Oscars 2023: Best Supporting Actress Nominees

The Oscars 2023 showcased a dazzling array of talent, but let's zoom in on the Best Supporting Actress category! Guys, this year's lineup was seriously incredible, featuring performances that were both captivating and deeply moving. We're going to dive into each nominee, exploring what made their roles so special and why they earned a spot in this prestigious category. Get ready to celebrate some seriously awesome acting!

Angela Bassett - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

First up, we have the iconic Angela Bassett, who blew everyone away with her portrayal of Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Bassett's performance was nothing short of regal, embodying strength, grief, and unwavering determination. She brought a depth to the character that resonated with audiences worldwide. Her nomination marks a significant milestone, highlighting her incredible contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and her status as a true acting legend. This isn't just about a superhero movie; it's about a mother's pain, a queen's responsibility, and a leader's resolve all rolled into one powerful performance.

Bassett's portrayal of Ramonda is a masterclass in acting. She navigates the complex emotions of loss and leadership with such grace and power. The weight of Wakanda rests on her shoulders, and you can feel that burden in every scene. Her speeches are commanding, her presence is magnetic, and her quieter moments are filled with a palpable vulnerability. She truly embodies the spirit of Wakanda, making her performance unforgettable. What really stood out was how she managed to balance the strength needed to rule with the tenderness of a mother grieving for her son. It's a nuanced and layered performance that elevates the entire film. It's no wonder she received so much acclaim for this role; she absolutely deserved it.

Beyond the emotional depth, Bassett's physical performance is also remarkable. She carries herself with the dignity and poise befitting a queen, yet she's also ready to fight for her people when necessary. She's not just sitting on a throne; she's actively involved in protecting Wakanda, making strategic decisions, and inspiring her people. This active role is crucial to understanding the character's power and influence. Her presence commands respect, and you can see how much the other characters look up to her. She's a leader in every sense of the word, and Bassett brings that to life with incredible authenticity. This role solidifies her place in cinematic history, and the nomination is a testament to her enduring talent and dedication to her craft.

Hong Chau - The Whale

Next on our list is Hong Chau for her role in The Whale. Chau delivers a deeply empathetic and heartbreaking performance as Liz, a nurse and the only friend of Charlie, played by Brendan Fraser. Her portrayal is subtle yet powerful, adding layers of humanity to a film that tackles difficult themes of isolation and redemption. Chau's ability to convey compassion and frustration simultaneously makes her performance particularly compelling. She is the anchor of the film, providing a lifeline for both Charlie and the audience. Liz's tough love and unwavering support make her a truly memorable character.

Chau's performance is remarkable because of its understated quality. She doesn't rely on big, dramatic gestures; instead, she conveys a wealth of emotion through subtle facial expressions and nuanced line delivery. You can see the weariness and the worry in her eyes, but also the deep affection she has for Charlie. She's not afraid to challenge him, to push him to confront his demons, but she does so with genuine care and concern. This complexity is what makes her performance so believable and so moving. She avoids sentimentality, opting instead for a raw and honest portrayal of a woman struggling to help someone she loves.

Her chemistry with Brendan Fraser is also crucial to the success of her performance. They have a natural and easy rapport that allows their characters to connect on a deep level. Their scenes together are filled with both humor and heartbreak, creating a dynamic that keeps the audience engaged. Chau is a generous performer, always listening and reacting to Fraser, allowing their scenes to feel organic and authentic. She understands that her role is to support Charlie's journey, and she does so with grace and humility. This selflessness is what makes her performance so special. She shines brightly even in the shadow of a lead performance that has garnered much attention. She brings a quiet strength to the role, making Liz a character you won't soon forget.

Kerry Condon - The Banshees of Inisherin

Then we have Kerry Condon, who delivers a standout performance in The Banshees of Inisherin. Condon plays Siobhán Súilleabháin, a woman living on a remote Irish island who finds herself caught in the middle of a bizarre and escalating feud between two friends. Her portrayal is both grounded and heartbreaking, capturing the frustration and loneliness of a woman trapped in a small community with limited options. Condon brings a quiet strength and intelligence to the role, making Siobhán a character that audiences can easily root for. Her performance is a highlight of the film, adding depth and nuance to an already compelling story.

Condon's portrayal of Siobhán is a study in quiet desperation. She longs for more than the simple life offered on Inisherin, and you can feel her yearning for something beyond the confines of the island. She's intelligent and capable, but her options are limited by her circumstances. Condon conveys this sense of being trapped with remarkable subtlety. She doesn't need to say much; her eyes tell the story of a woman who dreams of a different life. This internal struggle is what makes her performance so captivating. She's not just a bystander in the feud between Pádraic and Colm; she's a woman with her own desires and ambitions, and her story is just as compelling as theirs.

Her interactions with the other characters are also crucial to understanding her character. She has a close bond with her brother, Pádraic, but she also recognizes his limitations. She's patient and kind, but she's also not afraid to challenge him when necessary. Her relationship with Dominic, the troubled young man on the island, is also complex and touching. She sees his vulnerability and offers him a glimmer of hope, but she also knows that she can't save him. These relationships add layers to her character, making her a fully realized and believable person. Condon brings a warmth and humanity to the role that makes Siobhán a character you genuinely care about. Her performance is a testament to her talent and her ability to connect with audiences on a deep level.

Jamie Lee Curtis - Everything Everywhere All at Once

Of course, we can't forget Jamie Lee Curtis for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Curtis delivers a hilarious and surprisingly poignant performance as Deirdre Beaubeirdre, a tax auditor who becomes entangled in the film's multiversal madness. Her portrayal is both over-the-top and deeply human, showcasing her incredible range as an actress. Curtis embraces the absurdity of the film with gusto, but she also brings a vulnerability to the role that makes Deirdre a surprisingly sympathetic character. Her performance is a wild ride from start to finish, and she's a joy to watch in every scene.

Curtis's performance is a testament to her willingness to take risks and embrace the unexpected. She's not afraid to look silly or play against type, and this fearlessness is what makes her performance so memorable. She throws herself into the role with abandon, fully committing to the film's bizarre and imaginative world. She's equally adept at physical comedy and emotional drama, seamlessly transitioning between the two. One minute she's wielding hot dog fingers, and the next she's delivering a heartfelt monologue about the meaning of life. This versatility is what makes her such a compelling performer.

Beyond the comedic aspects, Curtis also brings a depth and vulnerability to Deirdre that makes her a surprisingly sympathetic character. You can see the loneliness and frustration beneath her gruff exterior, and you understand why she's so drawn to the chaos of the multiverse. She's not just a villain; she's a woman who's lost her way and is searching for meaning in her life. Curtis brings this complexity to the role, making Deirdre a character you can both laugh at and empathize with. Her performance is a reminder that even the most seemingly ordinary people can have extraordinary stories to tell. She proves that she's still got it, delivering a performance that is both hilarious and heartwarming.

Stephanie Hsu - Everything Everywhere All at Once

Last but not least, we have Stephanie Hsu, also nominated for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Hsu shines as Joy Wang / Jobu Tupaki, Evelyn's daughter who embodies nihilistic despair across the multiverse. Her performance is dynamic, emotionally raw, and visually stunning as she navigates the various alternate realities. Hsu manages to portray both vulnerability and menacing power, making her character one of the most memorable of the year. She explores themes of identity, generational trauma, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Her performance is a force to be reckoned with, contributing immensely to the film's overall impact.

Hsu's portrayal is electrifying. She embodies the chaotic energy of Jobu Tupaki with such intensity, creating a character that is both terrifying and heartbreaking. She flawlessly transitions between different versions of Joy, each with its own distinct personality and style. Her ability to capture the nuances of each alternate reality is truly remarkable. Whether she's a bored college student or a powerful, universe-destroying being, Hsu brings authenticity and depth to every iteration of her character.

Furthermore, Hsu’s performance delves into the complex relationship between mother and daughter. The emotional core of the film lies in the strained dynamic between Evelyn and Joy, and Hsu portrays Joy's pain, confusion, and longing for acceptance with incredible sensitivity. She expresses the struggles of a daughter yearning for her mother’s understanding while grappling with her own identity and purpose. This emotional depth elevates her performance beyond the spectacle of the multiverse, making it deeply resonant and moving. Her performance solidifies her as a rising star in Hollywood. She is an absolute powerhouse, and her work in this film will be remembered for years to come.

In conclusion, the Best Supporting Actress category at the Oscars 2023 was filled with incredibly talented women who delivered unforgettable performances. Each nominee brought something unique to their role, and they all deserve to be celebrated for their contributions to cinema.