Of all of my personal Best Of lists for 2005, this was the easiest one to compile. These five actresses have been on my short list since the moment I saw each of their films - only the order has changed over time. I went back and forth between Amy Adams and Rachel Weisz in the top spot and it easily could have gone the other way. Ultimately Adams earned top honors because her character (in my opinion) was the more demanding of the two.
1. Amy Adams - "Junebug"
"Junebug" is a true ensemble piece yet Amy Adams manages to make this movie her own. As the ditzy yet sensitive Ashley, Adams turns in a riveting performance. She comes this close to taking it over-the-top but manages to pull back just in time. Any time Adams is on the screen in "Junebug" she demands your attention.
2. Rachel Weisz - "The Constant Gardener"
Rachel Weisz is perfect as a brilliant and passionate activist in "The Constant Gardener," based on the John le Carre novel. As I said in my review of this film, Weisz has never been given a role with quite this much depth. As Tessa, Weisz really nails the role of a fiery crusader.
