r/FIlm•
BrndyAlxndr

Revisiting the 2009 Supporting Actress race. Does Cruz still feel like the right winner?

Discussion

I want to start by saying that I love Vicky Cristina Barcelona and the performances on that were great. Cruz was electric, chaotic and very fun, very alive with Peak Woody Allen directing her. At the time her win felt like a career moment driven by narrative and campaign momentum. Let's look at that list again:

Penélope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)

Amy Adams (Doubt)

Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler)

Taraji P. Henson (Benjamin Button)

Viola Davis (Doubt)

I still can't believe how ridiculously stacked the Doubt Cast was, but anyway, the only reason why I think they didn't give it to Viola is cause she was only on one scene but she practically stole the film. When I look back at that lineup, Cruz’s performance honestly feels like the least impactful of the five. Does anyone else feel like that Oscar might have aged differently?

Posted Mar 2, 2026, 4:10 PM UTC

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