HOLLYWOOD, Oct. 6, 2000 — Joan Allen for Best Actress!
At least that’s what her fellow actors said at Thursday night’s premiere for “The Contender,” held at Mann National Theatre in the Westwood area of Los Angeles.
The two-time Oscar-nominated actress chews into her meatiest role yet — a vice presidential candidate — and buzz surrounding the political thriller says she’s worth her weight in gold.
Allen plays Sen. Laine Hanson, chosen by the president (Jeff Bridges) to hold the office of vice president after the sitting vice president dies in office. Her selection is met with opposition from many in the government, particularly Gary Oldman, and when a scandal in her past is surfaced, Laine must weather the storm to prove herself.
Directed by former film critic Rod Lurie, the film also stars Sam Elliott, Christian Slater and Mariel Hemingway. The cast was reunited at the premiere, joined by Jennifer Beals, Lane Smith, Cary Elwes, A.J. Buckley and Ethan Erickson, Tsianina Joelson and Jessica Capshaw.
“The Contender” opens Oct. 13.
