Oscars 2023: Best Supporting Actress Nominees

Hey movie buffs! Let's dive into the exciting world of the Oscars, specifically focusing on the Best Supporting Actress category for 2023. This is always a nail-biter, guys, and this year is no exception. We've got some seriously talented ladies vying for that golden statue, and it’s tough to predict who will take home the win. Each nominee brought something truly special to their roles, showcasing incredible range, emotional depth, and unforgettable performances that have stuck with us long after the credits rolled. The competition is fierce, and that's what makes this category so captivating to watch. We're talking about actors who didn't necessarily carry the entire film but provided the crucial, often scene-stealing, support that elevated the entire production. Their performances are the backbone of many great movies, offering nuance and complexity that might otherwise be missing. It’s a testament to their skill that they can make such a significant impact without being the central focus, a true art form in itself. The Academy has a history of rewarding powerhouse performances, and this year's lineup is packed with them. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's break down who's in the running and what makes each of them a deserving candidate for this prestigious award. This category celebrates the artists who masterfully complement the lead actors, adding layers of meaning and emotion that resonate deeply with audiences. It’s about the perfect balance, the subtle glance, the powerful monologue delivered at just the right moment – these are the elements that often define a supporting role's brilliance.

The Nominees: A Deep Dive into Supporting Actress Brilliance

Alright, let's get down to business and meet the amazing women nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2023 Oscars. Each of these performances is a masterclass in acting, showing incredible dedication and skill. These aren't just supporting roles; they are pivotal characters that drive the narrative, provide emotional anchors, or inject much-needed levity. The sheer talent on display here is staggering, and it really highlights the depth of talent within Hollywood right now. It’s fascinating to consider how each actress interpreted their role, bringing their unique perspective to the character and making them indelible. Whether it was a quiet intensity, a boisterous presence, or a heartbreaking vulnerability, they all left an indelible mark. The Academy has a tough job on its hands, choosing just one from such a stellar group. It really makes you appreciate the craft of acting when you see performances like these, where every gesture, every line delivery, feels perfectly calibrated. These are the performances that often go unnoticed by casual viewers but are deeply admired by industry professionals for their technical skill and emotional honesty. They are the unsung heroes of cinema, and this category is their moment in the spotlight. The journey to this nomination is a long one, often involving years of dedication to their craft, honing their skills through various roles, and finally hitting that career-defining performance. We’re going to explore what made each of these performances so remarkable, looking at the films they graced and the characters they brought to life with such vivid authenticity. Get ready to be inspired, because these women are truly at the top of their game, and their work deserves all the accolades it's receiving. It's a celebration of nuanced portrayals and unforgettable characters who, despite not being the main protagonist, often steal the show and capture the hearts of the audience. Their contributions are vital, shaping the emotional landscape of the films and leaving a lasting impression that defines the overall cinematic experience. The caliber of talent in this category is a testament to the rich storytelling happening in film today, and these actresses are at the forefront of that movement.

Kerry Condon for The Banshees of Inisherin

First up, we have Kerry Condon for her absolutely phenomenal work in The Banshees of Inisherin. Guys, her portrayal of Siobhán Súilleabháin was just chef's kiss. She’s the voice of reason in a sea of escalating absurdity, and Condon delivers her lines with such a perfect blend of weariness, intelligence, and a subtle, simmering frustration. Her character is the anchor that keeps the audience grounded amidst the film's dark humor and escalating conflict. Condon’s performance is a masterclass in understated power. She conveys so much with just a look or a sigh, capturing the quiet desperation and intellectual yearning of a woman trapped in a small, insular community. Her ability to shift from dry wit to profound sadness is seamless, making Siobhán one of the most compelling characters in the film. It’s a performance that doesn’t rely on grand gestures but on the subtle nuances of human emotion. She truly embodies the spirit of a person trying to navigate a world that often doesn’t understand or appreciate her intelligence and aspirations. The way she handles the interactions with Colin Farrell’s character, Padraic, is particularly brilliant, showcasing a deep, complex sibling bond that is tested by Padraic’s own stubbornness and Pádraic's eccentric friend. Her journey throughout the film is one of seeking agency and escape, and Condon makes every step of that journey feel earned and deeply felt. The quiet dignity she brings to Siobhán is remarkable, making her eventual decisions all the more impactful. She’s the emotional core of the film, and her presence elevates every scene she’s in. It’s a performance that highlights the power of quiet strength and the profound impact a single character can have on the overall narrative. Condon’s nomination is a well-deserved recognition of her incredible talent and her ability to create a character who is both relatable and deeply memorable. She’s the kind of actress who makes you lean in, paying close attention to every subtle shift in her expression, every carefully chosen word. Her performance is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most powerful acting comes from restraint and a deep understanding of the character's inner life. This role is a career highlight, showcasing her versatility and command of the screen, proving she's an actress of immense caliber.

Stephanie Hsu for Everything Everywhere All at Once

Next, we’ve got Stephanie Hsu tearing it up in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her role as Joy Wang / Jobu Tupaki is nothing short of mind-blowing. Hsu navigates the multiverse with an incredible duality, playing both the alienated daughter and the omnipotent, nihilistic antagonist. It’s a tour de force performance that requires immense emotional range and physical commitment. She has to be everything, everywhere, all at once, and she absolutely nails it. Hsu’s ability to switch between the raw vulnerability of Joy, desperately seeking her mother’s acceptance, and the chaotic, all-powerful Jobu Tupaki, who has seen and experienced everything, is astounding. It’s a performance that’s both heartbreaking and terrifying, often within the same scene. She captures the existential dread and the overwhelming burden of infinite possibilities with a captivating intensity. The film’s ambitious scope demands a lot from its actors, and Hsu rises to the challenge with a performance that is both deeply personal and cosmically grand. Her portrayal of Jobu Tupaki is not just about being a villain; it’s about the pain and the nihilism that can arise from feeling utterly disconnected and overwhelmed by existence. The emotional weight she carries, even when playing the seemingly invincible Jobu, is palpable. For Joy, Hsu conveys the complex dynamics of a strained mother-daughter relationship, the yearning for understanding, and the frustration of feeling unseen. She’s the emotional heart of the film’s central conflict, and her journey from alienation to potential reconciliation is incredibly moving. It’s a performance that demands a lot of the actress, requiring her to embody multiple personas and navigate a wildly imaginative narrative. Hsu delivers on all fronts, showcasing a remarkable range and a magnetic screen presence. Her work in this film is a testament to her extraordinary talent and her ability to inhabit a character with such depth and complexity. She makes the abstract concept of the multiverse feel deeply personal and emotionally resonant, a feat that speaks volumes about her skill as an actor. This is the kind of performance that makes you sit up and take notice, marking her as a major talent to watch. It’s a dazzling display of acting prowess that has rightfully earned her this Oscar nomination and cemented her place in cinematic history.

Hong Chau for The Whale

Then there’s Hong Chau, who gave a truly heart-wrenching performance in The Whale. As Liz, the devoted nurse and friend to Brendan Fraser’s character, Charlie, Chau is the emotional lifeline. She’s the one trying to hold things together, offering tough love and unwavering support in the face of Charlie’s self-destructive behavior. Chau brings such gravitas and humanity to Liz. Her performance is filled with quiet strength, empathy, and a profound sense of loyalty that anchors the film. She’s the moral compass, the voice of reason, and the embodiment of unconditional love, even when it’s difficult. Chau’s portrayal is subtle yet incredibly powerful. She conveys Liz’s deep care for Charlie through her expressions, her tone of voice, and her unwavering presence. She masterfully balances moments of frustration and concern with genuine affection, making Liz a deeply complex and relatable character. The weight of Charlie’s situation clearly takes a toll on her, and Chau allows us to see that emotional burden without ever overshadowing Charlie’s story. She’s not just a caregiver; she’s a friend who is deeply invested in Charlie’s well-being, and Chau makes that bond feel incredibly real and earned. Her performance is a testament to the power of platonic love and the importance of having someone in your corner, no matter how dire the circumstances. She provides a much-needed warmth and humanity that contrasts with the bleakness of Charlie's situation. It’s a performance that is both grounding and deeply moving, offering moments of solace and fierce protectiveness. Chau’s ability to convey such profound emotion with restraint is remarkable, making Liz a standout character whose presence is felt long after the film ends. This nomination is a significant achievement, recognizing her immense talent and her capacity to deliver a performance that is both understated and emotionally resonant. She brings a quiet brilliance to the role, making Liz an unforgettable figure of compassion and resilience in a story that explores themes of regret, redemption, and the complexities of human connection. Her character serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the enduring power of empathy in the darkest of times, making her a truly deserving nominee.

Angela Bassett for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

And who could forget Angela Bassett for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever? Playing Queen Ramonda, Bassett delivered a performance of immense power and regal sorrow. This role required her to embody strength, grief, and the immense responsibility of leadership in the wake of tragedy. Bassett commands the screen with her every appearance. Her portrayal of a mother mourning her son while leading a nation is nothing short of breathtaking. She conveys a profound sense of dignity and resilience, even in the face of overwhelming loss. The scenes where she grapples with her grief are incredibly moving, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotion with incredible poise. As Queen Ramonda, Bassett is the embodiment of strength and grace under pressure. She has to make impossible decisions, rally her people, and carry the weight of a nation, all while nursing a broken heart. Bassett’s commanding presence and her ability to convey so much with just her voice and posture make her performance truly unforgettable. She brings a gravitas to the role that elevates the entire film, adding a layer of emotional depth to the superhero narrative. Her iconic delivery of lines like "In our time of grief, we will not let sorrow consume us but guide us" is a testament to her power as a performer. She’s not just acting; she’s embodying a queen, a mother, and a leader, and she does it with unparalleled command. The film hinges on the emotional fallout of T’Challa’s death, and Bassett’s performance as his grieving mother and queen is the emotional anchor that holds it all together. It’s a performance that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and duty. Her presence is a constant reminder of the stakes involved and the personal cost of leadership. Bassett's nomination recognizes her legendary status and her ability to deliver a performance that is both epic and deeply personal, resonating with audiences on a profound level. She is a true icon, and this role further solidifies her legacy as one of cinema's most powerful actresses. Her work is a powerful exploration of grief, strength, and the complex burdens of leadership, making her a standout in the Best Supporting Actress race.

Jamie Lee Curtis for Everything Everywhere All at Once

Finally, we have Jamie Lee Curtis, also from Everything Everywhere All at Once, playing the formidable IRS inspector Deirdre Beaubeirdre. Curtis fully commits to this hilarious and surprisingly poignant role. She’s initially the antagonist, the bureaucratic hurdle our heroes must overcome, but Curtis brings layers of unexpected depth and even sympathy to Deirdre. Her comedic timing is impeccable, and she’s clearly having a blast in the role, delivering some of the film’s most memorable and absurd moments. But beyond the laughs, Curtis also taps into Deirdre’s own struggles and frustrations, making her more than just a one-dimensional villain. She shows us the humanity beneath the stern exterior, the quiet desperation that can drive someone to be so rigid. Curtis’s ability to switch from stern authority figure to a vulnerable human being is a testament to her acting prowess. She’s fearless in her portrayal, embracing the physical comedy and the emotional beats with equal measure. For a seasoned actress like Curtis, it’s fantastic to see her take on a role that allows her to flex so many different acting muscles. She dives headfirst into the absurdity of the multiverse, embracing the wild transformations and unexpected scenarios with a fantastic energy. Her performance adds a crucial layer to the film’s exploration of empathy and understanding, showing how even the most antagonistic characters have their own stories and struggles. It’s a performance that is both incredibly funny and surprisingly touching, reminding us that everyone has their own battles to fight. Curtis’s commitment to the role is palpable, and she injects Deirdre with a unique blend of menace, humor, and underlying pathos. She proves that even in the midst of cosmic chaos, a grounded, relatable character can steal the show. This nomination is a fantastic acknowledgment of her enduring talent and her willingness to take risks, delivering a performance that is both iconic and deeply human. It’s a role that showcases her incredible range and her ability to create a character that is instantly memorable and surprisingly affecting, cementing her legacy in Hollywood.

Who Will Win? Predicting the Best Supporting Actress Oscar

So, guys, the million-dollar question: who is going to win Best Supporting Actress? This category is stacked, and honestly, any one of these incredibly talented women could take home the prize. It’s a real testament to the quality of films released this year and the sheer depth of talent among actresses. We’ve seen strong performances across the board, from historical dramas to sci-fi epics, and each nominee brought something unique and powerful to their role. The Academy voters have a really tough decision ahead of them, and there are a few frontrunners that seem to have the most momentum heading into Oscar night. Looking at the precursor awards – like the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and BAFTAs – can often give us a clue about where the Academy might lean. These awards often reflect a similar voting body, so they can be pretty good indicators of potential winners. However, it's not always a perfect science, and sometimes the Oscar race has its own surprises. The narrative around each performance also plays a huge role. For example, is there a comeback story? Is it a performance that broke new ground or pushed artistic boundaries? These are the kinds of factors that can sway voters. Angela Bassett has incredible momentum and a powerful narrative as a legendary actress finally getting her due for a role that is both iconic and deeply emotional. Her win would be a historic moment for the MCU and for her career. Stephanie Hsu has also been a revelation, with a performance that is central to the success of the critically acclaimed Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her versatility and the sheer ambition of her role make her a very strong contender. Then there's Kerry Condon, whose subtle yet powerful performance in The Banshees of Inisherin has garnered widespread praise and seen her gain significant traction throughout awards season. Her nuanced portrayal resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike. Hong Chau delivered a deeply moving and essential performance in The Whale, offering a much-needed emotional anchor. Her quiet strength and empathy have earned her significant admiration. And we can't count out Jamie Lee Curtis, who has had a career resurgence with her memorable and scene-stealing role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her blend of comedy and pathos has made her a fan favorite. It’s going to be fascinating to see how the votes shake out. Each of these women deserves the win for their remarkable contributions. This category truly represents the best of what supporting acting has to offer, showcasing diverse talents and unforgettable characters that enrich the cinematic landscape. The unpredictability of this race only adds to the excitement, making Oscar night all the more compelling. It’s a celebration of exceptional talent and the magic of storytelling on screen, and no matter who wins, we’ve been treated to some truly outstanding performances this year. The final decision rests with the Academy voters, and their collective choice will crown the next Best Supporting Actress.

A Celebration of Supporting Roles

Ultimately, the Best Supporting Actress category is a celebration of the vital roles that these actors play in bringing stories to life. They might not always be the central focus, but their performances are often what elevate a film from good to great. They provide the texture, the emotional depth, and sometimes the much-needed comic relief that makes a movie resonate with audiences. These actresses have poured their hearts and souls into their characters, delivering performances that are both memorable and impactful. Whether it's the quiet strength of Condon, the multiverse-hopping brilliance of Hsu, the unwavering compassion of Chau, the regal grief of Bassett, or the comedic tenacity of Curtis, each nominee has made an indelible mark on cinema this year. It’s a reminder that great acting isn’t just about leading roles; it’s about the ability to inhabit a character fully, to connect with them on an emotional level, and to deliver a performance that serves the story in the most profound way possible. These women are masters of their craft, and their nominations are a testament to their skill, dedication, and the power of a truly great supporting performance. We’re lucky to have witnessed such incredible talent on display. This category showcases the diverse ways supporting actors can enhance a film, contributing to its emotional core, its thematic resonance, and its overall success. It’s a powerful reminder of the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the essential contributions of every member of the cast. The nominees this year represent a spectrum of acting styles and character types, all unified by their excellence and their ability to leave a lasting impression. Their work inspires aspiring actors and delights cinephiles alike, proving that a supporting role can be just as impactful, if not more so, than a leading one. It’s a beautiful recognition of the craft and the art of performance, celebrating those who often work behind the scenes to bring memorable characters to life. The energy and dedication these actresses bring to their roles are what make movies truly special and provide us with experiences we cherish and remember for years to come. This category is a highlight of the Oscars, shining a light on the incredible talent that makes the magic of cinema possible.