Kathy Bates Recalls Slamming Shots of Vodka With Meryl Streep After Losing an Oscar to Catherine Zeta-Jones

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Kathy Bates recently shared an understandable tale with Jesse Tyler Ferguson (from Modern Family) on his Dinner’s On Me podcast, as reported by TheWrap. When both she and Meryl Streep, another Oscar winner, lost the Best Supporting Actress Oscar to Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2003, they chose to cope with their disappointment by drinking vodka together at a nearby bar.

It was quite reminiscent of a scene between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. She confidently placed her evening bag on the bar and demanded a vodka, ‘straight up,’ and I followed suit, ordering the same. We clinked our glasses together in solidarity, creating an unforgettable moment.

In Chicago, Catherine Zeta-Jones clinched an Oscar for her portrayal of Velma Kelly. The movie itself garnered Oscars in the categories of Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Art Direction, and Best Film Editing. Concurrently, Judy Greer was recognized for her role as Roberta Hertzel in About Schmidt, a film that showcases Jack Nicholson deviating from his typical roles. Meryl Streep received a nomination for her portrayal of the real-life author and journalist Susan Orlean in Adaptation, a movie that is often underestimated. In this film, Nicolas Cage played both the screenwriter, Charlie Kaufman, as he adapted The Orchid Thief by Orlean, as well as his fictional twin brother, Donald.

After Zeta-Jones received the award, and during a brief intermission, Streep led Bates to the bar. “It was indeed a special moment,” she shared. “We faced each other, raised our glasses, and I could read in her gaze, as I’m certain she could in mine, our shared desire. We both thought, ‘We’re so close now.’

Kathy Bates and Meryl Streep are Multiple Oscar Winners

In the pursuit of winning Best Supporting Actress for their roles in “About Schmidt” and “Adaptation”, Bates and Streep achieved something remarkable – they’ve already won Oscars for their performances in iconic films. Furthermore, both actresses have been recognized with numerous nominations across the categories of Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars.

I’ve had the privilege of being nominated an astounding 21 times for both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards, making me a record-breaker. I’ve taken home three statuettes – one for my supporting role in ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ (1979), another for my leading role in ‘Sophie’s Choice’ (1982), and yet another for my portrayal of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Iron Lady’ (2011). Among other critically acclaimed performances, I’ve also graced the screen in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, ‘The Bridges of Madison County’, and ‘Out of Africa’.

As a film aficionado, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary career of Kathy Bates. Her performance as Annie Wilkes in Rob Reiner’s masterful adaptation of Stephen King’s “Misery” (1990) was nothing short of breathtaking. Portraying a devoted fan who takes her favorite author, Paul Sheldon (James Caan), hostage after a car accident, Bates delivered a performance that earned her the prestigious Best Actress Academy Award.

Moreover, she garnered recognition for her exceptional work in “Primary Colors” (1998) and “About Schmidt,” as well as her most recent role in “Richard Jewell” (2019). Her talent has been celebrated with nominations and awards from a multitude of prestigious ceremonies, including the BAFTA, SAG Awards, Golden Globes, and many more. Truly, Kathy Bates is a testament to the power of versatility and dedication in the world of cinema.

Bates has successfully moved from films to television, appearing in or sharing roles on numerous TV shows such as “The Late Shift,” “Six Feet Under,” “The Office,” “Harry’s Law,” “Disjointed” (where her abilities were perhaps underutilized), and the revamped version of “Matlock.” She earned Emmys for “Two and a Half Men” and “American Gothic: Coven.” The second season of “Matlock” has already been commissioned, with Bates set to reprise her role as Madeline Matlock.

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2025-01-15 02:36