Blindness", she never will. I think the nominees will be: Barrymore, Lange, MacLaine (not because of her performance, but because of who she is), Paquin (it's going to be her make-up nomination for being snubbed for "True Blood") and Weaver. If there are six nominees then put Judy Davis for "Diamonds" if she's not going supporting (Emmys LOVE her!) or Wilson. Blanchard was very good in "Sybil", but it's going to be forgotten or already is.
Posted by: Paul | April 23, 2009 at 10:12 AM