Smackdown '94: Uma, Dianne, Jennifer, Helen, and Rosemary

Presenting Oscar's Chosen Supporting Actresses of the Films of 1994.

THE NOMINEES: The Academy wrapped up their love affair with a previous winner (Dianne Wiest) while starting a new one with a future winner (Helen Mirren). Two fresh-faced delights (Uma Thurman, Jennifer Tilly) and an esteemed veteran (Rosemary Harris) were along for the ride.

In a rare turn of events the shortlist leaned far away from tears and dove headfirst into stylized fun or outright belly laughs (Rosemary Harris was the only player in a traditional drama). A quick list of the roles sounds like a joke set-up or at least a wild party: A fertile queen, a pompous diva, a wealthy society matriarch, and not but one but two trouble-maker gangster molls who moonlight in acting. 

THIS MONTH'S PANELISTS   

Here to talk about these five nominated turns are, in alpha order: Erik Anderson (Awards Pundit), Nick Davis (Professor),  Itamar Moses (Tony-winning Playwright), Alfred Soto (Editor/Critic), and your host Nathaniel R from The Film Experience. [Apologies but the sixth announced panelist Sheila O'Malley -- who previously provided brilliant insight in our 1984 discussion -- had to attend to a last minute emergency so we'll have to catch up with her again down the road.]

Readers form the collective panelist each month (though there were weirdly fewer votes this round for such a recent year!). You broke the panel tie to determine the winner this time around. Now it's time for the main event... 

1994
SUPPORTING ACTRESS SMACKDOWN  

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Two Handfuls of Link

• The Guardian Isabelle Huppert has really outdone herself with her answers in this new Q&A
• Variety Roseanne cancelled at ABC after Roseanne couldn't help herself and went on yet another round of racist remarks. Still, that's quite a move by ABC given the success and profitability of the show (and their past indifference to her statements). Corporations aren't really known for not letting money do the loudest talking.
• Variety interesting buiness related follow up: In the very recent upfronts ABC had basically built its whole Tuesday schedule around Roseanne as ratings savior. What will they do now?
• Slate an oral history of The Muppets
• Coming Soon Uma Thurman to star in Netflix's supernatural drama series Chambers. Let's hope she has better luck than Naomi Watts did with Gypsy.
• Pajiba Let's talk about Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, Solo)

Much more after the jump including Jake Shears new song, George Takei exonerated, Interview magazine, Mean Girls album, a Spawn reboot, and what to do when stars disappoint us...

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Say What? Uma and Matt in "The House That Jack Built"

Amuse us with a line of dialogue or a caption for this first image of Uma Thurman with Matt Dillon in serial killer film The House That Jack Built. A new poster and Cannes news after the jump...

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Uma Speaks Out

by Nathaniel R

Uma Thurman photographed by Damon Winter for the New York Times

"This is Why Uma Thurman is Angry" is the weekend's must-read. The movie star has been suggesting that she had a rage boiling up inside her for months now. She has now added her voice to the chorus of women accusing Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault. Though she spares us the sickening details this sharply written editorial by Maureen Dowd, who spent two nights talking to Uma, suggests plenty. Surprisingly it's more damning, in a curious and, for this particular season, atypical way, of her chief collaborator Quentin Tarantino with whom she had enjoyed a long and creative relationship.

I had really always felt a connection to the greater good in my work with Quentin and most of what I allowed to happen to me and what I participated in was kind of like a horrible mud wrestle with a very angry brother. But at least I had some say, you know?

The account of their strained relationship after Weinstein's misconduct and their falling out over a dangerous accident (warning the video is very upsetting) on the set of Kill Bill feel emotionally brutal.

The Bride had more names to cross of her list. 

Kill Bill Vol. 3: Uma Thurman Speaks Out

By Spencer Coile 

In a late October interview with Access Hollywood, Uma Thurman was asked for her comments on the #MeToo movement. She said that the actions of these women were "commendable" but she had nothing else to  say at the time, because, as she put it: 

I have been waiting to feel less angry. And when I am ready, I will say what I have to say.

But on Thanksgiving, she was at least partly ready. The Oscar nominee took to Instagram to discuss her feelings surrounding the sexual assault allegations toward Harvey Weinstein...

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