Order of the Phoenix

[Jeanne Hedge]

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The actress for Dolores Umbridge is wonderful, just the sense of underlying menace hidden behind that thin veneer of condescending unctuousness combined with a brilliant sense of comedic timing. I don't know if it's necessarily stole, but I couldn't help noticing her when she's in a scene... and well, I thought she was HILARIOUS. I couldn't stop laughing at her scenes.

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That was Imelda Staunton. She was a Best Actress Oscar nominee for "Vera Drake" (2004). Yet another of a long line of really terrific British actresses.

With her and Helena Bonham Carter in this movie, after a bit of research I think that makes 11 Oscar winning or nominated actors in the extended Potter ensemble (Kenneth Branagh (1 nomination), Carter (1 nomination), Julie Christie (3 nominations, 1 win), Ralph Fiennes (2x nominee), Richard Harris (2x nominee), John Hurt (2x nominee), Miranda Richardson (2x nominee), Maggie Smith (6 nominations, 2 wins), Staunton (1 nomination), Emma Thompson (4 nominations, 1 win), and Julie Walters (2x nominee)). On top of that, both John Cleese (A Fish Called Wanda) and Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility) both have Oscar nominations for screen writing - Thompson won hers. And to top that, Mrs. Thompson's ex, Mr. Branagh has 3 more non-acting nominations - screen writing, directing, and live action short subject(!).
I'm afraid to count up all the BAFTA nominees in this cast!

Jeanne Hedge
www.jhedge.com

"Believe me, if I have to go the rest of my life without companionship, knowing myself won't be a problem."
-- Gabrielle of Potadeia