Good Director and Good Actress Working Together

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Good Director and Good Actress Working Together

Maggie Gyllenhaal was a little nervous to work with Oliver Stone until he gave her some magic words. "I give you the power of Zeus." That seemed to do the trick.

Actresses have to learn how to work with directors when they get on the set. Emily Blunt of "The Young Victoria" has learned to be more vocal.

Patricia Clarkson will only work with directors who operate with mutual respect. Samantha Morton appreciates a director who has confidence in him- or herself.

Saoirse Ronan of "The Lovely Bones," appreciated how emotionally involved director Peter Jackson got in the scene. He went to her between takes and wiped a tear from her cheek.

"He has this childlike quality to him that gives everyone a new energy on the set," Ronan explains.

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Newcomers and Vets Battle for Oscar's Good Actress

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Newcomers and Vets Battle for Oscar's Good Actress

Although there is nearly a month until the Academy Award nominations are announced, the Los Angeles Times is trying to figure out who the nominees and winners of the actress awards will be.

Newcomers Carey Mulligan of "An Education" and Gabourey Sidibe of "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" are both top contenders.

Both young women have already gotten nominations for National Board of Review, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics Choice Movie Awards.

Other less sure bets are Abbie Cornish of "Bright Star," Emily Blunt from "The Young Victoria," and Mo'Nique, also from "Precious."

Oddly enough, 15-year-old Saoirse Ronan of "The Lovely Bones" is among the vets, having been nominated two years ago for "Atonement."

Other veterans who have a good shot at hearing their names on February 2 include Meryl Streep for her role as Julia Child in "Julie & Julia" or for her turn in "It's Complicated."

Also likely candidates are Helen Mirren in "The Last Station," Sandra Bullock for "The Blind Side," and Penélope Cruz and Marion Cotillard from "Nine."

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Ronan Nominated as a Good Actress Twice

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Ronan Nominated as a Good Actress Twice

The Broadcast Film Critics Association's 15th annual Critics' Choice Movie Award nominations came out on Monday. Among those nominated were Irish actress Saoirse Ronan.

The 15-year-old actress, who plays a murdered woman in "The Lovely Bones," got dual nominations, both for best actress and best young actor/actress.

The only other actress in the young actor/actress category is Bailey Madison for her performance in "Brothers."

Other best actress nominees are Emily Blunt in "The Young Victoria," Sandra Bullock from "The Blind Side," Carey Mulligan from "An Education," Gabourey Sidibe from "Precious" and Meryl Streep in "Julie & Julia."

Gina Wilhelm Actress