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We were collectively delighted when it was announced that Ruth Negga secured her first-ever Best Actress Oscar?nomination and one of the first things pointed out was how incredible it was to be in the same category as the incomparable?Meryl Streep. Streep made history yesterday; she’s the first actress to ever receive 20 nominations from the Academy and at a time where sexism and glass ceilings are as high as ever in the film industry, this is a big deal.
And when she was asked to respond to her historical nomination – she was nominated for her role as the questionably-talented opera singer in Florence Foster Jenkins -?she decided in true Meryl Streep form to send a GIF.
“Please find the following GIF as a statement on behalf of Meryl Streep,” the publicist for Paramount said in an email sent to journalists after the nominations were announced. Behold:
How deadly is Meryl? In case you were wondering, the joyous clip originates from the Paul McCartney music video Queenie Eye.
Streep is an icon of American cinema; famous for choosing roles that portray complex, strong women on screen that aren’t always sympathetic or likeable. From the likes of Sophie’s Choice, Kramer Vs Kramer to The Devil Wears Prada – all of which she received Oscar nominations for – she’s an actress who constantly surprises. ?Some of her other notable nominations include The Bridges of Madison County and Best Supporting Actress nods for The Deer Hunter and 2015’s Into the Woods. Of her 20 nominations, she’s taken home three statues for Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, and The Iron Lady.
Though even at that, her critics tended to dismiss her later nominations, by suggesting that she gets a nomination – regardless of the project – “just because she’s Meryl Streep.” As one of the most profoundly talented actresses of her generation, such comments are insulting to the woman and proud feminist trying to change things for females on screen.
Streep’s Oscar nomination comes after?being honoured for her lifetime of notable work with the CecilB. DeMille Award, where her speech, intended to send a message to the President who-shall-not-be-named?(we’re sick of him) made headlines around the world.
“Overrated”? – We sure as hell don’t think so.