"I’ve been surprised by the intensity of the Meryl Streep loyalty."

[ChrisLong]

Like Hector, love Helen, tolerate Achilles, hate Paris. I just wish the Trojans would win just once.

 

[Azrael]

So does Denzel. Except he's No. 1.

And I'm fine with that. Fences and Flight, he's terrific. And he's better than Tom Hanks anyhow anytime. No one would ever dispute that. Just like I can imagine any actor looking at that list and seeing Catherine Denueve's name there instead of Streep and thinking "yeah, OK."

I'll listen to any argument. When pressed, neither made one against Streep. That's a copout. If the purpose of the list was some kind global diversity, say so. I can respect that. I can't respect Keanu Reeves - somebody will have to tell me what he did in the last 20 years, in terms of range, that Jennifer Lawrence didn't do better in some of the same genres - but I can respect that. But write it. Say it. Then own the criticism for that. Don't play coy when the most obvious question arises.

Whether she should or shouldn't be, Streep is considered the best actor in history. Male, female, at this point, you took a poll, she wins.

Agreed.

I'd put her on the list if all she'd done in the 21st century was Angels in America.

 

[Songbird]

This quote came up in Facebook memories from a post on 12/8/09:

"Helen Mirren may be the only actress who can beg for sex without losing a ferocious pride." -- David Denby in the New Yorker, reviewing "The Last Station"

​

 

[3_Octave_Fart]

azrael-

I had no idea he made shoes in Florence. I'm charmed all the more, it makes him even more polymathic to me.

 

[WriteThinking]

Alma-

I've read some good Pitt interviews, but those were leavened by his reflection on substance abuse. He is unabashedly liberal, or at least liberal-minded, which must be dismaying to some.

What else has he said that's interesting? He's had high-profile relationships. Big deal, so does most of Hollywood.

For a lot of people, it might just be his voice, too. God, he has a nice voice, one you can't help but listen to.

 

[Guy_Incognito]

I think a case can be made that Streep is the finest actor of her generation, male or female. She is really stunningly good.

I've asked here before but it comes up now and then. Can anyone explain why the awards split between men and women? Why should actor and actress be separate categories? This isn't arm wrestling.

 

[Guy_Incognito]

I agree with this, although Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks are up there, too, for me.

Though Streep doesn't have anything on her resume to match Bosom Buddies or St. Elsewhere.

 

[HC]

I've asked here before but it comes up now and then. Can anyone explain why the awards split between men and women? Why should actor and actress be separate categories? This isn't arm wrestling.

Twice as many awards? Also, great roles for men have traditionally outnumbered great roles for women by a substantial margin.

 

[TheSportsPredictor]

It hasn't all been good choices for Brad Pitt.

He did major in journalism in college. At least it was at the University of Missouri.

 

[Guy_Incognito]

Twice as many awards? Also, great roles for men have traditionally outnumbered great roles for women by a substantial margin.

Best Black Actor? Best Jewish Actress?

 

[Webster]

I've asked here before but it comes up now and then. Can anyone explain why the awards split between men and women? Why should actor and actress be separate categories? This isn't arm wrestling.

The Oscars were about trying to get people to see movies which they otherwise wouldn't ordinarily see and other performing arts awards followed suit. More awards, more chances to celebrate people/convince people to see your product.

 

[HC]

Best Black Actor? Best Jewish Actress?

Weren't any when the awards were started. I'm not saying it makes sense!