HOLLYWOOD — If Sandra Bullock is going to win a best actress Oscar for her role in “The Blind Side” she may have one major obstacle to overcome: She’s too popular.
In the 82-year history of the Academy Awards, it’s been difficult for mainstream actresses (and yes, actors) to win acting Oscars.
But that may all change for Bullock, a bankable comedy and action star since 1994’s “Speed.” Her work on “The Blind Side” has given the 45-year-old Bullock a new level of recognition.
Now she’s nominated for Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild awards for “The Blind Side.”
Bullock’s performance as the take-charge spitfire Leigh Anne is a marked change from her more comedic roles. Academy voters often reward stars who go outside their comfort zones.
Take Ginger Rogers, for example. After tripping the light fantastic in musicals with Fred Astaire in the 1930s, she darkened her blond locks to play an unwed mother in 1940’s melodrama “Kitty Foyle” and won the best actress Oscar.
Vivacious Grace Kelly frumped it up in 1954’s “The Country Girl” and picked up the golden statuette. And more recently, Charlize Theron packed on the pounds to play murderer Aileen Wuornos in 2003’s “Monster,” winning a best actress Academy Award for her effort.
Oscar’s oversights
These actresses never even got a nomination: Mae West, Jean Harlow, Myrna Loy (an honorary Oscar), Hedy Lamarr, Kim Novak, Marilyn Monroe
Nominated but never won:
Deborah Kerr (six nominations and an honorary Oscar)
Glenn Close and Irene Dunne (five nominations)
Rosalind Russell (four nominations and a Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award)
Greta Garbo (three nominations, honorary Oscar)
Barbara Stanwyck (four nominations and an honorary Oscar)
Agnes Moorehead (four nominations)
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