It’s no secret that the nominees for the Leading Actress category for this year’s Oscars contain some serious talent, with a mix of first-time nominees and past masters making the cut.
Last year’s winner was Frances McDormand for her stunning performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri so the candidates will know they have a hard act to follow.
2018 has seen a whole host of fantastic individual performances and stunning films to suit, which will make this category one of the most exciting ahead of the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Here, we take a look through the leading contenders for the Best Leading Actress at 2019 Oscars.
Glenn Close
Perhaps going under the radar somewhat this year, Glenn Close was brilliant in her role in The Wife. The six-time Oscar nominee was chosen for the role of Joan Castleman, who is the wife of esteemed author Joseph Castleman (Jonathan Pryce).
The film dictates around Close’s jealously of her husband’s recent Nobel Prize. Close portrays the role so well, offering a mesmerizing performance that has rightfully seen her in recognition for this year’s Oscars.
Lady Gaga
The singer turned actress is the current favourite for her stunning performance in A Star is Born.
Gaga, real name Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, plays the role of Ally alongside Bradley Cooper as Jackson Maine, and it’ll be more of a surprise if Gaga doesn’t win for her inspiring performance. The film itself is set to win a number of awards and Gaga and Coopers fine work is the main reasons for that.
Melissa McCarthy
The Bridesmaids star is back in contention for her role in Can You Ever Forgive Me, and Melissa McCarthy pulled off the role of Lee Israel with stunning affect.
McCarthy is often criticised for not steering clear of her typical comedy roles but she will have silenced her doubters as her role of Israel.
Her failing writing career suddenly takes a surprise turn, with Israel going on to sell forged letters from deceased authors and playwrights. A brilliant watch and magnificent performance.
Olivia Colman
Most UK based film-fanatics will recognise Olivia Colman as Sophie Chapman from the Peep Show, but she has come a long way since playing Mark Corrigan’s (David Mitchell) on-off love interest.
Colman played Queen Anne in The Favourite and it’s fair to say, she really impressed. The plot focuses around the politics between two cousins who are vying for Queen Anne’s acceptance, and Colman has earned rave reviews for her role.
Emily Blunt
Tasked with playing one of the most iconic characters film has ever seen, Emily Blunt pulls off the role of Mary Poppins with aplomb and was duly praised for her efforts.
Mary Poppins Returns received strong feedback and although it won’t master the 1964 original, it is very palatable.
Blunt did confess she never watched the classic starring Julie Andrews, which makes her performance all the more impressive as she crafted the character from within.
