Oscar Analysis: Best Actress

This is going to be short and sweet:

1. Helen Mirren, The Queen

Oscar History: This is Mirren’s third nomination, the first in the lead category. Her previous nominations in Supporting: 1994 for The Madness of King George and 2001 for Gosford Park.

Role: Queen Elizabeth, 1997-style.

Awards: She’s won everything. Hell, she won the Best Actress award from the African-American Film Critics.

Praise: “Mirren delivers a brilliant performance, one that jibes effortlessly with the public figure we’ve been watching for more than 50 years while plumbing the depths we’ve never been privy to.” – Kansas City Star

Memorable Quote: “Have we shown you how to start a nuclear war yet? No? First thing we do, apparently. Then we take away your passport and spend the rest of the time sending you around the world.”

Pros: She’s been the front-runner wire to wire…

Cons: There are none.

Odds: Bet the farm, the car, and the first born.

2. Everyone else.

Seriously. There is no #2 here. Let’s move along.

(BTW -- that's one hot Mirren up there.)