The Compositions of 2013: Analyzing Anne Hathaway’s Performance in Les Miserables for an Oscar Nomination

As the Oscar season heats up and the spotlight shines on the candidates for various accolades, the curtain has fallen on several films that have left audiences enchanted. Among them is Anne Hathaway's powerful performance as Fantine in the critically acclaimed adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel, Les Miserables. With nominations about to be announced, let's delve into the nuances of her performance and assess her chances of landing a Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Overview of the Film and Anne Hathaway's Character

Les Miserables, directed by Tom Hooper, is a sweeping epic that spans across late-18th and 19th-century France. Anne Hathaway's role as Fantine, a seamstress and single mother, is one of emotional depth and complexity. Fantine's journey is a poignant tale of maternal love, loss, and perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Fantine's Character and Hathaway's Performance

Fantine's character is a tragic figure, who is desperate to provide for her daughter Cosette, but her life is a series of heartbreaks and disappointments. Anne Hathaway dives headfirst into this role, delivering a performance that demands close scrutiny and emotional authenticity. Her portrayal requires the actress to navigate through a spectrum of emotions, from hope and despair to rage and resignation.

Competing Nominees for Best Supporting Actress

Several other actresses are poised to challenge Anne Hathaway in the Best Supporting Actress race. Here, we explore potential nominees and their performances:

Amy Adams - The Master

Amy Adams' role as Rita, the stoic and enigmatic wife of charismatic artrest Frank Serpico in The Master, showcases her ability to bring a layer of steely reserve to a character. While Amy Adams is a formidable talent, her performance in this film may not be as emotionally and dramatically intense as Hathaway's portrayal of Fantine.

Judi Dench - Skyfall The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Judi Dench, a master of depth and nuance, could be a formidable competitor. She has two strong performances to choose from, one as the hard-nosed, unyielding M in Skyfall, and the other as the sprightly, retiree attending a hotel in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Both roles are compelling, but the emotional weight of Fantine's struggle may not find a parallel in these.

Sally Field - Lincoln

Sally Field's role as Mary Todd Lincoln in Lincoln is another strong contender. A seasoned actress, Field delivers a powerful performance, but the role requires less emotional upheaval compared to Fantine's transformation.

Helen Hunt - The Sessions

Helen Hunt's performance as Desaleen, a sex surrogate, is undoubtedly a bold and memorable one. However, Helen Hunt's role is more about navigating a challenging and unconventional relationship rather than the raw emotion and resilience of Fantine.

Kelly Reilly - Flight

Kelly Reilly's performance as the recovering addict Paula in Flight is one of vulnerability and transformation. Yet, Hathaway's role as Fantine's transformation is perhaps more dramatic and emotion-heavy, giving an edge to her nomination.

Historical Analysis: The Road to the Supporting Actress Oscar

Historically, the Supporting Actress category offers a rich tapestry of memorable performances. To win in this category, an actress needs not only a strong script but also the ability to etch an indelible mark on the audience's psyche. In her filmography, Hathaway has already demonstrated volatile and complex characters, making this role a logical next step in her career.

Conclusion: The Final Nominations

As nominations are due to be announced on Thursday, the fate of Anne Hathaway's nomination for Les Miserables is poised to be revealed. With a compelling performance that blends agony and grace, she is in a strong position to emerge as a nominee. The supporting actresses race will undoubtedly be competitive, with each nominee bringing their unique and profound talents to the table. However, the intensity and emotional range of Fantine's journey may tip the balance in Hathaway's favor.

For fans of film and the Oscars, the upcoming announcements promise to be thrilling, with Anne Hathaway's performance standing out as a standout in a season filled with remarkable cinematic compositions.