I was rewatching Norma Rae (1979) the other night. It's not only one of the finest American films of its era - too fine, perhaps, for director Martin Ritt to get his full due - but also contains one of the most inspired performances of the decade from Sally Field. During the famous 'Union' scene she goes from complete demoralisation through to something like a state of grace; not to overdo the religious language, but you get to see an actor transfigured in those moments. Won Best Actress and Best Song, nominated for Best Picture and Best Screenplay. Deserved:
Best Picture Tamara Assayev & Alexandra Rose
Best Director Martin Ritt
Best Actor Ron Leibman (at least he won an Emmy that year!)
Best Actress Sally Field ***
Best Adapted Screenplay Irving Ravetch & Harriet Frank Jr. ***
Best Original Song "It Goes Like it Goes" ***
I think it might also be the first Best Picture nominee with an all-female producing team.
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