Best Actress: Kathy Bates

 We did it, guys. We've made it to the '90s, which we all remember as being 10 years ago, right? 

via haidaspicciare

What a performance! Kathy Bates had me enthralled the moment the camera focused and she came into view repeating the line "I'm your number one fan" ad nauseum. The switch off between totally entranced by Paul Sheldon to complete maniac was fascinating; Misery works because Kathy commits so totally to Annie Wilkes and James Caan so fully portrays the panic of being helpless and trapped in that bed. 

This was Kathy Bates's breakout film role, and honestly, what an achievement. I loved Misery the first time I saw it, and I've always enjoyed Kathy whenever I see her in other films or television shows (of course she's first known to me as Molly Brown from Titanic). 

She's thoroughly chilling as Annie Wilkies, the obssesive fan of author Paul Sheldon. The slow reveal that all is not right with her, and all the near wins Paul has in freeing himself leads to a great climax. I didn't want this movie to end, and I'm so glad that it led to Kathy becoming a Hollywood mainstay. She's been consistent from the start.

I'd be remiss if I didn't take a second to mourn Rob Reiner. What a thrill ride this movie is. What a great director he was. What a tremendous loss. 

Kathy Bates was nominated against Anjelica Huston (The Grifters), Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman), Meryl Streep (Postcards from the Edge), and Joanne Woodward (Mr. & Mrs. Bridge). Get ready for a revelation: I've never seen Pretty Woman. I do adore Joanne Woodward and loved her in Mr. and Mrs. Bridge, but Kathy 100% deserved this win.

DID I LIKE MISERY? Yes!
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Did you like Misery? What are your thoughts on Kathy Bates's Oscar win?

Keep up with all my Rewatching the Best Actresses posts here!