5 People You Didn't Know Had Oscars

Last week I wrote about 5 people who you might not believe had never won an Oscar, despite their amazing careers within the film industry, you can see this blog HERE.

This week I thought I would show the opposite, and talk about people who have won an Oscar but have been forgotten about.

5 - Cuba Gooding Jr.

Before his days of appearing in movies aimed at younger audiences such as 'Snow Dogs', and well before his latest outstanding performance as O.J. Simpson in the new series 'The People Vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story', Cuba Gooding Jr. was performing in highly rated Oscar worthy films, such as 'Boyz In The Hood' and 'As Good As It Gets', but it was his performance as Rod Tidwell in the film 'Jerry Maguire' that won him the award. In 1997 Cuba beat the likes of William H. Macy (Fargo), and Edward Norton (Primal Fear), to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. 

"Show me the money" is one of the most quoted movie phrases of all time, was first uttered by Gooding Jr. in the movie, and it could be that scene alone that won him the award. Cuba plays a wide receiver playing for the Arizona Cardinals, who is signed to sports agent Jerry Maguire, throughout the film you see their relationship develop from a professional one to a friendship. Cuba puts in a performance unlike any of his others in this film, and is fantastic throughout, completely deserving of winning his only Oscar. 

4 - Lionel Richie 

Lionel Richie is a musical legend, from his time as part of The Commodores releasing songs such as 'Easy', to his solo career releasing classic songs such as 'Hello' and 'All Night Long', he has had a long and successful career, but many people forget that he is also a Oscar winner, making his career just that little bit more impressive. 

In 1986 Richie won the Oscar for Best Original Song, for his song 'Say You, Say Me', which was within the film 'White Nights'. Something that might be even more surprising to know is that Richie was actually nominated for two Oscars that year, as he wrote lyrics alongside Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton for the song 'Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)', which was in the film 'The Colour Purple'. Richie was also nominated before this, in 1982 for the 'Endless Love'. 

3 - Anna Paquin

Well before her days playing Sookie Stackhouse on the hit show 'True Blood', Anna Paquin won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She was eleven years old, and it was her first ever acting role. She completely captivated audiences for her performance in 'The Piano', and took over the 1994 Oscars by beating big stars such as Holly Hunter, Winona Ryder and Emma Thompson to the award, making her the second youngest actor ever to win an Academy Award, after Tatum O'Neal (Paper Moon). 

Paquin plays a role well above her years in this role, her character moves to New Zealand with her mother (who is mute), and the young girl serves as her mum's interpreter. Her performance is great for someone older than eleven, but it is made just that little more impressive because of the young age. She captured all the emotions of her character, but also had to capture the characteristics of the mother, as she is always interpreting for her within the movie. 

2 - Cher

Cher has had a long, successful and controversial career, spanning over five decades. She is known mostly for her music career, starting as part of the duo Sonny & Cher, gaining huge popularity after the release of the song 'I Got You Babe', and then going on to have an extremely successful solo career, releasing big charting songs such as 'Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down', 'Believe' and 'If I Could Turn Back Time'. 

Despite her huge success many people don't know that Cher is actually a really really good actress, which she has shown in films such as 'Mermaids' and 'Silkwood', but still many people didn't take her seriously as an actress, that was until she walked away with the 1988 Leading Actress award for her spectacular performance in 'Moonstruck'. She was not even lucky to win, she was fully deserving of the prestigious award, as shown by the actresses she was up against (Holly Hunter, Glenn Close and Meryl Streep). 

1 - Eminem

When you think about the Oscars Eminem is not someone you think about at all, but he has won one. He didn't turn up to the ceremony as he thought he had no chance at winning, this turned out to be a mistake as the rapper along with two other co-writers won the award for Best Original Song at the 2003 Oscars, for the song 'Lose Yourself'. 

In the film '8 Mile' Eminem plays a young rapper struggling to make it big, and just struggling in all aspects of his life, it is a film that is semi based on Eminem's life. The song 'Lose Yourself' is a crucial part to the film, and has had much success outside of it, it still was not expected to win the Oscar though, as quite often rap music gets shunned by the academy, but the song is so powerful and inspiring it beat the odds and strolled to the award on the night. 

Other People You May Not Know Have An Oscar

Nicolas Cage - Leading Actor ('Leaving Las Vegas')

Bruce Springsteen - Original Song (Streets Of Philadelphia from 'Philadelphia')

Phil Collins - Original Song (You'll Be In My Heart from 'Tarzan') 

5 People You Won't Believe Have Never Won An Oscar

With Leonardo DiCaprio finally winning his first Oscar this year for 'The Revenant', after being nominated four times previously. I thought that I should make you aware of some people who have still never won one, despite being extremely deserving of the prestigious award.

5 - Ridley Scott 

'Alien', 'Blade Runner', 'Thelma & Louise', 'Gladiator', 'Black Hawk Down', 'American Gangster' and 'The Martian', these are just some of the films that Ridley Scott has blessed us with. These seven films have a collected total of nine Oscar wins, but Scott has never been on the receiving end of any of them. 'The Martian' was nominated for seven Oscars this year, including Best Film and Best Leading Actor, but there was no Best Director nomination for Ridley, despite not getting a nod this year Scott has been nominated three times previously.

Ridley Scott has helped to provide us with visually stunning movies, but has not received the recognition that he most definitely deserves. It is crazy to think that someone with his back catalogue of amazing mesmerising films hasn't yet won the top award, but with him still going as a director with block busters such as 'The Martian', there is still a chance that this 78 year old man can still get one.

4 - Amy Adams

Amy Adams is an actress who has been consistent with brilliant performances throughout her career, and she has the five Academy Award nominations to prove it. Adams usually plays the supporting role in films, as she always provides a perfect accompaniment to the lead role, with her versatile acting ability. She has however received one Leading Actress nomination in 2014, for her performance in 'American Hustle', acting alongside the likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Christian Bale. Sadly Adams had some seriously tough competition for a performance that could've swept the award on another year. Three time Oscar winner Meryl Streep, one time winner Judi Dench, one time winner Sandra Bullock were nominated, and the award went to two time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett for 'Blue Jasmine'.   

Despite not winning the big award as of yet, you have to believe that a woman with the talent that Amy Adams has is bound to get the award at some point. In the meantime you can see her in the much antis anticipated 'Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice' film.

3 - Alfred Hitchcock

It is a great shame that the legendary director Alfred Hitchcock did not receive an Oscar before his passing in 1980, despite his five nominations. Perhaps one of the most famous scenes ever to hit the cinema screens, the shower scene in 'Psycho' will forever be ingrained in some of our minds, and the rest of the film will be too. Hitchcock went to great lengths to provide us with some of the greatest films from the 50's and 60's, he took risks that no other director would at the time, such as killing off the films  most well known actress in 'Psycho', something that wasn't done those days and shocked audiences around the world. That was always Hitchcock's aim, to shock moviegoers. 

Unfortunately Alfred Hitchcock will now never win an Oscar, but his films will live on, as they are some of the most gripping films you will ever watch. 

2 - Gary Oldman 

From playing Sirius Black in the 'Harry Potter' film franchise to Commissioner Gordon in Christopher Nolan's 'Batman' trilogy, Gary Oldman has been in some of the most successful films ever. It's almost unbelievable that Oldman has only received one Oscar nomination (Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy) despite acting in 85 titles since his career beginning in the 80's. 

Oldman has played a range of different characters, from over-the-top antagonists to down-to-earth heroic roles, and Oldman seems to be able to just switch between the two effortlessly, leaving you guessing at what he will be acting as next. When you watch him on screen you're not thinking that it is Gary Oldman playing another part, you are always convinced that it is someone completely different. he always manages to bring his character to life. With such a talent like that I can't believe he hasn't won an Oscar, or at least been nominated more than once, but there is still time for him, especially if he keeps choosing the perfect roles for himself.

1 - Glenn Close

Glenn Close has received an astonishing six Oscar nominations, and with the quality of her performances it is ridiculous that she hasn't won one of them. Some people may know her as the woman who brought the nightmarish character of Cruella De Vil to life in the 1996 live action version of '101 Dalmatians', but she has done so much more than this, and provided so many memorable performances over the years. Close has this amazing ability to transform into her character, taking complete control of it, and becoming the person she is portraying. No film displays this better than her performance in 'Albert Nobbs'. She is unrecognisable as this character, and maybe would've won any other year, but she happened to be against Meryl Streep playing Margaret Thatcher in 'The Iron Lady'.

I believe that Glenn Close is one of the best living actresses at the moment, and it is only a matter of time until she receives her much deserved Academy Award.

Other People You Won't Believe Have Not Won An Oscar 

Peter O'Toole

Brad Pitt

Christopher Nolan

Annette Bening

Johnny Depp

Helena Bonham Carter

Joaquin Phoenix

Mark Ruffalo

Keep an eye out for next week's post - '5 People You Didn't Know Had Won Oscars'

Underrated Film - 'Cake'

This is my second instalment of the underrated films series, where I am reviewing films that I believe are underrated within the film industry.

You can find my first underrated film review - HERE

This review is of a 2014 drama starring Jennifer Aniston called 'Cake'.

'Cake' has been a film that I have avoided since it's 2014 release, as I, like many others, didn't believe Jennifer Aniston was suitable for such a serious role, that was even after she was nominated for a Golden Globe for the performance. I think that Aniston is a terrific lighthearted actress, she is great in comedies and romance flicks, but I have never been convinced that she could capture an audience with her acting, that was until I finally gave in and watched 'Cake'. 

'Cake' is the story of Claire (Aniston), who becomes fascinated with the suicide of a woman from her chronic pain support group, while also tackling memories of her own personal tragedy. This film builds up slowly, as you learn more about Claire, as the storyline continues you see just how amazing Aniston's performance really is. Claire is a character that has many layers to her, that are shown gradually throughout the course of the movie. She is a harsh woman with a dry sense of humour, who closes herself away from the world, but it is only once you learn what she has been through, and what pain she is still going through, that you see she is fragile, and closes herself off for a reason. I believe that Aniston captures each part of this character perfectly, only giving a little bit of weakness away at a time. 

As Claire learns more of the woman's suicide, so do we. Nina, played by Anna Kendrick, had just as many levels to her as Claire does, her story is a sad one, that makes us all look to our own lives. Kendrick plays the part perfectly, she delivers Nina's sweet personality, alongside the darker side, that has been enhanced during her struggle with chronic pain. We learn she has a husband (Sam Worthington), who develops a poignant relationship with Claire, as they both try to heal each others wounds.

There are many good supporting performances within this film, but the best one I believe comes from Claire's maid/cook/carer Silvana, played by Adriana Barraza. Silvana brings out the softer side to Aniston's character. Barraza perfectly accompanies Aniston, as she gives her the space to develop the character within various scenes, and displays Silvana's empathy brilliant. 

I recommend this film to any drama film fan, and anyone who is a fan of Jennifer Aniston. This film has all the elements to grip you to the screen, and Jennifer Aniston was extremely unlucky not to receive an Oscar nod for this fantastic performance. If you're not a fan of Aniston's acting, then I still recommend 'Cake', because you will walk away pleasantly surprised by just how much range she really has as an actress, she's not just Rachel from 'Friends'. 

Underrated Film Series Begins

I am going to start reviewing some films from the past that I believe are underrated, to the point that some of you may not of heard of them. I want to get people aware of these films, so that they can go view them and see what they think. Not every film I choose to review will be your cup of tea, but hopefully one or two of them get added to your list of favourite movies.

I am starting my underrated film review series with a gripping drama starring Jessica Lange, so any fans of that particular genre or any Jessica Lange fans... pay attention.

'Frances'

Before she gained a new wave of fans after taking on the lead role in the highly rated TV series 'American Horror Story', Jessica Lange was the star of many amazing movies from her Supporting Actress Oscar winning performance in 'Tootsie' during the 80's and her Leading Actress Oscar winning performance in 'Blue Sky' during the 90's. None of these performances however quite match up to her mesmerising display of actress Frances Farmer in the biopic movie 'Frances'.

It's no secret that Jessica Lange is a fantastic actress, she can display a range of characters with ease, as she has shown in 'American Horror Story', where one season she is an evil witch whose health is slowly deteriorating, and then in the next she's the head of a freak show stood on stage singing David Bowie's 'Life On Mars' in a German accent (CLICK HERE - to view). She makes it look so effortless, to ditch one character and move onto the next immediately, she is up there as one of the greatest actresses around but sadly many people are not aware of her greatest ever performance.

In the film directed by Graeme Clifford, Lange takes on the biopic role of Frances Farmer, an American actress who became famous in the 1930's, after staring in films such as 'Come And Get It'. Farmer became successful because of her looks, and was cast in roles which revolved around this, she became tired of doing the same thing, she wanted to be known for her acting ability. This is when she started to rebel against Hollywood, and started acting in theatres. Farmer is probably most well known for her professional and personal downfall, and the events which took place after, this is what the film 'Frances' focuses on.

The film centres around Farmer's involuntary commitment to a mental hospital, where she was mistreated. This film is difficult to watch at times because of this sequence, but Jessica Lange's performance grips you to the screen. You can't look away for fear of missing one facial expression, or one gesture which completely covers how the character is feeling in that moment, that is the power of Lange's performance in this film. She portrays Farmer's breakdown impeccably, almost as if you were watching Frances herself. This film is emotionally tiring, by the end you don't know how to feel, I just found myself staring at the screen as the credits played on, thinking about what happened.

Any other year and Jessica Lange would've been walking away with the Leading Actress award at the Oscar's ceremony, but unfortunately for her she was up against Meryl Streep's best ever performance in 'Sophie's Choice'.

I highly recommend this film to any fans of dramatic cinema, Oscar films or general Jessica Lange fans, as it will definitely fit in with everything you want. This film has been underrated in awards and in the media, but I believe that the solid acting as well as the gripping story deserve more.

The End Of 2016's Award Season

The Academy Awards took place on Sunday night, marking the end of 2016's film award season, and what a great finale it was. Chris Rock did a great job with his opening monologue, he brought up the issue of diversity without seeming angry, he kept the mood light. However I believe that was enough to get the message across to the audience, I don't think that he needed to carry on throughout the whole awards with the same jokes.

In my last post I predicted the winners for each category, and I ended up getting 15 out of 19 correct. Here is a review for how the Oscars ceremony went compared to my predictions.

The 'Big Four'

At every oscars there are the awards known as 'the big four', which are Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director, this year there was one shock within these four awards.

'Spotlight' walked away with the big prize (Best Film), this was a shock because Alejandro González Iñárritu won Best Director for 'The Revenant'. Usually Best Director and Best Film go hand-in-hand with each other, but this year each category was so open that this did not happen, and 'Spotlight' ended up with a much deserved Oscar, which was the second of the night, as the film also won Best Original Screenplay.

Brie Larson (Room) won Best Leading Actress, which is something that I predicted. This was a difficult category to call, but Larson's performance in this small indie film is amazing and definitely deserved the prestigious award.

Finally Leo has won his long awaited Oscar, and everyone is overjoyed. Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant) has been nominated for five Oscars, his first coming in 1994 for 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape'. Since then the world has been waiting for Leo to win one, after coming close on a couple of occasions, Leo got his much deserved Award at this year's ceremony. He made the moment count by mentioning climate change in his speech, trying to get across his views on the subject matter, and make a difference.

The Real Winners Of The Night

'Mad Max: Fury Road' won six awards on the night out of a possible ten. These awards were:

Best Costume Design 

Best Film Editing

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Best Production Design

Best Sound Editing

Best Sound Mixing

Many people were shocked to see this film even nominated, as it was released in the summer and not in January (which is when most Oscar nominated films come out), also it's not the usual type of film that gets nominated for Best Film and Best Directing. 'Mad Max' proved the doubters wrong though, by walking away with more awards than any other film at the ceremony. It was unfortunate that George Miller didn't win for Best Director, but at least his wife, Margaret Sixel, made sure that there's an Oscar going into their home so they can remember the big night, after she won for Best Film Editing.

Being a big fan of the film myself, I predicted the film to receive a lot of the background awards, and was very happy that I was correct.

The Shock Wins

Both awards for supporting roles provided shocks at this year's ceremony, Sylvester Stallone (Creed) and Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs) looked a shoe-in for the two Oscars, but neither won on the night.

27 year old Alicia Vikander won Best Supporting Actress on the night for her performance in 'The Danish Girl', which despite her not being favourite for the award, was fully deserved as she is the one that really held that film together, and complimented Eddie Redmayne's character perfectly.

Best Supporting Actor went to 56 year old English actor Mark Rylance for his role in the Steven Spielberg movie 'Bridge Of Spies'. This was the biggest shock of the night as everyone was completely expecting Stallone to win, I believed that the right man won however as the acting performance by Rylance is incredible, and showed more range than the other actors in this category.


This years Oscars was thoroughly entertaining. This could be because no award had a completely set in stone winner, so the ceremony was open for shocks, and that is exactly what happened.
It is sad to see the curtain close on 2016's film award season, but it's exciting to see what next year will bring, as there will be a shake-up with how the nominees are chosen.

To see the full winners list - CLICK HERE