With award shows upon us, even canceled ones, it behooves us to take a few minutes to recognize the extraordinary performances of the talented actresses in television dramas. This year, all of the nominees had their starts in film, including Academy Award winners Holly Hunter and Sally Field, and nominee Glenn Close. Field has won multiple Academy Awards, and last year won an Emmy for her performance on ABC's drama Brothers and Sisters. This is not a group of beginners, and there isn't a sloppy or undeserving nominee in the bunch. The nominees are: 
As Carmela Soprano, Tony Soprano's long-suffering wife, Falco had an outstanding run. However, I will always remember her for her first appearances in Hal Hartley's early movies, including The Unbelievable Truth and Trust.
Glenn Close, Damages
I can't remember when I have heard better reviews of a television actress than Close's performance as litigator Patty Hewes... unless maybe it was Close's performance on The Shield.
Minnie Driver, The Riches
As Eddie Izzard's wife Dahlia Malloy, Driver pulls a stunning performance as a gypsy living a lie-- and the more respectable of the pair, on The Riches.
Patricia Arquette, Medium
Arquette has always been appealing on the Big Screen, and her work on The Medium as pyshic Allison DuBois has retained the integrity of those "bigger" roles. Arquette has developed into a fine television actress.
Sally Field, Brothers and Sisters
Field has already won an Emmy for her work on Brothers and Sisters. The ABC drama gives her a rich tapestry to work with: She has had to deal with great tragedy (the death of her husband, her son going to Iraq, her daughter's miscarriage) as well as great farce (a food fight, party guests jumping into the pool) and Field handles it all with great aplumb.
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace
I have to admit that even though I love Holly Hunter, I can't really see the appeal of Saving Grace. Hunter's turn as Oklahoma City cop Grace Andarko just feels a little... forced to me. It's a rich role, and I bet it's a blast to play-- I just don't like to watch.
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer
I have a soft spot for both Sedgwick and The Closer. I have heard criticisms of Sedgwick's Southern accent, but I love Deputy Lieutenant Brenda Leigh Johnson, and her adorable little, "Thank yeww!" too.
It's hard to choose from such fine actresses and performances. But I have to give the award to Edie Falco for a great series of work. Well done!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-10-2008 @ 6:22PM
T said...
Unfortunately, out of all those shows, I only watch Brothers & Sisters. And on that, I mostly watch for Calista Flockhart and Rob Lowe, who are awesome in their roles as Kitty and the Senator. I've tried to watch Medium a few times, but I'm just not a fan of Patricia Arquette. I can't put my finger on it, but she just doesn't seem believable to me. I guess if I had to pick, I'd choose Sally Field.
However... where's Mariska Hargitay on this list?! SVU is my favorite show, and she's just ridiculously amazing every week. She'd be my pick in a heartbeat!
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