As the awards season heats up, Variety spotlights exceptional but quieter roles from seasoned performers Russell Crowe, Kate Hudson, William H. Macy, and Lucy Liu. These turns in recent films showcase their enduring talent and warrant attention from Academy voters. The article argues that in a crowded field of high-profile stars, these veterans prove their skills remain sharp.
Overview of the Performances
The piece emphasizes how these actors, often overlooked amid buzzier names, bring depth to their characters in films that blend historical drama, family stories, and intimate indie tales. Published just before Thanksgiving 2025, it calls for reflection on why these performers first captivated audiences, urging inclusion in Oscar discussions not out of sentiment but merit.
Russell Crowe in Nuremberg
Crowe channels his commanding presence into James Vanderbilt's World War II film Nuremberg, playing Hermann Göring ahead of the trials. The Oscar winner from Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind delivers nuance, with over half his lines in German, highlighting his intensity and range. This role reaffirms his potency after years in the background.
Kate Hudson in Song Sung Blue
Hudson offers a breakthrough in Craig Brewer's heartfelt drama about a Neil Diamond tribute band, portraying Claire Sardinia amid themes of love and family. Nominated for Almost Famous over 20 years ago, she shifts from comedies like Glass Onion to this emotional depth, earning a predicted spot in the Actress category per Variety's November 26, 2025, predictions.
William H. Macy in Train Dreams
Macy's subtle mastery shines in Clint Bentley's reflective drama Train Dreams, as explosives expert Arn Peeples during America's industrial shift. Echoing his Fargo nomination and roles in Seabiscuit, he captures ordinary lives in flux with quiet resonance.
Lucy Liu in Rosemead
Liu trades action-hero roots from Charlie's Angels for a haunting maternal role in the indie Rosemead, released by Vertical. As Irene confronting her son's dark secrets, she provides restrained complexity, often underappreciated in her versatile career spanning TV and film.
These performances unite in reminding the industry of timeless excellence amid constant reinvention.