Oscars: Amy Adams and the 15 best actresses who have yet to win an Oscar
By Wesley Lara
12: Jennifer Jason Leigh
Oscar nomination(s) – 1
Jennifer Jason Leigh is far from a household name. She doesn’t have the instant pop of “Ah yes, her!” that the likes of Meryl Streep have nor does she have the indie charm of actresses like Saoirse Ronan.
Even people who know her for her Oscar-nominated performance in Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight tend to forget exactly where else they’ve seen her. Make no mistake about it: JJL is as real and talented as they come.
Starring in a slew of well-reviewed indie darlings in the 90s, Leigh has become known for her devilish charm and explosive screen presence, all balanced with a nuanced side to her that allows her to overtake a wide variety of roles. Getting her start in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Leigh continued to up her game with acclaimed performances in the likes of Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle and Single White Female, delivering top-notch performances that sadly went under the radar for many people in their respective years.
It wasn’t until she stole the show from the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Tim Roth, and Bruce Dern in the Quentin Tarantino Western mystery drama, The Hateful Eight, that people began to notice her talents, culminating with what is her sole Oscar nomination. Her performance as a slimy, racist outlaw showed just how utterly insane Leigh can be on-camera, making for a delightful time at the movies whenever she is around. It’s only a matter of time before her time in the Oscar limelight arrives.