Best Actress
CATE BLANCHETT
“Elizabeth”
The Golden Globe winner garners her first best actress nomination for her performance as the strong-willed Virgin Queen. The 29-year-old Australian, previously seen in “Oscar & Lucinda” and “Paradise Road,” is also nominated for a SAG Award.
FERNANDA MONTENEGRO
“Central Station”
The famed Brazilian stage actress picks up her first best actress nomination for her role as a retired schoolteacher who befriends a young orphan boy. Montenegro, 69, received best actress honors from the National Board of Review and was nominated for a Golden Globe.
GWYNETH PALTROW
“Shakespeare in Love”
The 26-year-old daughter of actress Blythe Danner and director Bruce Paltrow receives her first best actress nomination as a young woman who falls in love with the Bard. Paltrow, who made her film debut in 1991’s “Shout,” received the Golden Globe for her performance and is nominated for a SAG Award.
MERYL STREEP
“One True Thing”
One of movie’s most honored actresses receives her 11th Oscar nomination for her performance as a mother dying of cancer. Streep, 49, was nominated for a Golden Globe and a SAG Award for her performance. She previously won supporting actress for 1979’s “Kramer vs. Kramer” and best actress in 1982’s “Sophie’s Choice.”
EMILY WATSON
“Hilary and Jackie”
The 32-year-old British performer scores her second best actress nomination as famed cellist Jacqueline du Pre, who suffered from multiple sclerosis. Watson has also received Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for the film. Two years ago, she received a best actress Oscar nomination for “Breaking the Waves.”