Michelle Pfeiffer and the Elusive Oscar | Why She's Never Won

[@dexterellis7818]

Even if she never wins an Oscar, her body of work is a huge testament to her talent. Of that she should be very proud.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Absolutely!

[@bmcg678]

To this day, I still feel Michelle’s performance in The Age of Innocence should’ve at least gotten an Academy Award nomination! She was phenomenal as Ellen!

[@501Blonde-dq1ui]

Agreed. If anything, she has been vastly under nominated for iconic roles like this one and Elvira in Scarface. But personally, I feel she should have won for dangerous liaisons. I've never seen the accidental tourist, but I can't imagine Geena being better than Michelle. I do struggle with the winners of this year 1989 AA. DL and especially the cast, was breathtaking and amazing. I personally felt Glenn Close should've won the year before over Chef in Moonstruck. But if Glenn didn't win for fatal attraction, and knowing foster would later win for silence of the lambs years later, I would've given it to glenn for DL. But I can't argue fosters win - it's vastly different from DL, but just as powerful + heartbreaking + amazing in creating a performance during the most gruesome storylines and scenes. But hindsight is 20/20 - making certain wins seem unnecessary or unworthy in that year's category and or knowing who has been awarded since (and those that still haven't been properly recognized + awarded.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yeah, surprised she missed there. Fantastic performance!

[@lexkanyima2195]

​@@501Blonde-dq1ui it was a tough competition

[@Robert-zx2ir]

I don’t understand why Pfeiffer and Day-Lewis didn’t snag Oscar noms for The Age of Innocence, because their performances were WAY better than Ryder’s Oscar nominated performance. Ryder always delivers her lines in a flat and emotionless monotone and her line-delivery in The Age of Innocence is no exception to this. Even Family Guy made fun of Ryder’s line-delivery (m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHaQYYB-e56sb7s&pp=ygUcZmFtaWx5IGd1eSBhZ2Ugb2YgaW5ub2NlbmNlIA%3D%3D). Pfeiffer and Day-Lewis not receiving a nomination was fatuous and Ryder’s nomination was one of the worst Oscar nominations alongside Al Pacino for Dick Tracy, Melissa McCarthy for Bridesmaids, Julia Roberts for Pretty Woman and Meryl Streep for The Devil Wears, Julie & Julia and Into The Woods.

[@wilburwilbur7241]

We entirely agree!

[@lizfinkelstein1323]

This video made me realize she's one of her generation's best actresses.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yay, agreed!

[@bruh_hahaha]

So stunning and talented, Oscar or not, Michelle Pfeiffer is the definition of ICONIC. 🍿♥️

[@TheAwardsContender]

Agreed! 👍❤️👏

[@ryzardt]

I’m totally with you. Michelle should definitely be holding that golden statue soon! Another great video! I’m loving your elusive Oscar videos! Close, Weaver and Pfeiffer are the most deserving actresses never to have won.

[@darrensmith4932]

I’d add Laura Linney and Michelle Williams to that list

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thank you so much!

[@lexkanyima2195]

They are snubbed

[@philmenges9887]

I totally agree! While Pfeiffer is my personal favorite, it is hard to believe that Glenn Close didn't bring home the gold for "Alex" in Fatal Attraction." But, of course, she was beaten out by an unlikely newcomer, Cher, for Moonstruck. The latter did a surprisingly good job of playing a plain, unwed member of a quirky Italian family. [But, still, the contest was so "close" that it could have been decided by a coin flip.]

[@katiebright9046]

Amy Adams and Rosamund Pike too

[@DitalianCole]

A truly talented actress deserving of a win! I think when you're an actress that beautiful, you have to work 4 times as hard to be taken seriously, to prove you're one of the best!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Soooo true!

[@lexkanyima2195]

She make more public appearence

[@philmenges9887]

She should have won an award for trying to look plain-Jane *homely* in "Frankie and Johnny." But that would have required a mask!

[@HunterHusnay]

Michelle Pfeiffer is the greatest modern actress of our time and unfortunately is woefully underrated

[@TheAwardsContender]

So underrated, she’s amazing!

[@chrishowson3243]

Omg Winona Ryder and the elusive Oscar 😍😍😍😍😍

[@rodrigoaldreteavila6408]

Make it reality

[@leonardocruz4641]

PLEASE!

[@DOUGLANDER]

I couldn’t agree more Chris!! I’d love to see a Winona Ryder and the elusive Oscar video ♥️

[@TheAwardsContender]

Haha, join my Patreon and you can vote for her to be the next Elusive Oscar subject!

[@Itssassafras]

Winona can’t act :/

[@toplaycool21]

I freakin' LOVE Michelle Pfeiffer. She has such range and class. Batman Returns is a great movie and her Catwoman was beyond iconic. While Anne Hathaway and Zoë Kravitz did well performing Catwomen, NONE of them beat Michelle Pfeiffer's take on the character. I also like that she showed her singing chops in The Fabulous Baker Boys, The Prince of Egypt and Hairspray. I am saddened that Michelle doesn't get the spotlight like she use to. Hollywood's toxic ageism stuff is just despicable. Michelle should be able to get nominated and win NOW! #JusticeForMichelle

[@TheAwardsContender]

Would love to see her have an amazing comeback role!

[@Rankutubuki88]

Michelle Pfiefer is always the epitome of movie star in the 80s and especially in the 90s… her looks were very iconic…

[@alpe1987]

Michelle Pfeiffer will always be the all-time greatest Catwoman!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Love her so much!

[@tylerkochman1007]

Well, her and Eartha Kitt. Very different portrayals, but both benchmarks

[@IronheartvsMiles]

Zoe catwoman is better, she just needs more to do

[@pophector]

The way I SCREAMED when I saw this video. Truly one of the most iconic actresses who has never won & fabulous in basically every role I've seen her in. I've always admired her work and I think The Fabulous Baker Boys would have made a great win for the books. I think the best way she can win is just how Jamie Lee Curtis just did it: is to have the mixture of a massively acclaimed role in a massively acclaimed movie (so not a Still Alice or a To Eyes Of Tammy Faye for example), have the "overdue career narrative", and to massively campaign. She's definitely a shoo-in to win an honorary Oscar for her work if she doesn't win for the next 10-15 years. Another fascinating and superlative video, Brian! Plus, it's very cool that you're showing yourself more in these expertly compiled videos. I also see an elusive Oscar video for Annette Bening being very interesting as well.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Wow, thanks for all your kind words, I greatly appreciate it!!

[@aysada]

Stardust is massively underrated as well. And I think she was awards worthy there, too.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Agreed!

[@DavidN369]

Best one yet. It's unthinkable that she, Close and/or Weaver haven't won an Oscar. Would have given it to Michelle for "Baker Boys" in a heartbeat, and she's astonishing in "Batman Returns" and "Age of Innocence." Maybe she can play Ranevskaya in a high-end "Cherry Orchard" adaptation, or Phyllis in the announced "Follies" movie if it ever happens. Sump'n. Thanks as always, Brian.

[@TheAwardsContender]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching!

[@denisaboomtown4199]

She is so diverse and unique in her choices, and so freaking gorgeous it should be illegal

[@TheAwardsContender]

I know, right?!?

[@sharoninglima1217]

Michelle Pfeiffer has so much talent and is so deserving of an Oscar. She’s gorgeous, unique and brings it in each role. Hoping she lands a fabulous role that will give her an Oscar!!!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Same, thanks for watching!

[@BoBo-ti6jh]

Pfeiffer can not act!

[@nitsugazemag]

Mother is a difficult movie to get passed, but I liked it because I understood the twisted retelling of the Bible through the eyes of demented filmmaker Darren Aronofsky. She was great as an “Eve” stand-in who’s jaded and cold, but she does that so well. It is a shame that she has yet to win a single Academy Award. The great thing about her turn as Catwoman was that it was a layered performance. It was a bit hammy and over-the-top, but that’s what made it great, and her leaning into it sold it even more. Down to that tragic final exchange between her and Batman exposing her vulnerability is what stands out in rewatching it. I never got to see it in theaters, but was able to see it on VHS and tv. She’s a fascinating actress needs her opportunity for another shot at that elusive Oscar.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@anthonybaird1]

What a wonderful video! Thanks for making this Brian! You’ve really outdone yourself in a deep dive into Michelle Pfieffer’s career and her Oscar history.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Wow, thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonathanvelazquezph.d.2719]

I love it when you can watch a video and learn to appreciate an actress even more than before while at the same time learn some history on the Academy Awards themselves. ✅

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yay, glad you enjoyed it!

[@barbaraclair7494]

She's sensational in everything! I've watched White Oleander many times. I agree it's timing and popularity that dictates, and many times overrides talent. She's still my fave!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yay, thanks for watching!

[@philmenges9887]

Great work on this compilation, Brian! If there were an award for “Most Underrated Actress of All Time,” this wonderful lady would be a shoo-in.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks so much! And agreed!

[@Jared_Wignall]

It’s very surprising how she’s not won an Academy Award as well how she’s not been nominated since the 90s. She’s given so many great performances, it would be great if she not only got nominated again but also won. Would have been interesting if she, Al Pacino and Steven Bauer were nominated for Scarface, but due to the violence of that film, it wasn’t nominated for any Academy Awards. Thank you for the video Brian, keep up the great work and take care!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks for your support, Jared!

[@lexkanyima2195]

It could be a top contender

[@arontamas5639]

Thank God for Brian de Palma changed his mind and casted Michelle as Elvira in Scarface..... That role was made for Michelle literally!

[@TheAwardsContender]

I know, right?!?

[@bev9708]

She was criminally wasted in those Ant-Man movies, especially the last one !!! Another awesome video Brian, as always such a treat to see them appear in my notifications!!! So happy to see your subscriber numbers increasing faster and it's certainly only just the beginning!!!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yay, thanks, Bev!!

[@JCGC1129]

Yes, she should’ve being nominated and won for “Batman Returns”. Iconic! And by the way, this is, along with Amy Adam’s, my favorite “elusive” video. Great job, Brian.

[@basicosdemoda7933]

I second this!

[@paulvoorhies8821]

Glenn Close, folllowed by Amy Adams.

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

I agree that this and Amy’s videos are great!

[@JCGC1129]

@@paulvoorhies8821 What a tragedy that both Amy and Glenn are not Oscar winners. Same with Michelle, too.

[@paulvoorhies8821]

@@JCGC1129 Glenn absolutely kills me. Can’t talk about it too much. Will make me insane. Adams should have won for her first nom-Junebug. She was fantastic in that.

[@lavedadavis818]

Always effortlessly luminous on camera. Oscar not needed. Her catalog is second to none. So many iconic roles.

[@timothypolanco8622]

She's one of the most beautiful and talented actresses in Hollywood, I hope the right role will come along for her to FINALLY get that dammm Oscar 💯

[@TheAwardsContender]

Hard agree!!

[@HeelPower200]

She is mesmerising in French Exit. One of a kind role & probably one of the absolute best of that year. So rewarding on rewatches. I really hope we get another bravura performance from a director who can understand the full scope of her capabilities.

[@TheAwardsContender]

100%!

[@MJC_227]

That was wonderful! I LOVE Michelle Pfeiffer and have always thought she has been unfairly overlooked. White Oleander and Batman Returns are my favorite of her performances. I also loved seeing your face in this video!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Aww, thanks, so glad you enjoyed it!

[@beachstreet101]

So many have expressed shock that Michelle Pfeiffer hasn’t won an Oscar and that she hasn’t been nominated for an Oscar since the early 90’s. They recognized her when her star started skyrocketing then ignored her. She’s been churning out one great performance after another throughout her long running career. Her peers love her. It’s like what’s the problem. If Batman Returns came out in the 2000’s she would’ve easily been nominated for Catwoman. She should’ve been nominated for an Oscar for The Age of Innocence, Frankie and Johnny, A Thousand Acres, The Deep End of the Ocean, White Oleander, Hairspray, Cheri, Where is Kyra?, Mother! and French Exit. In my opinion anyway. At least one or two of those could’ve easily given her a nomination.

[@TheAwardsContender]

So true! She should’ve won for something by now. Love her in Batman Returns!

[@JamminOnThe1]

For my money her role as Susie Diamond in “The Fabulous Baker Boys” is her best. She’s sexy, funny, tough, vulnerable and she sings on a piano! That’s a hard one to follow.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, what a performance!

[@xxxxxxxxx3944]

It was more natural, I think. Something that came from inside her. Her other esteemed roles had her in period costume or in situations she couldn't possibly find herself in. But she was very very convincing in those roles.

[@jorgepagazam]

You almost made my cry at the end. Thank you! I didn’t want it to end

[@TheAwardsContender]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! ❤️

[@jhhone]

Another amazing video! Pfeiffer is long overdue for an Oscar win! I think her next nomination will bring the gold! Pfeiffer was being considered for the film adaptation of Neil Simon's "Lost in Yonkers" but Mercedes Ruhl's Oscar win secured her the right to reprise her Tony winning Broadway role. On Television Pfeiffer was robbed of an Emmy nomination and award for her role as Betty Ford!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks for watching!! Pfeiffer is the best!

[@noahbruckshen5009]

Her Catwoman transformation scene made me realize what good acting is

[@TheAwardsContender]

She’s so great in that scene!!

[@livelaughluvdisc]

I never understood why White Oleander is so slept on. Great movie with an insane cast & stellar performances

[@TheAwardsContender]

Lovely film!

[@jasonenglisbe9646]

Pfeiffer and Zelleweger do really great work in it.

[@jupiterscloset8841]

Please do Winona !!! There is also how she didn’t make it at all for the crucible and girl interrupted AND the Shakespeare in love drama !

[@TheAwardsContender]

Oooooh, so much to talk about!!

[@adamboswell5533]

We must be the same age or something, I always agree 100% with you on your videos. From Joan Cusack's Addams Family performance, to Michelle's Catwoman and the guilty pleasure of What Lies Beneath. Spot on!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Haha, I’m 38. Thanks for watching!

[@justinblom6504]

It’s sad, really, how much I’ve been looking forward to this… thanks for more great content! 👍

[@TheAwardsContender]

You’re welcome, Justin! ❤️

[@boyonthemoon1007]

Great video! Can't wait for many more elusive oscar's love this series so much and you've already manifested 2 oscar wins with your video I'm sure you'll manifest a few more!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Fingers crossed!

[@Rupertson2004]

Two months ago, I re-watched The Age of Innocence, one of my favourite films. As always, I was unutterably moved by her performance therein; I honestly believe it could be her best performance aside from Dangerous Liaisons, her portrayal of and performance as the genteel, exotic yet wistful and dispirited Countess Ellen Olenska is outstanding and utterly mesmerising. Considering the quality and brilliance of her performance, it's a mystery to me as to why she wasn't even nominated for an Academy Award, it was one of the best performances of that year and certainly on a par with Winona Ryder and Daniel Day Lewis' performances as May Welland and Newland Archer respectively. I have also watched Scarface, Dangerous Liaisons, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Frankie and Johnny and Batman Returns and have always regarded her as the most underrated actress currently working in Hollywood. It's uncanny how much I agree with every point you made in this video. A necessary and very observant meditation on her career, well done. I really enjoyed the video.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thank you! And I agree, she should’ve been nominated for The Age of Innocence!

[@renan.csmaia]

1983-1993 was the period of her career. Great films!!!

[@TheAwardsContender]

What a run!!

[@lexkanyima2195]

So true

[@livelaughluvdisc]

Yes, I need a Winona deep dive video. Undoubtedly the most iconic actress of the 90s

[@TheAwardsContender]

Wooooo hoo!

[@0485dlp]

Ok I had to pause immediately to comment. I am obsessed with the fact that you pointed out Joan Cusack in Addams Family Values (and the "MA-LI-BU BAR-BIE!" especially 😂) because I will HAPPILY watch an entire video on that!!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Haha, I’m glad!!

[@ereagan4]

Excellent video on one of my favorite actresses of all time. Hope she gets her flowers soon! ❤

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks!! ❤️

[@ozoz3444]

Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman is forever iconic camp.

[@TheAwardsContender]

My favorite of her performances!

[@tfaddict8254]

THANK YOU!!!! I SCREAMED when you said Michelle Pfeiffer should have got an Oscar nomination for playing Catwoman in Batman returns. 1000% AGREE! She was GENIUS as Catwoman. It was ridiculous that she never got a Oscar nod for that,

[@TheAwardsContender]

I know!! Should’ve been nominated easily! But the Academy just never recognized those kinds of performances back then.

[@ChrolliForever]

Yes she is so delicious in that role

[@lexkanyima2195]

​@@TheAwardsContender to face Marisa Tomei ? She would not won that year

[@CrystalWilliamsoncoach]

I must love love love this vid - KZbin keeps notifying me it's new and to watch it. Of course I listen and watch it again!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yay, glad you liked it!

[@got2bjosh]

Thank you! I think she needs to detect and choose meatier roles in more daring projects. Be it Oscar bait or blockbuster cheese, so much of her filmography outside of the definitive hits, feels derivative. These days, Michelle absolutely would've won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her iconic performance as Selina Kyle/Catwoman. It's masterfully layered and way better than the film itself. I also love her in One Fine Day, the underrated mid 90s NYC popcorn rom-com with George Clooney that seemingly would've adapted well as sitcom. Still trying to get these movie reaction channels to watch What Lies Beneath. These kids don't know how big of a hit it was. Maybe one day a director will want to work with Michelle for the performance that finally nets her an Oscar, but until then this video stands.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Fingers crossed the Oscar is hers someday. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffreytaddeo6245]

Love these Elusive Oscar videos! At some point, please expand this feature to include Directors. Selfishly, I would love to see amazing directors, such as Stephen Frears and Mike Leigh, get some love!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, I have a few directors I’m thinking about. Thanks for watching!

[@tekkie7445]

If Meryl Streep can get an Oscar nom for into the woods, then Michelle Phffifer deserves a nom for her absolute scene stealing role in Stardust.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Love her in that!

[@rodrigocolindres1640]

And Also deserved to be nominated for Batman for her role as Catwoman, which was a stonashing performance.

[@bethd1480]

Have you thought of doing another series, similar to the Elusive Oscar, but sort of a No Oscar For You: Which would highlight late actors who should have one but have now passed on and never can. Such as Cary Grant, Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, Alfred Hitchock, Greta Garbo, Gloria Swanson, Marlena Dietrich. It's hard to believe that these people 60-70 years later and are still remembered but didn't ever win an oscar?

[@TheAwardsContender]

Ooooh, I like that idea, thanks!

[@markelijio6012]

Obviously, Cary Grant, Greta Garbo and Peter O'Toole has received their honorary Oscars while Alfred Hitchcock won an Thalberg Oscar but somewhat Richard Burton, Gloria Swanson, Marlene Dietrich and even Michelle Pfeiffer were never took home the gold and it's hard to see why.

[@grantwoodby3223]

She’s one of the greatest of all time. What a rapturous talent. Also, Quantumania may have flopped but she was a notable bright spot. Her scenes with Kang are standouts, buoyed by her immeasurable talent and charisma.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Love her so much!

[@DJarvis1987]

It would be wonderful to see the Academy introduce a Hall of Fame and expand the Lifetime Achievement awards to recognize actors such as Glenn Close, Amy Adams, Sigourney Weaver, and Michele Pfeiffer, who have been nominated for Oscars multiple times but have never won. These talented actors have contributed so much to the film industry and it would be great to see them honored for their outstanding work. Furthermore, this could be a way to celebrate the amazing talent in the film industry as a whole. We could make it more fun by awarding these honors to a bunch of people each year, and maybe even have a physical Hall of Fame to showcase the inductees. Overall, I think it's a great suggestion to recognize and celebrate all the talented people who have been an important part of the film industry. #OscarsHallOfFame #LifetimeAchievementAward #CelebratingTalent

[@TheAwardsContender]

Excellent idea, thanks for sharing!

[@lexkanyima2195]

​@@TheAwardsContender do a video about Peter O'Toole who was snubbed.

[@Rankutubuki88]

Michelle Williams and Angela basset too

[@markelijio6012]

@@lexkanyima2195 He only got an 2003 Honorary Oscar.

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@markelijio6012 that's different

[@TGTR-06660]

Great video as always. Your channel is so awesome. I can think of so many Oscar race or elusive awards ideas. Hope you eventually cover them all! Lol. Thanks!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks for your support, means a lot!

[@markjackson1152]

I would love to see a video on Laura Linney and the elusive oscar. Love your videos by the way. Keep up the great work!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Great idea! And thank you!

[@dustin628]

Oh yeah, Pfeiffer as catwoman and Ledger as the joker are the best performances in ANY superhero genre film EVER to date. Interesting they were both batman films. Heath got an Oscar, and Pfeiffer most def should have got one too. If you have never seen that movie you need to watch it immediately, even if you don't like Batman!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Absolutely!

[@xxxxxxxxx3944]

Look, in 1989, in fact all of the 80s and 90s, the academy was very very conservative, and turned its nose up on action movies, hero movies etc. Edgy, innovative and cutting movies never got a look in either. Also, Christopher Nolan's Batman was nothing like it's earlier incarnations. Being dark social commentary that looked and was received as a serious drama, not a superhero movie. You just can't compare the two nominations. And I believed Batman claimed Ledger - it was that intense.

[@josiefischer9359]

Nice work as always. I'd definitely love a winona ryder and the elusive oscar video!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yay, would be a fun one!

[@BeckyLStoutWriter]

I've said it before. I'll say it again. Her performance in White Oleander is her absolute best, in my humble opinion. It kind of reminds me of Mary Tyler Moore in Ordinary People. In both scenarios, I am looking at a woman who, in real life, I love and respect and would give so many hugs to if I could. But then they're playing these characters who I kinda wanna scold big time, because of how cruel they are to their children. Still, you can feel something brewing under all that bitterness and you know that when it all comes out, it's gonna explode. And when it does, it is so satisfying! Yeah, for the record, I think MTM should have won for that one as well. Just sayin'! Anyway, rant over. Thank you for your time. 😊

[@TheAwardsContender]

Love her in White Oleander! Thanks for watching!

[@SuJardines]

Pfeiffer is magnetic and terrifying in White Oleander. I absolutely love this film. I rewatch it regularly, and I believe it's a worthy adaptation of a wonderful book!

[@jeremywyche5494]

Great video Brian! We’ll worth the wait.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yay, thanks!

[@denizguneren8495]

Great video on one of my all time favourite actresses ❤ btw, I could swear it was Tim Gunn who was narrating the video until I saw the actual gentleman doing the video.. they sound so much alike it's unbelievable

[@TheAwardsContender]

Haha thanks for your interest!

[@queenb7013]

I''m shocked you didn't mention her turning down Still Alice which would've won her her very first Oscar

[@TheAwardsContender]

I didn’t know that!! Fascinating piece of trivia!

[@benroberts6818]

Such a great video, thank you. Iconic and underrated actress. Pfeiffer has turned down some truly epic roles. Makes you wonder what her versions of Thelma & Louise, Pretty Woman, Basic Instinct and Silence of the Lambs would have been like. You’re right, she needs that one perfect role 🤞🤞🤞

[@hamburgcowboy]

I don't see her in pretty woman at all

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks for watching!! You’re the best!

[@xxxxxxxxx3944]

Er no. I still think Jodie Foster had the grit to play Clarice. Michelle would have brought a more fragile quality to the role and would not have matched the energy of Hopkins. I think Thelma and Louise are perfectly cast. Michelle could've played the Geena Davies role, but I can't picture her as socially naive and awkward or childlike, against a world weary and sassy Sarandon. Basic Instinct is too raunchy for Michelle, and I think pretty woman would have been too "pedestrian" for her. Also, I think she would have been "too old" and polished for the pretty woman role. That role needed an ingenue, so Michelle could've played pretty woman in say 1983 not 1993.

[@benroberts6818]

@@xxxxxxxxx3944 I didn’t say I thought she’d be better in the roles, just that it would have been interesting to see what she made of them. All of the films i mentioned would have been very different with her in them. I think she’d have been great in the original version of Pretty Woman, before it was turned into a rom-com. She would never have done Basic Instinct, I agree. Thelma and Louise is one of my top three films ever, so I wouldn’t want to change a thing about it as it’s pretty much perfect. I could totally see her as the Louise character though, but it would have to be a different actress playing Thelma as well. I’m sure I read somewhere that at one point Meryl Streep was being chased as Louise, with Pfeiffer as Thelma - that could have been interesting. It’ll never happen, but fun to imagine 😀

[@markelijio6012]

When Michelle Pfeiffer got "Love Field" at Columbia, she knew she's perfect in this role on Jonathan Kaplan's 1992 powerful picture for which she earned an 1993 Oscar nod for best actress in a leading role, thanks to her wonderful agent. She gotten fired off from "Pretty Woman," "Thelma & Louise," "Silence of the Lambs" and "Basic Instinct."

[@ChrolliForever]

Gosh, I love michelle Pfeiffer and I hope she gets a huge comeback, incl. at the Oscars. I mean her last nom is 30 years ago. How crazy is that?

[@ChrolliForever]

She definitly should got in for batman returns, white orleander and mother!

[@TheAwardsContender]

I know ?!?

[@hrsdarwish306]

Consider making a video about Debra Winger? Rachel Getting Married is one of my all-time favorite movies.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Great idea!

[@Tipsintteri]

I've seen What Lies Beneath at least a dozen times, and just watched it a couple of weeks ago. It still scares me at certain points 😂 but I love it and Hairspray ❤

[@TheAwardsContender]

Same here!

[@Blondfoxy24]

Finally there is a video about a thing I am repeating since years and especially lately that I am watching again her filmography!!!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yay, hope you liked it!

[@Blondfoxy24]

@@TheAwardsContender I loved it!!

[@jameshorn6284]

Great video. Hard to believe she has never one. I agree with you that she should have been nominated for Catwoman. Can't wait to see your next video. I'm sure it's going to be great.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Aww, thanks so much!

[@alexkersh5138]

I for one would love a Winona Ryder and the elusive Oscar video!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yay, glad to hear it!

[@Dennisanyone-]

I don’t think Michelle is terribly ambitious in getting an Oscar tbh. She’s taken a lot of family time off in the thirty years since her last nomination, and it really cut into her momentum. Obviously she’s worked a lot, but some of her projects like Age Of Innocence, Cheri or A Thousand Acres, seemed like potential nomination films, but she was overshadowed by other actresses those years. The DL nomination would’ve been a great win in 1989, when she was red hot, but it was a highly competitive year for supporting actress. Joan Cusack was probably the only one that year who had no hope of winning. I always wondered how much she was in striking distance of taking down Jessica Tandy in 1990. My guess was it was pretty close. Tandy said before the Oscars that year she thought Michelle was going to win. Love Field was a bad, filler nomination. Love to see her win one day. She deserves more than that one rusty golden globe and BAFTA. If Brendan Fraser can be resurrected, after falling so swift in the industry, anyone can. Not that Michelle has fallen as much as him.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Agreed, I don’t know if she cares at this point, but I would love to see it!

[@emillion4470]

"Malibu Barbie!!!" is right up there with " Cha Cha heels - Black!' Now, to the task at hand: Michelle's awe inspiring beauty is just too omnipresent in all her films. Thankfully, her range and talent is undeniable and universally acknowledged. Michelle's greatest failing at the Oscars though, is not picking a role that makes her ugly or dowdy. The academy likes to award those literal "transformation" roles. I admire Pfeiffer for treading lightly through the cosmetic surgery route because her face still maintains its humanity. That face is made for film - at any age.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, good point. If Pfeiffer had uglied herself up for an Oscar-bait role, that might’ve done the trick lol.

[@jehaustin]

I always enjoyed Michelle Pfeiffer as Elvira in “Scarface”, I have liked her in a lot of things, but it was amazing to see this character who just seemed so half assed in life be so compelling. It really was a breakthrough performance for her because it could’ve been easily just a throwaway roll, but she added more dimension in that role than anybody else could’ve. I would almost venture what happened to Elvira after she left Tony that would’ve been a really good story.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, I love her performance in Scarface!!

[@xxxxxxxxx3944]

You saw them in Frankie and Johhny. Lol

[@dimi0474]

"Sweet Liberty" with Alan Alda was pretty good too ...

[@jeffreytaddeo6245]

Another terrific pick....great video!!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thank you!

[@vicentegarrido6491]

what a great actress, excellent video❤ pd: loved the Sarah Jessica Parker part haha

[@TheAwardsContender]

Haha thanks!

[@jasonenglisbe9646]

At a minimum Pfeiffer should have a lot more Oscar noms; Batman Returns, What Lies Beneath, White Oleander, Married to the Mob, etc. Don't feel guilty for liking What Lies Beneath; it's solid, and more so Pfeiffer is incredible in it.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Agreed!

[@warrenjohns3194]

love this and watched “what lies beneath” right after!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Great idea!

[@MyraJean1951]

Like you, Brian, I am a big Michelle Pfeiffer fan. I have always felt she should have won for Dangerous Liasons. She is utterly heartbreaking!!!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, what a wonderful performance!

[@rawpowerinmotion]

Love this. So engrossing to watch this

[@TheAwardsContender]

I’m glad!

[@rubytuesdayphoenix]

Omg yesyesyes to a Winona Ryder and the Elusive Oscar video!!! I'd also like to see one on Uma Thurman or the late great River Phoenix, if you're so inclined :)

[@TheAwardsContender]

Great ideas!

[@MrCarlosandres94]

I am Sam’s dvd was a wreck due to constant rewatches. Never notice up until recently that it was because I loved watching Michelle in that movie. Her turn in Batman Returns is the reason I can’t say I’ll ever be fully gay. 😝😂 She is ICONIC.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Sooooo iconic!

[@AndresPopCultureTalk]

oh thank you for bring up Joan Cusack performances in Addams Family Values one of my favorite performances from her filmography and should do that video soon it's 30th anniversary of Addams Family Values an very good excuse to make Elusive Oscar for Joan Cusack great actress defiantly should have won for In & Out(1997 Film). Anyway great video of Michelle Pfeiffer and the Elusive Oscar loved actress as batman fan she still the best actress for Catwoman plus my opinion should have won for fabulous biker boys.Keep up the amazing work.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thank you so much for the support!

[@gstone8255]

I love her in Stardust !

[@branagain]

Even though he’s long dead, I would love to see an elusive Oscar video for the great John Cazale. He starred in only five movies, all were Oscar nominees.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Great idea!

[@lexkanyima2195]

He would be nominated

[@perriyaniv]

she was supposed to play Georgia O'Keefe back in the 90s...she's a painter as well...i feel like this would be an awesome role for her.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes!

[@tlovehater]

You have already manifested one of the entries in this series into an Oscar win Brian, hope it happens again soon lol.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Haha, here’s hoping!

[@tlovehater]

@@TheAwardsContender 🤞

[@rodneyriley1533]

Great video Brian...what about Gary Sinse next ..

[@TheAwardsContender]

👍

[@sweetbutterbaby]

Good video. Now the real question if if Michelle would have beaten Kathy Bates had TFBB came out a year later?

[@TheAwardsContender]

Hmmm I don’t know, interesting hypothetical!

[@MrCarlosandres94]

French Exit was a film I didn’t know I needed to watch. Already watched it three times and each times it gets better. She deserves a nomination for almost all of her performances being such a tour de force actress but her oscar was due for Batman Returns. Sorry not sorry.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks for watching! French Exit is great!

[@Playbuck]

FIRST COMMENT YESSS BRIAN thanks for this!

[@TheAwardsContender]

You’re welcome!!

[@joseluismeloconcepcion2021]

Yes to the Winona Ryder video. We need to talk about her!!!!

[@TheAwardsContender]

I want to make it!!

[@joseluismeloconcepcion2021]

@@TheAwardsContender You have all the power. Make it!! We need to talk about how robbed she was for The Age of Innocence and how she should had been nominated for Beetlejuice, The Crucible, Girl Interrupted, and maybe even Black Swan

[@yna9316]

Ahh i love this!! Also i cant wait for the Joan Cusack and the elusive oscar !!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yay, thanks for watching my video!

[@FaithnSin]

I’ve been a Pfeiffer fan since ‘Witches of Eastwick’. She was robbed by Geena Davis and Jessica Tandy (RIP). She’s fantastic in everything she does; you should revisit ‘Gillian’ - it’s fantastic imho. You’re right about Glenn & Sigourney as well. How Glenn didn’t win for Dangerous Liaisons blows my mind. But yeah, Michelle is long past due her Oscar.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Agreed. Thanks for watching!

[@tbrown5836]

You should do a video on the Christopher waltz win for Django unchained over Philip Seymour Hoffman for the master, be an interesting video to do do to the politics behind why the master was even nominated outside the actors (that would have never won because of context and the academy choosing profit over what’s right)

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, great idea!

[@rzeitouneh]

Yes to Winona Ryder and the Elusive Oscar, but also…you literally mentioned Bette Midler in this video too and idk how you could NOT make a Bette Midler and the Elusive Oscar video.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Haha, that would be a blast!

[@csnr1227]

Do Annette Bening and the elusive Oscar!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Will definitely get to her!

[@Robert-zx2ir]

Pfeiffer’s performance as Catwoman is why she’s always been one of my favorite actresses. I saw Batman Returns when I was in kindergarten and have loved it since then. I defiantly think she should’ve snagged an Oscar nom for Batman Returns as well as Scarface and The Age of Innocence. If she ever wins an Oscar, I would seriously throw a big bash.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Love her as CATWOMAN!

[@Robert-zx2ir]

@@TheAwardsContender I think one way she could’ve (possibly) snagged an Oscar is if she had accepted Julianne Moore’s Oscar-Winning role in Still Alice. Pfeiffer turned the role down, but if she hadn’t…I think she could’ve finally won her overdue Academy Award.

[@kindnessmattersffs]

Two of my all time favorite movies - Frankie and Johnny and The Fabulous Baker Boys - star one of my all time favorite actors Michelle Pfeiffer is EPIC!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Love her so much!

[@TeresaLevy]

Oh yes you are quite right. Michelle Pfeiffer is amazing and underrated

[@TheAwardsContender]

She absolutely is! Thanks for watching!

[@kellie-nd1yp]

I love her in Love Field! Love Thompson but I prefer her in other roles.Geena was good too in League of Their Own . Not a fan of The Accidental Tourist. I also think Michelle is great in French Exit and yes the academy should consider other roles for best performance like Catwoman that shows a range of talent. She was also the part of Age of Innocence that I liked. As for Winona I think she should have had a nomination Black Swan in a small but important role. She may have been my favorite supporting role that year.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

Her Oscar history in late 80s and early 90s sounds a bit like Amy Adam’s. Hopefully Amy has a better luck even though she has no entered the period where all her movies don’t do so well.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, fingers crossed!