Oscar voters love when great actresses play great singers saddled with great big dramatic problems. Is Renée Zellweger next?
Oscar loves a diva. Barbra Streisand won her first Academy Award for playing Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl.” Half a century later, “Judy” star Renée Zellweger seems certain to earn a nomination for her heart-rending portrayal of Judy Garland. In the years between, Oscar voters have heaped praise on great actresses playing great singers saddled with great big problems. Here are just a few. Marion Cotillard EDITH PIAF “La Vie en Rose” (2007)
Face of adversity: Alcoholism. Voice: Cotillard lip-synced to original Piaf recordings. Showstopper: “Non, Je ne regrette rien.” Stage presence: Intense, feet planted. To wig or not to wig: Wig. Cotillard wore a wig modeled on the chanteuse’s wavy tresses. Signature look: Fur-collared shift and short heels. Telling line: “I’m not the Parisian bombshell [Americans] expected. Can you see me as a chorus girl?” Oscar nod: Winner, lead actress.
Angela Bassett TINA TURNER “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” (1993)
Face of adversity: Beaten by bandleader husband Ike Turner (Laurence Fishburne). Voice: Bassett lipsynced to Turner’s recordings. Stage presence: Hyperkinetic, strutting and shaking. Showstoppers: “Proud Mary,” “River Deep, Mountain High.” To wig or not to wig: Wig. Bassett wore wigs similar to those Turner wore to perform. Signature look: Sparkly miniskirt. Telling line: “We never do nothin’ nice and easy.” Oscar nod: Nominee, lead actress.
Reese Witherspoon JUNE CARTER CASH “Walk the Line” (2005)
Face of adversity: Dealing with husband Johnny Cash’s selfdestructive habits. Voice: Witherspoon did her own singing in the June Carter style. Showstopper: “Juke Box Blues.” Stage presence: Cheerful, dancing a jig. To wig or not to wig: No wig. Witherspoon dyed her blond hair brown. Signature look: Scoop-neck party dress. Telling line: “If y’all sit down, squat down or lie down but make yourselves at home because here’s Mr. Johnny Cash!” Oscar nod: Winner, lead actress.
Sissy Spacek LORETTA LYNN “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1980)
Face of adversity: Four kids by age 18. Voice: Spacek did her own singing, emulating Lynn’s catch-in-thethroat style. Showstoppers: “There He Goes,” the Lynnpenned “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Stage presence: Guitar strumming and a big smile. To wig or not to wig: Natural early on; later big bouffant wigs. Signature look: Cowboy hat; later, frilly floor-length gowns. Telling line: “I done wrote me a song, Betty Sue. Your mama’s a daggone songwriter.” Oscar nod: Winner, lead actress.