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posted by Jason Kottke  ·  gift link

Two lists, both alike in dignity: the

Two lists, both alike in dignity: the top 10 best best actress Oscar winners and the top 10 worst best actress Oscar winners. Anyone they missed?

Reader comments

ShaneJan 23, 2007 at 11:58AM

I think it is a pretty good list. I would put almost every one of those on my list of actresses that were undeserving of their Oscar. I don't necessarily think Gwyneth deserved to be on this list because I can't think of who was more deserving that year except perhaps Cate Blanchett for Elizabeth.

Halle Berry is for sure on my list, but I would also add Charlize Theron for Monster (which is an unwatchable movie, but proves if you whore it up and/or make yourself ugly, you'll win an Oscar...see Halle Berry and Nicole Kidman). I'd also add Cher, who won for Moonstruck. She beat out Holly Hunter, Glenn Close, and Meryl Streep that year.

Dan BolandJan 23, 2007 at 12:08PM

I'd add Cher too. Not only did she beat Glenn Close, she beat Glenn Close for Fatal Attraction. WTF?

TimJan 23, 2007 at 12:35PM

Move Vivien Leigh to the worst list.

HasanJan 23, 2007 at 12:41PM

Holly Hunter in that dreadful pile of steamy dung that pulled the wool over nearly everyone's eyes, The Piano. "Ms. Thompson? This the Academy. We've just called to apologize, we're idiots. Sorry, we have to hang up and call Mr. Scorsese."

Ditto for Anna Paquin as Best supporting actress.

AjitJan 23, 2007 at 4:10PM

Excellent lists. I agree fully.

Holly Hunter in The Piano is one of the best performances ever.

Helen Hunt, Halle Berry, Hilary Swank belong on that worst list. I have repressed the fact that Helen Hunt won that award. What a shame!

HasanJan 23, 2007 at 4:34PM

Dreadful pile of steamy dung.

amyJan 23, 2007 at 9:43PM

Jodie Foster in Silence of the Lambs, I can't fathom another acress who could have looked Hopkins straght in the eye and not blinked.

FredJan 24, 2007 at 4:09PM

Don't forget Marisa Tomei

AnushJan 24, 2007 at 8:58PM

Pity about Julia Roberts on the Worst list. There's nothing wrong with being likable.

This thread is closed to new comments. Thanks to everyone who responded.