Who doesn’t love awards season?
From the Emmys straight through to the Oscars, if you are looking to catch me in front of my desktop or scrolling my phone, you can count on nomination days, anxiously waiting to see the nominees list drop. I’m no serious student of film or television — I am in it simply for the camp, the excitement, the glam and anticipation.
So of course I was going to read a novel about a Best Actress awards race from the actress’ perspective, as written by debut novelist Daniel D’Addario. “The Talent” dives into the psyches of a number of women nominated for we can only assume is the Oscars:
Adria Benedict — the grande dame of the scene, having won multiple times already, is looking to lock down another win and has to fight for top billing against her costar;
Delle Deane — a supporting character in D’Addario’s world, befitting of the supporting nomination she receives. Delle isn’t the only up and coming actress on the scene. There’s also;
Bitty Harbor — making the jump from raunch to ranch with her turn as Lady Bird Johnson. Her best actress nomination still doesn’t feel like enough to win over her mother or her co-star Josh, who’s also interested in bedding;
Contessa Lyle — a child star trying to make the jump to the more serious side of the silver screen, she first must navigate her very intense momager Melanie while at the same time her feelings for Josh, all the while trying not to step on the very well-respected toes of her co-star;
Eleanor Quinn-Mitchell — in the same age group as Adria, Eleanor has been off the radar for a few years after the passing of her director/husband Walter. Her return to the scene has her wondering if she should have bothered leaving her house. Also wondering if she should have left her home country is;
Davina Schwartz — known mostly for her work as a London stage actress, Davina makes the jump to the best actress category and she too is struggling to find her footing up against some of her fellow nominees, while sorting through more than a few romantic entanglements. And last but not least;
Jenny Van Meer — leaving the safety and seclusion of her Idaho home to come back to Hollywood and try and take on Adria Benedict once more, Jenny leans on support from her teletherapist while waiting to see if this is the time she actually bests everyone and takes home the top prize.
D’Addario’s fictional take on the Oscar race, I can only surmise, is healthily informed by his time spent as a writer for Variety, so … you have to believe there’s a nugget of truth to each of the characters he’s invented. I’m not sure who I was rooting for to win — though I can say for certain it wasn’t who did. You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out.
Women — we all just want to be seen and understood. Here’s to all the Adrias, Jennys, Bittys, Contessas and Davinas out there still waiting for their show. A great book club choice — lots of rabbit holes to go down and very much a beach towel or pool lounger kind of read. A great kickstart to the summer season.
LitzyDitz 