Smackdown '81: Elizabeth, Joan, Melinda, Maureen, and Jane Fonda

Welcome back to the Supporting Actress Smackdown, a summer festival in which we investigate Oscar vintages from years past. This time around it's 1981 in which an estranged daughter, an unhappy socialite, a guilt-ridden Catholic, a political radical, and a scandalous young beauty gather for our viewing pleasure.

1981's Supporting Actress nominations made room for a two-time winner (Jane Fonda, On Golden Pond) with a very personal project, an actor's actor in a star-driven historical epic (Maureen Stapleton, Reds),  two sturdy characters in 'issues' pictures of very different kinds (Melinda Dillon, Absence of Malice  and Joan Hackett in Only When I Laugh) and a rapidly rising starlet (Elizabeth McGovern, Ragtime) who had made a big film debut the year prior in 1980's Best Picture winner Ordinary People. 

THIS MONTH'S PANELISTS    

Here to talk about these five nominated turns and the movies and Oscars of 1981 are, in alphabetical order: writer/director Eric Blume, actor Donna Lynne Champlin (Crazy Ex Girlfriend), actor Sean Maguire (Once Upon a Time, The Magicians), festival programmer Amir Soltani, and critic Boyd Van Hoeij (The Hollywood Reporter). And, as ever, your host at The Film Experience, Nathaniel R. 

Let's begin...

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Introducing the Smackdown Panel for '81

We're so excited to bring you a new super-sized season of the Supporting Actress Smackdown. First up in early May is the year 1981. We'll be talking about Reds, On Golden Pond, Only When I Laugh, Ragtime, and Absence of Malice... so watch those flicks, won'cha? We've gathered a panel of actors, critics and industry cinephiles for you.

Ready to dive into 1981? Let's meet the people who will be talking about the Oscars of 1981 with us. 

PLEASE WELCOME ...

SEAN MAGUIRE
Originally from London, Sean started his career at age five starring alongside Sir Laurence Olivier in his final film, A Voyage around my Father. He then rose to fame at age ten when he was cast in the BBC drama "Grange Hill." He was cast as the lead in US number one box office feature Meet the Spartans. Sean has also starred in the TV comedies Off-Centre, Eve, The Class and took the title role in the Comedy Central series Krod Mandoon opposite Kevin Hart. Sean has also appeared in shows such as BBC series Scott & Bailey, the hit series Criminal Minds, and Timeless as James Bond creator Ian Flemming. Sean is best known for playing "Robin Hood" on the hit ABC series Once Upon A Time.  Sean just completed the 5th series of The Magicians on SyFy where he played two separate characters. Sean is an ambassador for the charity Oxfam. Sean resides in Los Angeles with his wife Tanya and two sons Flynn and Leo. [Twitter | Instagram ]

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