Best Actress Nominee: Imelda Staunton

Film: Vera Drake

Previous best actress wins for role: BAFTA; Chicago Film Critics; L.A. Film Critics; National Society of Film Critics; N.Y. Film Critics; Seattle Film Critics

Previous Oscar nominations/wins: None

Character Bio: Staunton portrays the tragic title character, a selfless woman, living in the ultra-conservative 1950s London, who is completely devoted to, and loved by, her working class family. She also secretly helps women get rid of unwanted pregnancies. Vera sees herself as providing a service for her fellow kind, done so with a smile and kind words of encouragement. But when the authorities finally catch up to her, Vera’s world and family life rapidly unravel.