It's been a very strong year for actresses in a supporting role, stronger than for actresses in a lead role. Of course, only five can be nominated for an Oscar, but here are my favorite performances of 2005.
It's encouraging to see both familiar and new faces, younger and older actresses, and actresses that navigate smoothly between lead and supporting roles.
Strong Female Performances in Supporting Role:
Amy Adams, Junebug
Maria Bello, A History of Violence
Judi Dench, Pride & Prejudice
Scarlett Johansson, Match Point
Diane Keaton, The Family Stone
Catherine Keener, Capote
Catherine Keener, The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Jessica Lange, Broken Flowers
Gong Li, 2046
Gong Li, Memoirs of a Geisha
Frances McDormand, North Country
Shirley MacLaine, In Her Shoes
Sissy Spacek, North Country
Tilda Swinton, The Chronicles of Narnia
Michelle Williams, Brokeback Mountain
Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener