Make a list that includes someone’s “Best of” anything, and you will probably get some push back.
Make a movie critics’ list of best actors, and you will get controversy… Now, try making that list without Meryl Streep on it. You’ll get people stirred up!
Okay, here’s what happened.
A week ago, the New York Times movie critics, Manohla Dargis and A.O. Scott put together a list of what they call “The 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century (so far).”
Nowhere on that list was Meryl Streep. Shocking, right?
Now, I’ll get to some of the names that made the cut in a bit, but first, let’s talk about the lady that didn’t make the cut.
It’s not just me. A lot of others are outraged about it. In fact, the Times felt obligated to address it. “Meryl Streep isn’t on our list of Greatest Actors. Here’s Why.”
Sarah Bahr talks to the two critics, Dargis and Scott, about their omission. It’s not a mistake. Their reasoning? In short, Meryl Streep has given some great performances in the past twenty years, but she’s given some not-so-great ones too. Which ones? They include her performance of Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.”
Ummm, didn’t she win an Oscar for that??!!
I just don’t get it. It’s Meryl Streep! Time Magazine, September 7, 1981. I remember it! The cover. “Magic Meryl.” Nuff said.
No. Let me say this one other thing. The most decorated actor of her generation. Only Katherine Hepburn has more Oscars. Four. Meryl has three. But Meryl has the most nominations. 21.
I just don’t get it…
Now, let’s talk about some of those that did made the New York Times list of best actors.
Some I don’t even know, but those I do know include: Melissa McCarthy, Catherine Deneuve, Alfre Woodard, Michael B. Jordan, Oscar Isaac, Tilda Swinton, Joaquin Phoenix, Julianne Moore, Viola Davis, Nicole Kidman, and Daniel Day-Lewis. All great actors.
Who took the number one spot? Denzel Washington. It’s hard to argue that. He’s never given a bad performance.
There’s another actor on that list. I actually agree with this, too. Some might not. Keanu Reeves. He’s number four. A.O. Scott says, “Can you name one film that has not been improved by his presence?” I do love the “John Wick” movies.
I’ll end this rant by asking the same question of the Times critics Manohla Dargis and A.O. Scott. Can you name a film that has not been improved by Meryl Streep’s presence?
I’m done here. I feel so much better. Just keep remembering… “Magic Meryl.”