The Girl On Fire

Get ready, Jen, cause this is only the start

I hope everyone is ready because we are literally watching the meteoric rise of an actress getting catapulted into superstardom. And from the looks of her gold Prabal Gurung dress at Monday's LA Premiere and her...gold (are you noticing a trend here) Ralph Lauren dress at the London Premiere, the Oscar-nominated star of The Hunger Games is ready for the attention. The director, Gary Ross, has already stated that he thinks Jennifer Lawrence should be nominated for an Oscar for her work in the film. And what better way to alert potential voters that you are interested in trophies than by dressing like one (it worked for Meryl this year). So shiny...

I'm ready for the ascent of Jen. She was great in the film that earned her that first Best Actress nom, Winter's Bone. Her Appalachian character couldn't be more different than the dolled-up movie star in these red carpet photos (seriously, she eats a squirrel she kills herself in the movie). She's already worked with the likes of Jodie Foster and David O. Russell. And she's already been apart of a blockbuster with last summer's X-Men: First Class. But, I have a feeling that playing Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games is gonna one of those iconic roles, like Indiana Jones or Sigoureny Weaver in Aliens, that will forever be associated with an actor as a mark of their legacy.

But, the best thing about Jen is that she is actually a very good actress. There are movie stars who can act and then there are actors who just happen to be movie stars. Jennifer Lawrence is the later. She is very determined to do great work. And starring in a big-budget franchise can hurt your career just as much as help if people only buy you as that character. Luckily, she's already lined up her next project. She's working with Academy Award winning director, Susanne Bier, as the title character in Serena. The story is set in 1929 North Carolina as Serena and her husband (Bradley Cooper) set up a lumber empire at any cost. But, all her ambitions are sidetracked when Serena can't give birth. When she discovers her husband already has an illegitimate child, she sets out to destroy him. Sounds like a ruthless Medea/Lady Macbeth-type role that could show a very adult side to the young actress. In fact, the role had been pursued by another famous actress who could maybe give Jen some tips on how to handle being a movie star: Angelina Jolie. Cause after March 23, her life is gonna change...

poll by twiigs.com

Of a Mouse and a Man

This mock poster from a French artist named Pascal Witaszek has been everywhere the past couple of days. It even lead some people to believe it was an actual movie coming out. Sadly, it is just the dream of  a Frenchman who should go into casting (It's a little hard to read, but the other actors who are apparently in the movie are Michelle Williams, Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgard, Marion Cotillard, and...Matthew Fox. I'm not really sure who all those people would be playing in the biopic, but that's quite the cast he's assembled). And even though it may not be true, the general consensus is that someone should make it happen.

Ryan Gosling as a young Walt Disney is kinda genius casting. After all, Gosling got his start on the Mickey Mouse Club. And a biopic about Walt's career would be interesting. I happened to catch a documentary about Disney a couple months ago while I was flipping through the stations and ended up watching the entire thing. But, the thing about biopics that don't seem to work is when they try to cram a person's entire life into 2 hours. I like the one's that focus on an important moment in time. This also saves us from the annoying young-actor-in-bad-age-make-up-recapping-their-life narrative that seems to be so popular as well. (Leo in J. Edgar should serve as a lesson to all filmmakers who think that's a good idea). I think this film would work best if it focused on Walt's early career (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and ultimately, Mickey) and ended with the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. After that, Walt was going off in too many directions with different projects and the story would get jumbled. There should be some way to incorporate animated segments as well so it's not just a straight forward biopic. Which means Ron Howard as a director is out. His filmmaking is too humorless and dry. Someone on a website suggested Wes Anderson and I'd like to second that. Hopefully, someone at Disney is taking notice of all the good buzz this fake movie is having and make it a reality.

But, before that happens, it's looking like Oscar-winner Tom Hanks could be taking on the role of Walt Disney. It was reported last month that the company is trying to bring Saving Mr. Banks to the big screen with Hanks as Disney and Meryl Streep as P.L. Travers, the woman who wrote the Mary Poppins books. The script was on last year's Black List (an annual list of the best unproduced scripts) and focuses on Disney's pursuit of acquiring the rights to make the film and Travers' subsequent dislike of the final product. I, for one, hope this movie–with the proposed cast–actually comes to fruition. Mary Poppins is just one of those movies that reminds me of my childhood and a backstage look into the making of it sounds intriguing. Maybe if they move fast enough we can get a double dose of Disney biopics. Two of our finest actors playing an American Icon. When you wish upon a (movie) star, your (biopic) dreams come true...

The Hit of All of Europe and Cannes

Twitter is officially the new place to debut a still from your new movie. Just days after Jerry Bruckheimer tweeted a pic from the set of the upcoming, big-budget blockbuster, The Lone Ranger, Best Actress Oscar winner (but, please don't mention Mommie Dearest), Faye Dunaway, tweeted this picture from the set of her feature film directing debut–the film version of Terrence McNally's play Master Class. She also stars in the film as opera diva, Maria Callas.

You haven't mentioned the Johnny Depp picture. Which I was brilliant in.

The play focuses on the legendary singer as she preformed master classes at Juilliard in the 70s and flashes back to when the opera star was with oil tycoon (and future Jackie O husband), Aristotle Onassis. The play debuted on Broadway in the fall of 1995 and won Tonys for Best Play, Best Actress in a Play (Zoe Caldwell), and Best Featured Actress in a Play (Audra McDonald). Faye did the National Tour of the production in 1996 and bought the film rights over a decade ago. Judging from the looks of that pic, it looks like the movie was filmed back in the 90s as well. 

I had no idea this was even happening. And after seeing the recent Broadway revival this summer with Tyne Daly, I'm not so sure it's necessary. The play is essentially a one-woman monologue as Maria Callas berates 3 students and tells tales of her glory days (complete with outlandish impressions of Onassis!). It's just so theatrical. I don't really see how it would work as a movie. And that picture isn't exactly inspiring confidence in Faye's ability as a director. This is the shot you choose to get people excited about your film? What's even going on? It looks like a staged shot from a community theatre production. 

Faye's been in the news in recent years for starting a feud with Hilary Duff and being evicted from her bug-infested New York apartment, so it's good to see her acting in something of value again. Faye really is a living legend. Even though things haven't been so great for her over the past few years decades, her body of work (Bonnie and Clyde, Chinatown, Network, and, yes, even Mommie Dearest) has already stood the test of time. She's brilliant in them. And if you don't believe me, just have her tell you herself. This is perhaps her greatest performance:

Let's Put On a Show

Vanity Fair has a great gallery of photographer Simon Annand's work of actors backstage. It's part of an exhibit of his work in the UK at the Idea Generation Gallery and coincides with the release of a book on the same subject entitled, The Half: Photographs of Actors Preparing for the Stage. Almost all of the photos are of actors who may have become famous because of their film work, but who have a history with the stage. Some, like Cate Blanchett and Kevin Spacey, still find time to return to the theatre, and others in the photos, like Tom Hardy and Carey Mulligan, were just getting their start. I've always loved behind-the-scenes photography of theatre and film productions. There's a romanticism to trying to capture that creative energy at work while the actor prepares.

I've actually had the pleasure of seeing a couple of these productions that the photographs chronicle, when they transfered to Broadway. It got me thinking about all the great actors I've gotten to see on stage. Since I always love a list, I've compiled the 10 Best Stage Performances by Film Actors (that I've seen). I'm focusing on famous actors known more for their film work since that is the main focus of the photos. So I'm gonna have to leave off the stage work of such theatrical greats as Zoe Caldwell and Patti LuPone or actors, like Fiona Shaw, Stockard Channing, and Cynthia Nixon, who have done film but aren't necessarily famous in that medium. Also, if a said one of the best performance I've ever seen was Mary Louise Wilson in 4000 Miles, that would mean nothing to you. You wanna hear about movie stars like Scarlett Johansson and John C. Reilly (neither will be on this list, but I have seen them) and I don't blame you. On to the stars!

10. Geoffrey Rush Exit the King (2009)
The Oscar winner has a tendency to go a little over the top in performances. But, you know where that works really well– on the stage where everything is exaggerated and a performance where you're going slightly crazy to avoid death! Rush won a Tony for his performance in this absurdist play by Ionesco. His comic performance definitely reached me in my cheap seats. His energy and humor are what really stuck with me.


9. Liam Neeson The Crucible (2002)
I must confess–I don't entirely remember everything about this performance. So, why have I included it here? Because it holds a special place in my heart. It is one of my favorite plays and this production (which also starred Laura Linney) was the first Broadway production I ever saw the first time I ever came to NYC. I was worried about taking the wrong subway and missing the show, so I walked all the way from NYU in Greenwich Village to 52nd Street in Times Square. Let me tell you, it's a long walk. But, I was thrilled to have seen it and I remember Liam Neeson's commanding presence on stage. His earthy, soulfulness is exactly right for the character of John Procter.


8. Jane Fonda 33 Variations (2009)
The two-time Best Actress Oscar winner has only appeared in two US theatrical releases since 1990 (Monster-in-Law and Georgia Rule. Lord, help me–I've seen them both) and the last time she was on Broadway was in 1964, so I was more than excited to see a living legend like Jane Fonda on stage. She played a Beethoven expert studying a minor piece of music of the composer while at the same time battling Lou Gehrig's disease. The play also concerns mother/daughter relationships and spans centuries as Beethoven, himself, is also a character in the play. Such a chaotic structure has the risk of getting out of control, but it was held together with Fonda's centered performance. And what a treat it was to hear that rich, honey voice in person. Her efforts were rewarded with a Tony Nomination.


7. Anne Hathaway Twelfth Night (2009)
This was definitely a hot ticket that summer as Annie was just coming off her Best Actress Oscar nomination for Rachel Getting Married. Her career had entered a new level and I think there were certain expectations that followed. This was a really smart move for her to make as taking on Viola, one of the greatest female stage roles, showcased her talents as a comedic actress–doing Shakespeare, no less–and allowed her to shine in an all-star ensemble. It really seemed like she was enjoying herself and that effortlessness came across on stage. The night I saw it, she started to cough after taking a drink of wine on stage and quickly ad-libbed, 'Tis strong. It was a charming moment that only increased my enjoyment of her performance and the production.


6. Frances McDormand Good People (2011)
When I first saw Frances on stage in The Country Girl in the role that brought Grace Kelly an Oscar (cause they're the same type...) a few years earlier, I was really disappointed. It was a ho-hum production and she never seemed to connect with the character or her co-stars. But, she was outstanding in her Tony award winning performance last year in this MTC production. This time around, she had no problems connecting with this character and she had a lived-in quality that made you believe that this was a real person. It helped that the play was so smartly written. She played a woman with a special-needs adult child in Southie, Boston. When she gets laid-off of her job at a dollar store, she reconnects with an old boyfriend who has since become a successful doctor. Her scenes in the second act with Tate Donavon as the ex and Renée Elise Goldsberry as his wife had a kinetic energy, edge-of-your-seat excitement that makes you appreciate live theatre.

The Stars do Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Tennessee Williams after the jump

Hasn't He Already Met His Weird Character Quota?

Remember in the 90's when Johnny Depp used to be in movies like What's Eating Gilbert Grape? and Donnie Brasco and everyone kept talking about what a great actor he was and how nuanced and rich his performances were? Things changed after the success of Pirates of the Caribbean. (I will not specify which one with the <colon, subtitle> because there is only one that actually exists in my mind. The other three are just a fever dream.) And now we get movies with this Johnny Depp:

The top is from a picture that producer Jerry Bruckheimer posted on his twitter account today from the set of Disney's film adaption of the TV series The Lone Ranger, due out next year. That's SAG nominee (and Meryl Streep photo-bomber) Armie Hammer as the titular character. And the bottom pic was a released still from Depp's millionth 8th collaboration with director Tim Burton, the film adaption of the TV series Dark Shadows, coming out this May. Basically, if Johnny liked a TV show from the 60's when he was kid, he's gonna do the film version of it.

I mean, where do I begin? The man has an actual dead crow on his head. The whole damn bird.

I remember when Alice in Wonderland came out and Helena Bonham Carter kept talking about how Burton always tells her not to be too weird or over-the-top and her reaction was, 'But you let Johnny do whatever he wants!' Thank god, somebody said it. When did we decide it was okay to let Johnny Depp do whatever the hell he feels like doing with a character? Just because he did something different (that worked) with Jack Sparrow, we are now subjected to strange caricatures that are just weird for weird's sake. And the rare times that he does try to play it normal as a regular human being (like Finding Neverland and Public Enemies), he does absolutely nothing. They're so boring they border on catatonic. Does it have to be such extremes, Johnny? How many more birds have to die so you can indulge in this ridiculousness?

March Is the New Summer

I feel like it all began with the unexpected success of 300 back in March of 2007. Up until then, everyone knew that if you had a potential blockbuster on your hands you released it in the summer. Big-budget, popcorn films and summers off just go hand in hand. Something about not being in school and the heat just make you wanna go to an air-conditioned theatre for a couple hours and turn your brain off. But, all that changed with the $70.89 million opening weekend of 300. Suddenly, studios realized that summer movies didn't have to be released in summer. (I wonder if they'll ever realize that Oscar movies don't always have to be released in the final weeks of December? It gets so hard trying to see everything at awards time when they're all released at the same time. They're probably afraid that if people actually had time to think about a film, they'd realize that it's not as good as they initially thought.)

With the success of 300, each year since has had a major March release. Tim Burton's (horrible) take on Alice in Wonderland in 2010 is still the biggest success of any film released in March. Its opening weekend was $116.1 million and its final US gross was $334.19 million. With the better-than-expected $70.2 million opening of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax this past weekend and a couple more high-profile, blockbuster films coming out this month, I think it's safe to say that March is no longer in the forgettable, barren wasteland stretch between awards bait and summer fare, but has established itself as the beginning of the Summer Blockbuster Season (if only the March weather would realize that)...

'I have a feeling we're going sink faster than the Titanic. The ship not the movie. Is there still a chance to join the cast of The Hunger Games?'

March 9: John Carter of Mars
This Friday brings the release of Pixar director, Andrew Stanton's first venture into live-action with the reported $250 million budgeted, John Carter. There has been a lot of press about this film lately– all bout how the over-budget film is looking to be one of the biggest flops in history. Last year, they decided to change the title of the film (based on a series of books from the early 1900's by Edgar Rice Burroughs) from John Carter of Mars to the very generic sounding, John Carter (that's also the name of Noah Wiley's character from 'ER' which would be a different movie altogether). Apparently, they were afraid that the sci-fi aspect of the film would alienate (pun intended) a potential audience. But, I mean, the film is set on Mars. You can only fool people so much. They're gonna realize once (and if) they actually see the movie. Because they haven't embraced what the film actually is, the average movie goer has no idea what the film is about now. It really hasn't been marketed well and I read some reviews today that weren't too glowing. Entertainment Weekly gave it a D, y'all. Things aren't looking good for its success or the intended trilogy it was supposed to start. But, every interview I've been reading with director Andrew Stanton has been really interesting and he's wanted to make this movie since he read the books as a kid. It makes me really want it to succeed. People were predicting a huge flop with Avatar as well and that turned out for the best (Oscar noms and blockbuster status ain't too bad). We'll find out on Monday how it all goes down.

March 16: 21 Jump Street
Academy Award nominee (it's still strange to write that before his name) Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum team up on this buddy comedy based on the Fox TV series from the late 80's/early 90's that started Johnny Depp's career. Chan is already starting 2012 off well as his rom-tragedy with Rachel McAdams, The Vow, is one of two films that have already grossed over $100 million in the US. The other being Safe House. (Two very different movies. Good job on keeping Hollywood guessing what makes a hit, America.) I really don't see this as being a huge blockbuster, but it should be a reasonable hit that should make some money. That is until the following weekend when a certain movie gets released...

"Hey, this guy from ER wants to join our movie."

March 23: The Hunger Games
Get ready because this is gonna be huge. Tickets already went on sale last month and are tracking at Twilight levels of success. But, this film really has the potential to be even bigger than those films. People keep comparing them because they're both based on a hugely successful YA trilogy of novels, but the appeal of Hunger Games is more vast. Everyone is reading them–not just females. This movie is so big that no other films are being released that weekend. I'm really looking forward to it. But, I wish the damn thing would open already as everyday brings the release of some new trailer or clip or new 100 stills from the film. I would share them, but do we really need to see and know everything about it before it's released? Until then, we can always satiate our appetite for the film (and actual hunger) with these cookies from Eleni's bakery. Nothing celebrates children fighting each other to the death quite like a sugar cookie with Jennifer Lawrence's face.

March 30: Mirror Mirror and Wrath of the Titans 
Oh, boy. I don't really see either of these films (Mirror Mirror is the first of two Snow White based films released this year and Wrath is the sequel to 2010's Clash of the Titans) doing that great. (Have you seen the trailer for Mirror Mirror? It looks so bad. Julia is really straining herself with the comedy and everything looks so unintentionally hilarious. And the poster everywhere here in NY looks like it's for an ABC Family TV movie. Her evil queen is no Charlize or even Sigourney Weaver, for that matter.) But, the studios must think they have a place in this suddenly crowded, potential Blockbuster month. It's nice to have options if you don't feel like seeing Hunger Games a third or fourth time...

A Year in Advance Oscar Predictions 2012 Part 2: Supporting

The Supporting Categories are always a bit difficult to predict. Last year, I didn't even get a single one of my Supporting Actress Nominees right. I did have Viola Davis there, but she was nominated in Lead (that counts, right?). And that's the problem with Supporting. You never know how big the part is going be or if the actor is feeling they have a better shot at a nomination if they campaign in a certain category regardless of screen time. Ethan Hawke is the main character in Training Day, but he was nominated in Supporting to make way for Denzel in Lead. We'll have to wait and see where my picks land next year, but I'm feeling good about these. Take a look:

Best Supporting Actor

Bryan Cranston Argo

Russell Crowe Les Misérables

Tom Cruise Rock of Ages

Leonardo DiCaprio Django Unchained

Christopher Walken Seven Psychopaths

Bryan Cranston Argo The Role: I'm not really sure. IMDB lists his name as Jack O'Donnell, so that's helpful. But, the movie is the true life story of the rescue of 6 US diplomats held hostage in Iran in 1979. The United States and Canada collaborated to get them back by posing as a film crew scouting locations for a fictional film. Why Him: Well, it could really be anyone from this movie. (Alan Arkin is my second choice from this film.) This is Ben Affleck's third time as a director and both his previous films brought Supporting nominations (Amy Ryan for Gone Baby Gone and Jeremy Renner for The Town). But, I ultimately decided on Cranston because I feel like it's his time. He already has three Emmys for Breaking Bad, but has never received an Oscar nom. He was great in last year's Drive and this year appears in 5 films. This category was made for character actors and he's the man of the moment.
Russell Crowe Les Misérables The Role: 'And I am–Javert. Do not forget my name. Do not forget me, 24601!' He plays the inspector, Javert, who spends his life tracking down Jean Valjean. Why Him: In the early 2000's, Crowe was that rare combination of movie star and real actor. His Best Actor Oscar win for 2000's Gladiator seemed like a promise of things to come. But, he hasn't been nominated since 2001's A Beautiful Mind. Part of the problem is Crowe, himself. His temper and pompousness started to turn a lot of people off. It had looked like he was on his way to a nom for Cinderella Man, but then he had to go and throw a phone at a hotel clerk. That was 7 years ago, I feel like Hollywood is ready to embrace him again. Also, Javert is a great part–even better than Valjean, in my opinion. He's doing something new by appearing in a musical and he has a great number, 'Stars', that's an emotional powerhouse. 
Tom Cruise Rock of Ages The Role: Stacee Jaxx, a larger than life musical superstar in the film version of the Broadway musical. Why Him: The musical is set in the 80's and the songs used are all the songs you love from that decade (Journey! Bon Jovi!)–nothing about it really appeals to me. The only reason I'm predicting this role being nominated is because it's Cruise playing it. He's come a long way past the whole jumping on Oprah's couch incident. He had a huge hit with Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, showing that he's still a big name draw. And his role in Tropic Thunder, which brought him a Golden Globe nomination, displayed a new side to him and showed he was ready to have fun. The three-time Oscar nominee has never won. I think people will be excited about him in such a different part and that the Academy will feel the need to reward him.
Leonardo DiCaprio Django Unchained The Role: DiCaprio steps out of his comfort zone playing the villain in Quentin Tarantino's latest. He's a sadistic plantation owner in the deep south who owns the titular character's wife. Why Him: Like Cruise, this three-time nominee has never won an Oscar. Long considered to be one of the best actors of his generation, many feel he's overdue. He was even being predicted for a nom for last year's snoozefest, J. Edgar, even after the film got bad reviews. Luckily, the Academy came to their senses and a nomination didn't happen. Christmas Day 2012 is a big day for the actor who not only has this film, but the title role in The Great Gatsby also being released. Two such high-profile roles are sure to be noticed, but I'm leaning toward Django for the fact that it's something we've never seen from him before and Tarantino has a way of getting actors nominated. 
Christopher Walken Seven Psychopaths The Role: A criminal named Hans that kidnaps a dog from a powerful gangster (Woody Harrelson). Why Him: Walken is teaming up on writer/director Martin McDonagh's second film. The two worked together on the Broadway play, A Behanding in Spokane, which brought Walken a Tony nomination. The combination of McDonagh's black comedy and Walken's...weirdness are a perfect pair. His surprise second nomination for Catch Me If You Can shows that the Academy likes Walken. I think they wouldn't mind giving him another nomination in something.

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams The Master

Samantha Barks Les Misérables

Annette Bening Imogene

Sally Field Lincoln

Anne Hathaway Les Misérables

Amy Adams The Master The Role: Mary Sue Dodd, wife to Philip Seymour Hoffman's religious leader. Why Her: With three nominations in this category over the past 7 years, it's safe to say the Academy likes her (they really like her–Sorry, Sally Field, stole your line). And playing the long- suffering wife (I'm just guessing the role is long-suffering. I'm also guessing she has an affair with Joaquin Phoenix's drifter character who becomes her husband's right-hand man) is one of the guaranteed ways of getting a nomination in this category. I was really skeptical of Adams taking on such a tough character in The Fighter after playing so many innocent ingenues, but I think she really pulled it off and showed her versatility. Working with Hoffman and director Paul Thomas Anderson are a really great way of showing what she's capable of.

Samantha Barks Les Misérables The Role: Eponine, the tragic waif whose love of Marius goes unrequited.  Why Her: Because it's not Taylor Swift! I've actually written a lot about the casting of this character because it really is the breakout role. When people think of Les Miz, I feel like Eponine and her song, 'On My Own', are the first things that come to mind. It's character we can all relate to. Who hasn't been in love with someone who didn't feel the same way? And when you're young, it seems like the most important thing in the world. I'm not really familiar with Miss Barks as an actress, but I'm glad that a musical theatre performer is playing this role. The Academy loves to honor young actresses in this category and give a nomination to a fresh face. This year, I think that part will be fulfilled here.

Annette Bening Imogene The Role: The gambling addict mother who has to take custody of her daughter (Academy Award Nominee, Kristen Wiig) after she fakes a suicide. Why Her: Because The Bening has never won! (Luckily, Bening-award-thief, Hilary Swank is nowhere to be seen this year.) The four-time nominee is highly regarded, but just can't seem to actually win the damn thing. Bening is usually seen as a very serious actress, so it'll be fun to see her cut loose with this trashy, comedic character. And having Wiig onboard after the huge success of Bridesmaids will only help her chances. I just hope she wins soon. Living in a world where Annette Bening doesn't have an Oscar just seems wrong.

Sally Field Lincoln The Role: Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Lincoln. She sat next to her husband at his assassination and may have suffered bipolar disorder. See, I told you the long-suffering wife role is a reoccurring theme. Why Her: After a six year absence from film, the two-time Best Actress Oscar winner is making her way back to the big screen. It seemed like we lost her to television and Boniva commercials. Along with the sure-to-be summer blockbuster The Amazing Spiderman, Field is back to dramatic work with this role in Spielberg's film. I'm not sure how large the role will be in the film, but I feel like Sally as Mary Todd Lincoln is pretty great casting. The combination of Field, the subject material, and the film's high-profile, I think, will be hard to ignore. 

Anne Hathaway Les Misérables The Role: The poor, young mother, Fantine, who turns to prostitution to support her daughter. Why Her: The hooker with a heart of gold is another character in the Oscar wheelhouse. And this one (thanks to Susan Boyle) has another popular song to sing–'I Dreamed a Dream'. I feel like as a teenager you identify with Eponine, but as you get older you sympathize with Fantine. It's not just love that's a struggle, but all of life. 'Now life has killed the dream I dreamed'. And Miss Annie Hathaway, who will be bringing those lyrics to life, will be having a big year. In addition to Les Miz, she's also starring as Catwoman/Selina Kyle in a little film you may have heard of called The Dark Knight Rises, which will only raise her profile more. The one-time Oscar host (oh, god, why!? At least she tried her best. I blame Franco) and one-time nominee has been showcasing her singing voice on the ceremony for a couple years now. It was only a matter of time before she did a musical. The role of Fantine will certainly showcase both her singing and acting chops. Plus, over the past four years, this category has honored two actresses from the same movie. I'm fine with having Annie back at the Oscars, but keep her away from hosting duties... 

'I'm just a little confused why I haven't won yet. I'm really good.'