NEWSOscar Countdown: Best Actress
Feb. 19 2008, Published 11:11 a.m. ET
It's a battle of the ages in the Best Actress category. Sixty-six-year-old Julie Christie is the frontrunner in the race, but young'un Ellen Page is nipping at her heels. Will the older vets continue their comeback or will the next big star triumph? Or is there an upset in the works? OK! checks it all out.
Best Actress
Julie Christie, Away From Her
Pro: This beloved veteran has been penciled in as a major Best Actress contender since the film premiered at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival. Her moving turn as an Alzheimer's patient brought her a Golden Globe and SAG to go along with a plethora of critics awards.
Con: Unfortunately, mature women don't do so hot in this category. Until Helen Mirren demolished the competition last year, under-40 babes had been named Best Actress for 10 years. Can Julie picked up where The Queen left off?
Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose
Pro: The French starlet gives an absolutely transformative performance as iconic songstress Edith Piaf and has taken home her share of awards for it, most recently a BAFTA.
Con: Foreign-language speaking films don't do very well in the acting categories.
Laura Linney, The Savages
Pro: Laura's Oscar campaign looked dead in the water when she failed to garner any precursor mentions, but the Academy continues to surprise, shunning Angelina Jolie in favor of Laura. The nod gives the actress her third career nomination and proves her to be a favorite among voters. Her sharp and honest portrayal of a struggling playwright doesn't hurt either.
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Con: She's a latecomer to the game. Is it too late?
Ellen Page, Juno
Pro: If Casey Affleck's the "It" boy of the moment, Ellen's the "It" girl. She'll be a fresh 21 years old at the ceremony (her birthday is Feb. 21) and Oscar loves their ingenues, especially witty, heartwarming ones in a little film that could.
Con: She's certainly won over new fans, but just how much? Also, the smart-ass character of Juno has been polarizing for many.
Prediction
Winner: Julie Christie
Next in line: Ellen Page
