Meryl Streep vs. Sandra Bullock: It’s the only real race in the Oscars besides best picture.
Should we vote for Meryl, who is perfection in “Julie & Julia” as Julia Child? She hasn’t won an Oscar since 1982. She’s the best actress in the world. And she’s won a lot of awards this year.
Or Sandra Bullock: lots of fun, very friendly, very real. This is probably her one shot at an Oscar, playing a Kathie Lee Gifford lookalike. I’ve always had a thing for Sandra Bullock, but her high-water mark was in “While You Were Sleeping.” She’s a B-plus comedienne. She makes a lot of movies of varying quality. Witness “All About Steve,” which she made in the same year as “The Blind Side” and “The Proposal.”
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We won’t get into it too much here, but “The Blind Side” is really a terrible movie that has clicked with audiences for all the wrong reasons. But Sandy has also won some awards, almost going toe-to-toe with Streep as the season has progressed.
What might happen? Well, a few years ago Daniel Day-Lewis and Jack Nicholson were in such a battle. DDL was in “Gangs of New York.” Jack was in “About Schmidt.” They alternated winning award after award. And who won the Oscar? Surprise! Adrien Brody for “The Pianist.”
If Streep and Bullock cancel each other out, look for Carey Mulligan to pull off an out-of-left-field win for “An Education.” There’s also a slight chance in such a scenario that Gabourey Sidibe would wind up winning for “Precious.”
Is this really happening?
The fact is, Streep should win. While everyone admires Bullock’s pluck, Streep is the actress of our time. And it’s not like this is a career nod. She embodies Julia Child. The strength and depth of her performance is even more noteworthy because Child was parodied so much in the past. For years people imitated Child via Dan Aykroyd on “Saturday Night Live.” The high-pitched voice, the cutting of the finger. This was Aykroyd. For Streep to have overcome that re-created Child, that is the demonstration of her remarkable abilities.
Then, again, there is the Golden Globe. Bullock won it for “The Blind Side.” The Academy is not disposed to ratifying Globe choices. And the actors’ segment of the Academy tends to go for the real thespian. In that case, Streep would be it.
Say tuned…
February 5th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
I think Streep should win but Academy loves when actors play something different from what they are used to do in their careers. Bullock did that in The Blind Side.
Needless to say that Streep is amazing and it’s time for her to grab more Oscars.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
I just saw “Julie and Julia” last night for the first time and I agree with you. It wasn’t another parody of Julia Child that I was watching. Meryl Streep did an excellent job, making Julia so likable and so human. She is truly a wonderful actress.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
You thought the Blind Side was a terrible movie? Well, I beg to differ. It had me in tears from the 1st hour until the end. It’s an old fashioned Hollywood movie, the way movies used to be made — with heart. I still cry on Terms of Endearment and the Beach. The Blind Side is in that vein. Just good old honest story telling, real life story telling, a story that touches all people. Roger, you need to stop being a movie critic.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
I completely agree with you, Meryl should win, she was really AMAZING as Julia Child!!! just the best.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Sorry Roger that you don’t have a Heart and seem to Utterly dislike Sandra Bullock. While I will agree that the Golden Globes GIVE AWAY awards, the other fact that you are missing is that Sandra Bullock also has WON the Critics Choice Award & Screen Actors Guild Award. They will not cancel each other out, because different factions like each. It’s not like Susan Sarandon & Geena Davis in Thelma & Louise. Also, this was one of the Meryl’s WORST Performance Nominations, the only worse Nod was for MUSIC OF THE HEART. She was a lot better in ITS COMPLICATED, now that would be a Contest.
Go Sandy Go!!!
Also, her high mark as you say was actually in MISS CONGENIALITY, that to me is still the Best Performance of her Career, but again no one takes Comedy Seriously.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
@sally, i happen to agree that the blind side is a terrible movie. the story the film is based on might be a touching tale of noblesse oblige but the film itself is shallow and manipulative. the narrative and screenplay is simplistic, the characters underdeveloped and the film does not stand out on any technical or creative level.
i like sandra bullock a lot, but she does not deserve any acting nomination for this at all. her acting was sloppy, and rough on too many sides —she could not give any real depth as to her character. i’ll concede that she will get the oscars. and that’s just a real shame.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Sandra just won SAG because Meryl already got one last year…what’s with you people?
February 5th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Roger — Sandra Bullock is a talented actress and movie star with plenty of roles ahead of her. To say this is “probably her one shot at an Oscar” is moronic.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Ditto to Roger. (Except for the comment about Bullock’s varying film success as that is the nature of the game for all performers and films. Actresses are always judged more harshly.) So true about wondrous and wonderful Streep, and of her surpassing the Dan Aykroyd parody. Bullock will probably win because of economics of that movie and because it seems the Oscars (sadly) are getting more political and populist (other awards shows cover that ground.)
February 5th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Sandra Bullock is A+ comedian thank you very much.. Maybe you should to the doctor and get your hears and eyes check out my friend. Sandra Bullock is one of the best actress in this world. She good at Drama and Comedy. Other than most actresses that are just are just good at one thing. I love Streep too… I’m glad she got a chance at winning award for the oscar. I believe it is Sandra Bullock turn to get this award. America love hers.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
If Sandra wins, it’s another travesty.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Roger is correct… BUT sandra is an American Sweetheart so you can’t say anything bad about her.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
If we were to judge based on the merits of the performance alone, there can be no doubt that Meryl trumps Sandra. While the latter was good in the Blind Side, it was hardly a stretch for any other competent actress (Julianne Moore? Laura Linney? Michelle Pfieffer? On and on…). It just looks soo good coming from Sandra Bullock who is not esteemed by any measure for her abilities except in light comedic roles. Besides, it’s a heartwarming Disney’s Movie of the Month type of film so people love it. Interestingly, Meryl’s is the only comedic role nominated this year. Voters normally go for heavier fare, but I think the sheer challenge of portraying Julia Child and pulling it off with brio and humanity should put Meryl at most of the academy member’s voting list. That, and who else could have done it so well?
February 5th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Sanity at last. Thanks Roger. Hopefully the Oscars will retain some credibility.
February 6th, 2010 at 12:00 am
How could a film as bad as THE BLIND SIDE be nominated as Best Picture? How could a true story reek of Hollywood phoniness. And Sandra Bullock’s performance was underwhelming. Look at the work Meryl Streep has done over the past 30 years. She’s phenomenal. And more than just an accent. I forgot what the original Julia Child looked and sounded like after spending time watching Streep’s reincarnation. All the other actresses nominated are superior to Bullock as performers, but Ms Streep is sublime… once again.
February 6th, 2010 at 12:06 am
just because she hasn’t won in 27 years is a reason to give meryl another oscar, please and as if she hasn’t made a bad movie she made a ton of bad movies and i belive she made more bad movies than good ones
February 6th, 2010 at 12:51 am
Roger I agree with you entirely. The Blind Side is awful and I was irritated to see it get a Best Pic nomination ahead of much better films like (500) Days of Summer or even Star Trek. I like Sandra Bullock and I think she’s a great movie star but she is not a great actress. She’s an accomplished comedienne but all of the other performances in her category are stronger especially Streep who is truly astonishing as Julia Child. They way the character is written meant in any other hands it could have been pure parody but Streep knows how to make every person she plays 3 dimensional
If they do cancel each other out then I would love to see Carey Mulligan win it. Gabourey Sidibe is excellent in Precious but this is her first film and she fell into the role. Mulligan has really broken through this year and everyone agreed her performance was sensational.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:52 am
Um…I though Meryl Streep won a Golden Globe for best actress in a comedy/musical…why is;nt that being mentioned by Roger???
February 6th, 2010 at 3:45 am
Mr.Friedman, you write what I think about all these Sandra Bullock fuss. I really thought I was alone with my opinion.
I have nothing against Sandra Bullock, but I personally think that Meryl Streep`s performance is far better than Bullock`s. Even Mulligan, Sidibe and Mirren were much better. Bullock`s performance was O.K., but not Oscarworthy. It`s the MEDIA, who wants her to win.
I really think Meryl Streep will win. By the way, if it means you win the Oscar if you had won the Golden Globe, Sag and Critics Choice award and a nomination for best picture,then we don`t need the voting of the Academy and we don`t have do wait until march!
In the past there were so many surprises at the Oscars. Think of Marion Cotillard etc.!!!
February 6th, 2010 at 4:45 am
Sandra Bullock was a good Harper Lee. She was also good in that Hemingway film. She is a unique comedy actress, because she is so strong – the only one to match and outshine her there must have been Goldie Hawn.
I think she will have many shots at the Oscar, especially in times to come, when she will look more mature. I wish she would want to make more indie movies, providing her with greater challenges. Her biggest drawback is her beautiful strong features – she hasn’t found a way to not let them stand in her way (well, she made good use of them of course, nothing wrong with that).
February 6th, 2010 at 8:23 am
The only real emotion in Julie/Julia was around the Childs inability to have children. Maybe that was underwritten in the script, but sorry I didnt believe Streep conveyed the emotion very well at all.
So the Oscar goes to Bullock.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:32 am
Sandra Bullock has a nomination only because her film made the 200 million dollar at the box office! And that`s all. She was o.k., but she was o.k. in a mediocre movie. We have to wait and we will see that the Academy won`t be affected by the Media fuss.
The Academy can not longer look over the fact that Streep is far better in her performances than the other nominees. Meryl Streep will win. Or we have a surprise and Sidibe or Mulligan wins.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
I have to say I really had no desire to see The Blind Side. I saw it and was very surprised! Blind Side is a much much better movie than Julia Julia! Yeah Streep is wonderful but the movie is just not great. Bullock is wonderful in her movie! It is gonna be a close one!
February 7th, 2010 at 4:53 am
I hope that the race for Best Actress ends in a tie for Meryl and Sandra. It has happened before: when Best Actress honors went to Barbra Streisand (Funny Girl) and Katherine Hepburn (Lion In Winter)in the same year. I strongly disagree with Barklet. Does he not remember the scene where Julia receives the news that her sister is expecting. At the same time, she is both joyous at the news AND shattered as she’s remined that she can never have children. How can THAT be construed as underwritten? If I had to just pick one, I’d pick Meryl Streep. She hasn’t won a bloody Oscar since 1982. It is time! Sandra Bullock is in a close race, but she was in that turkey “All About Steve.” from RC in Austin, Texas
February 7th, 2010 at 11:05 am
Meryl. Period. Finally!
February 7th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Meryl Streep BECAME Julia Child. She deserves the Oscar for this magnificent performance. She should have about 5 golden statues by now. Passing her over again especially for a subpar performance by the mediocre Sandra Bullock would be silly.
February 7th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Dear Roger Friedman,
Don’t call a movie, that most of your readers like and that many critics like, terrible.
Just look at the rotten tomatoes collection of critic’s reviews. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1212694-blind_side/
It is an insult to the intelligence of your readers, therefore an ignorant statement. You readers will hate your writing and taste if you continue to tell them the movies that they like are terrible.
I agree that the film is not perfect. It’s not terrible, try telling that to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who named it one of the Best of the Year.
Furthermore, Sandra Bullock was NOT nominated for “B+ work” in All About Steve or The Proposal. She was nominated for THE BLINDSIDE. If you missed that, take another look at the nominations ballot. Also, actors win for the films they were nominated for. (IE Blindside, not All about Steve or Proposal.)
So, you’re right, Meryl Streep is amazing. I’m not disputing that. But Bullock, this so-called “B+ comedienne” that you are talking about, is the same woman who is the Highest-Grossing Star in Hollywood. She is the only real movie star of the year, in that she gathered an audience on her star power alone. The rest of the Highest Grossing movies were all genre-based in their “star power.”
Sandra Bullock will win because she is well-loved in Hollywood. Also, the film she starred in was nominated for Best Picture.
-Andres Salazar
February 8th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Underestimate Sandy B. at your own peril, Roger! BTW, weren’t you the same (genius) who went on TV and declared that Brittany Murphy could’ve been another Angelina Jolie (that is, a big star)?
February 8th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Meryl Streep was great as Julia Child. I haven’t seen the Blind Side only because I know the story so why do I need to see the movie. That being said, I think Carey Mulligan should win. Her performance in An Education was fantastic!! I am a little upset that Peter Sarrsgaard (sp?) didn’t receive a nomination.
February 9th, 2010 at 12:22 am
It doesn`t make any difference whether you have a best picture nomination or not. I think it is just coincidence when you have both. And I have the feeling people searching for a reason to approve their wishful thinking.
Here are some examples from the past,which had no best picture nomination, but the actress of the movie had won the Oscar:
Meryl Streep = Sophie`s Choice
Kathy Bates = Misery
Jessica Lange = Blue Sky
Susan Sarandon = Dead Man Walking
Hillary Swank = Boys Don`t Cry
Halle Berry = Monster`s Ball
Marion Cotillard = La Vie En Rose
and so on.
With this said, Meryl Streep will finally have the ability to win the Oscar.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
My theory (which is admittedly partly wishful thinking) is that the SAG voters went for Bullock precisely because they will be going for Streep for the Oscar. They wanted to give Bullock one of the two awards, but she is not really Oscar calibre, and Streep clearly deserves another Best Actress award. So they gave the SAG to Bullock, but will draw the line at giving her the Oscar too. But I could be wrong….
February 12th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
[...] valet, in a remake of Gielgud’s most famous American film, “Arthur”? Why, Meryl Streep, of [...]
February 13th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
It’s Meryl, no question. She has elevated the character of Julia Child as one of America’s cultural icons of our time. An actress of lesser caliber would just probably turn her into a caricature. Streep has put flesh and blood into somebody we only get to see in run tv shows and pictures. Sandra, though competent in Blind Side, is not phenomenal. Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Laura Linney or Kristin Scott Thomas would turn in a better performance than Bullock!
February 13th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Giving the Oscar to Meryl Streep is like honoring two formidable women in American History – Julia Child, for bringing back women and wives to the kitchen and made cooking an art at a time when feminism was conditioning women to burn their bra and liberate themselves from the bondage of masculine ideology, and Meryl Streep, who has transformed film acting as a respectable dramatic art.
After a series of non-winnings and always given to less caliber actresses who only come up with one Oscar-noteworthy performance, IT IS HIGH TIME THAT MERYL STREEP GETS THE OSCAR!
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:58 am
I used to think the two most successful film careers for an actress of all time were Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis, but I think by now Streep has surpassed them both in the number of quality films, though Hepburn sure can give her a run for her money in that department, and the number of quality performances with versatility like never seen before. She is currently our finest actress and the fact that she has only won one best actress award (along with a supporting one) is a travesty. None of that has a thing to do with this year’s awards, except that once again, Streep towers over the competition. Julie & Julia is not the most challenging role of her career nor the most interesting, but she is simply flawless in the part. Bullock is an average and likeable actress. Nothing more, nothing less. She also seems like a very nice and classy lady, but that isn’t any reason for giving her an Oscar. Her role in the manipulative and pedestrian The Blind Side could have been played by a number of better actresses and they probably would have been nominated as well as it’s the role people are asscoiting with (for some reason!) rather than the actual performance given by Bullock. There is absolutely no comparison between these two performances. One is perfect and the other is not an ounce better than average. I do agree with one person’s comments about how it’s possible for the two to split the vote for Mulligan, but I certainly hope not, though I would prefer that to an embarrassing Bullock win. If she should happen to win, it will be one of those performances years from now that people will say, “How did that happen?” and it will become one of the endless jokes about Oscar’s foolish choices.
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:04 pm
I enjoyed both movies and think both actresses did a wonderful job. Both actresses did an outstanding job. I don’t understand the B+ actress comment at all.
Meryl Streep deserves the all the praise you have given her for many, many years of greatness. But in the process I don’t think you do your readers any justice by downplaying what Sandra did in this movie.
March 7th, 2010 at 3:38 am
If Meryl Streep will not get that golden guy, I’ll just kill myselve!!!