The RyMickey Awards - Best Actress

Honestly, this was a really weak year for the Best Actress category.  While the top three below were excellent, here's hoping 2010 is a little stronger here.

Best Actress 2010

Runners up:

#7 - Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side

 Somehow, though, thanks in large part to good ole Sandra Bullock, this flick comes out a slight winner. Bullock (whose accent completely annoyed me in the trailer for this film, but didn't bother me at all during the movie) comes across as a completely believable woman, which given the script's by-the-book storytelling technique, is an accomplishment. She takes on the role of Leigh Anne with gusto and it's probably the best role I've seen her tackle (football pun not intended).

#6 - Elle Fanning - Phoebe in Wonderland

 The film belongs to the young Elle Fanning and there is something so beautiful and simplistic about how she plays the difficult role of Phoebe. The role could easily have veered towards over-the-top and showy, but Fanning is something special. From the opening scenes, she conveys so much with a simple raise of a lip or eyebrow.

And the Top Five...

#5 - Carey Mulligan - An Education

 A simple, effortless performance from this newcomer.  The movie hasn't aged as well in my mind, but Mulligan still stands out.

#4 - Abbie Cornish - Bright Star

Ms. Cornish's young Fanny is vulnerable, yet unafraid to love.  While she knows the heartbreak that may come from a meaningful relationship, she is willing to be hurt in order to experience love.  This film is a beautiful romance and Ms. Cornish is partly responsible for that.

#3 - Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia

I'm not overly fond of actors taking upon roles for mere impersonation purposes.  While Meryl is certainly embodying Julia Child onscreen, there's a certain amount of "Streep-ness" there, too.  Say what you will about the actress, but there's little doubt in my mind that she's the best working actress today.  Nice to see her excelling at comedy in her later years.

#2 - Gabourey Sidibe - Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

 When I first saw the movie, I could really focus on was Mo'Nique's showy performance (a RyMickey Award winner).  As time has passed, I have grown to greatly appreciate the debut performance of Ms. Sidibe.  She is the complete opposite of Mo'nique -- sullen, depressed, and understated.  Not once did it feel like I was watching an "actor."

#1 - Tilda Swinton - Julia

 How this role failed to get any traction this awards season is beyond me.  Tilda Swinton is a tour de force here.  She's onscreen for every scene in the movie's 150 minutes and she runs the gamut of emotions as the title character.  From a nutty alcoholic to a caring mother to a conniving blackmailer, she's able to run the gamut in this little seen flick.  This one needs to be in everyone's Netflix queue today.