Best Actress 2013: Naomi Watts, Diana

Naomi Watts' career has certainly taken off lately in a big way.  She recently came out of nowhere to nab her second Best Actress nomination.  While the AMPAS have looked her over in the past, it has never been for a film that has received considerable Oscar attention outside the non-actory King Kong.  What's telling about this year is that the film she got nominated for, The Impossible, received no other nominations (in fact, she is also the only person in her category from a non-Best Picture nominee--a first, at least, in modern AMPAS history).  This year is quite big for her.  Not only is she a dark horse possibility for a win, but she has several films that might release including Sunlight Jr. opposite Matt Dillon.  Exclusive Releasing just acquired her film Two Mothers costarring Robin Wright at Sundance.  She may also play both Marilyn Monroe and Gertrude Bell.  And there is an international rollout already prepared for Diana, where she took on the iconic role of the Princess of Wales.  Stephen Jeffreys (The Libertine) based his screenplay on the last two years of Diana's life, concentrating on her crusade against landmines, as well as her relationship with Dr. Hasnat Khan (played by Naveen Andrews).  My instinct isn't strong on this, but we'll have to see.  It could be Iron Lady or My Week with Marilyn quality and Watts could still get positive attention.  German director Oliver Hirschbiegel, who directed the excellent Downfall, as well as Nicole Kidman in the box-office dud The Invasion, helmed the project.  The cast includes the lovely Juliet Stevenson.  Hirschbiegel used his cinematographer Rainer Klausmann and editor Hans Funck.  Art Director Mark Raggett has been involved with such films as The Hours, Shakespeare in Love, and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.  Prosthetic makeup designer Barrie Gower chose not to mess with Watts' nose, which I find an intriguing choice.  Diana's nose was such a distinct part of her physical and distinctive beauty.  Perhaps Watts' work in the role has deemed it unnecessary.  As we saw with Michelle Williams, she didn't need to have Monroe's hips to capture her essence.  Watts' Oscar competitor Jessica Chastain was originally set to play the role, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.  No U.S.-distribution rights have been set up as of yet, but it seems likely that the film will come out this year.

Interesting to note: Watts was 43 when she portrayed Diana from ages 34 to 36, or thereabout.  Nicole Kidman is 45 and is currently finishing up playing Grace Kelly at 32.  While Watts received zero criticism, Kidman got quite a bit of flack (even from Cinesnatch).  What a difference a couple of years makes, no?  Or is the unaddressed Botox talking?

Check out more Best Actress 2013 contenders