In Bradley Cooper’s 2018 adaptation of “A Star is Born,” pop icon Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) dazzled in her debut film role. She received rave reviews and was nominated for her first Academy Award for acting. While she lost Best Actress to Olivia Colman for “The Favourite,” she did win Best Original Song for “Shallow.”
With only her second big-screen appearance, the 12-time Grammy winner is back in the Oscar race. She is nominated for her performance as the notorious Patrizia Reggiani in MGM’s family-crime epic “House of Gucci.” Despite mixed reactions to Ridley Scott’s film, she has received praise for her portrayal of Italy’s “Black Widow” and was recently named Best Actress by the New York Film Critics Circle.
With a second acting Oscar nomination almost certain (she is currently ranked fifth in our odds), she could join Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, Natalie Portman, Nicole Kidman, and Cher. With their second nomination, they all won Oscars. To be sure, they all starred in Best Picture nominees.
While those prospects for “House of Gucci” are uncertain, the film should still receive multiple nominations, including Supporting Actor (Jared Leto), costume and production design, make-up and hairstyling, and, possibly, film editing.
Gaga’s appeal across the academy ranks her ahead of Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”), Penelope Cruz (“Madres Paralelas”), Jodie Comer (“The Last Duel”), and Jennifer Hudson (“Respect”). Each could be the only nominee for their respective films.
Similarly, Gaga’s massive box office debut with “House of Gucci” (nearly $110 million and counting) puts her ahead of current frontrunner Kristen Stewart (“Spencer”), who stars in an indie drama, as well as Olivia Colman (“The Lost Daughter”) and Nicole Kidman (“Being the Ricardos”), who both star in streaming films.
Read some excerpts from her glowing reviews before making your Best Actress predictions.
“There is […] no one in the ‘House of Gucci’ who can ultimately compete with Lady Gaga’s force of nature.” She is very much the real deal in a film that revels in its own fake charms.” (From the Los Angeles Times, Justin Chang)
“[Gaga] transforms every scene in which she appears into a grand, glorious showcase.” Her hand gestures alone are worth paying attention to. She’s Lady Macbeth in the role of diva, darling, and dancing queen.” (Vox’s Alissa Wilkinson)
“At the center of it all, you get a supernova that burns everything superfluous away.” If the film is remembered for anything, it will be as Exhibit A of what a fantastic actress she is. Forget about Gucci. Gaga’s house will live on forever.” (Rolling Stone’s David Fear)
“Warning, fellow best actress contenders: Gaga’s power is undeniable as she rules the ‘House of Gucci’ with powerful panache and addictive swagger.”