After the rather chaotic calendar of the last couple of years, the Oscars are back to their normal schedule meaning that the January Blues have been somewhat brushed away with the announcement of the nominations for the 94th Academy Awards. First up, the nominations for Best Actress.

Jessica Chastain – The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Jessica Chastain – one of my favourite actresses – picks up her third Oscar nomination for her transformation into famed televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker in Michael Showalter’s biographical picture, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, that shines a light of the extraordinary rise, and fall, of this big personality.

Olivia Colman – The Lost Daughter

Just three years after receiving (and ultimately winning) her first Oscar nomination, Olivia Colman has picked up her third nomination for her performance of a mother haunted by her past choices in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut film, The Lost Daughter.

Kristen Stewart – Spencer

Inspired by her decision to divorce Prince Charles and leave the British royal family, Pablo Larrain’s Spencer sees Kristen Stewart take on the role of ‘People’s Princess’ Diana Spencer in a performance that earns her a first Oscar nomination.

Nicole Kidman – Being The Ricardos

Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, Being The Ricardos sees Nicole Kidman transform into television’s iconic Lucille Ball (of I Love Lucy fame) for her fifth Oscar nomination. The film follows Lucy and her husband Desi – played by Javier Bardem – as they face a crisis that threatens their marriage and Lucy’s career.

Penelope Cruz – Parallel Mothers

Penelope Cruz snagged her fourth Oscar nomination for her performance in Parallel Mothers Pedro Almodovar’s story of female solidarity and the miracles of motherhood, that sees two women surprised to find themselves expectant first-time mothers.

And the Best Actress is…