Meryl Streep is already generating a heaping portion of Oscar buzz for her winning lead turn in Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia, but there’s a tasty side dish in the film that I’m worried might get overshadowed: Namely, Jane Lynch’s performance as Dorothy McWilliams, beautifully gawky sister of Streep’s Julia Child. In the course of just a few scenes, Lynch manages to bring to life all the mysterious joy and excitement of sisterhood. Indeed, when Dorothy finally crosses the pond to reunite with Julia — remember, their separation was endured without the modern pleasures of Skype or email or all that good stuff we now take for granted — their effervescent reaction is as real and delicious as the boeuf bourguignon and chocolate-almond cakes that take such prominent roles in the film.
So who’s with me on the campaign to at least get Lynch in the running for Best Supporting Actress? And while we’re at it: Shouldn’t we start a parallel petition in the Best Supporting Actor category for costar Stanley Tucci? Sign on the dotted line below if you agree!
Photo credit: Jonathan Wenk
Michael, I am so with you on this!
I actually said to my partner afterward that had Lynch’s role been just a bit longer, she would have been a shoe-in for a nom.
And for her that would be an incredible honor. Her career really is starting to peak at just the right time.
I actually can’t think of any other supporting actresses right now that have put in such a strong performance yet.
Go Jane!
Most definitely, Mr. Slezak. Jane Lynch is one of the most talented and overlooked actresses out there. The Academy may sit up and notice; comedies, when they do win academy awards, have often won in the supporting roles. We have a ways to go to award season, but I am hoping for a supporting win sweep in the acting catagories for Lynch and Tucci!
I’m with you Slezak… I saw the movie on opening night in Boston, and when Jane Lynch appeared through the smoke and haze at the train station, the theater erupted into applause. Now that’s what I call screen presence. Side note: I already hear Emmy calling next year for her delivery of the line “That was the most offensive thing I’ve seen in 20 years… And that includes an elementary school production of Hair.”
I totally agree. Jane Lynch is awesome and incredibly underrated actress.
I have adored Jane Lynch since I first saw her in “Best in Show,” a title which so very often fits the lady, herself.
Great performance, but it was a bit part. You can find five actresses with a more substantial role that did just as good as Lynch did.
Viola Davis was in a whole 8 seconds (okay, minutes) of “Doubt” and was nominated. AND Anthony Hopkins was in what? like 15 minutes of “Silence of the Lambs”? A great performance is a great performance.
Hopkins’ Hannibal was the real focal point of the movie, not Buffalo Bill. He was in it much longer and his performance resonated in every scene, even those he wasn’t in.
If you’re looking for another example, Dame Judy Dench won an Oscar for supporting actress for her turn as Queen Elizabeth in I believe “Shakespear in Love”, but was in the movie for approximatly 5 minutes.
Regardless, small parts to major supporting characters should all be considered, and while it is quite early to be whispering Oscar’s name, she is on a short list so far this year.
Don’t forget Judi Dench not only being nominated but winning for “Shakespeare in Love” with just a very small amount of screen time. Length of time on screen doesn’t matter, just the quality of the performance. I’m completely on board for a Jane Lynch and Stanley Tucci petition.
I agree! LOVED her performance …. hope the attention J&J is getting will get her some more attention too!
Hope you know how to write boeuf bourguignon and were just kidding.
In response to your comment Jane Lynch is a wonderful comedic actress however this is a very small part…would like to see more of her.
Fixed my bourguignon spelling, Danyelle. Good catch! Ms. Child would be mortified, as am I.
I found her performance to be odd. I think it was how the movie was cut. I loved Meryl’s performance but there were scenes, especially when she was on tv, where I thought the performance didn’t gel with the rest of the movie. It was timing—way to slow, in those tv scenes. However, she most definitely deserves an oscar. The whole movie seemed disjointed.
Agreed!
screw Mo’Nique we can make a spot for Jane Lynch. I just loved her performance! As for Stanley Tucci, i think he would get a nod but i think he would get a deserving nod for the Lovely Bones. But I hope Meryl Streep wins!!!!!!!
I with you too. She’s a really well rounded actress who rarely gets noticed.
She was excellent. I loved her scenes, but it’s all about Stanley Tucci for me. One of my favorite characters of all time. Just a lovely, true performance in every way.
Jane Lynch is one of the most talented actresses working in Hollywood. Thanks you Michael for calling attention to her work. I have been a fan of hers for a long time and think she also doesn’t get the attention her work deserves.