As we get ever closer to this year’s Academy Awards it would seem that over-powering mothers are the role of the moment. Black Swan, The Fighter and Animal Kingdom have all received Oscar nods for their portrayals of domineering mums.
It is, however, Jacki Weaver’s portrayal of Janine Cody in the hugely anticipated Animal Kingdom that stands out above the rest.
To celebrate the release of Animal Kingdom, in cinemas 25th February, we take a look at some of Hollywood’s most domineering mothers.
Jacki Weaver in Animal Kingdom
Following the death of his mother, the young ‘J’ Cody is forced to live with his estranged grandmother Janine (Weaver) and her three sons.
The matriarch of a notorious Melbourne crime family, Janine will stop at nothing to protect her sons. As J finds himself caught up in the families’ cold-blooded vengeance plot, Janine is forced to take matters into her own hands.
An outstanding performance from Weaver that has earned her a best supporting Actress nomination at this year’s Academy Awards.
Melissa Leo in The Fighter
Melissa Leo is also nominated for an Academy Award for her role as brash mother and manager to boxer brothers Micky (Mark Wahlberg) and Dicky Ward.
Pushy but likeable her love for her wayward junkie son Dicky, played brilliantly by Christian Bale, gets in the way of her role as manager to her other son, aspiring boxer ‘Irish’ Micky Ward. An uplifting drama about a mother’s love and the triumph of an underdog!
Barbara Hershey in Black Swan
Hershey has received both BAFTA and Academy Award nominations for her role as suffocating mother to fragile ballerina Nina (Natalie Portman) in the very dark ballet drama Black Swan. In it she plays Erica, a former ballerina who ‘gave up her career’ to have her daughter.
Erica lives her life through her daughter and expresses an unhealthy obsession in her career. When Nina dabbles with her dark side as homework for her upcoming role in Swan Lake, Erica becomes increasingly possessive.
A great performance from the Hannah and Her Sisters Actress!
Mo’nique in Precious
As the winner of last year’s Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, Mo’nique’s portrayal of twisted mother Mary earned her critical acclaim.
Her character, who beats and taunts her obese daughter Precious, an outstanding performance by Gabourey Sidibe, is perhaps one of Hollywood’s darkest mothers.
As well as her Academy Award she also won a BAFTA, Golden Globe and SAG for her performance.
Brenda Blethyn in Pride and Prejudice
Not quite so mean but nonetheless domineering is Brenda Blenthyn’s portrayal of Mrs Bennet in the 2005 adaptation of the Jane Austen classic which also stars Keira Knightly and Donald Sutherland as her henpecked husband.
Frivolous and narrow-minded her social climbing and public outbursts embarrass her children as she makes it her business to find her daughters Jane and Elizabeth prospective husbands.
Anjelica Huston in The Grifters
Huston’s role as con artist mother Lilly Dillon earned her an Oscar nomination in this Martin Scorsese produced adaptation of the novel by the same name.
When Lily’s son Roy (John Cusack) gets caught up in one of her many scams, she resorts to desperate measures, seducing and eventually killing him.
As well as a Best Actress nod the film received four Academy Award Nominations.
Anne Ramsey in The Goonies
What dominant mothers list would be complete without the inclusion of the 1980s classic The Goonies?
When Mikey and his friends go on the hunt for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure in a bid to save their home from developers they find themselves in a cavern hidden under the home of evil thief Mama Fratelli (Ramsey).
Fratelli, played brilliantly by the Throw Mama from the Train actress, along with Chunks famous truffle shuffle is one of the films highlights.
Animal Kingdom is released in cinemas on 25th February