LEAD ACTRESS

Women find their footing as the center of their stories in this year’s Oscar contenders

Glenn Close “The Wife”

Close received her seventh Oscar nomination for her steely turn as Joan Castleman, the titular wife behind a Nobel Prize-winning author who has thwarted her own dreams to support her husband. With wins from both the Golden Globe and SAG Awards and a BAFTA nomination, Close appears to be unstoppable on Oscar night.

Lady Gaga, “A Star Is Born”

Gaga charmed audiences and critics as Ally, the star who is destined to be born in Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut. We all knew she could sing, but Gaga also delivers a powerhouse performance as a woman who discovers her own voice. Gaga landed Golden Globe, BAFTA and SAG Award noms and is also nominated for an Oscar for the song “Shallow.”

Yalitza Aparicio, “Roma”

Aparicio receives her first nomination for her first movie, playing the loving nanny at the center of Alfonso Cuaron’s autobiographical story. Cuaron cast the non-actor after a lengthy search and she became part of the film’s 10 nominations. Aparicio has been charming her way through the awards circuit all season thanks to her honest, genuine turn.

Olivia Colman, “The Favourite”

The beloved British actress lands her first nomination for her portrait of the insecure, addled Queen Anne who finds two cousins courting her attention in Yorgos Lanthimos’ sharp period piece. Colman won a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and landed a SAG Award nomination for her often hilarious and tragic turn.

Melissa Mccarthy, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

Mccarthy lands her second Oscar nom after “Bridesmaids” for a very different role, playing the caustic and prickly biographer Lee Israel, who finds she has a talent for forging letters. She’s also landed Golden Globe, BAFTA and SAG Award noms and universal praise for bringing humanity to a complex and complicated woman.