Does Christine Baranski Deserve an Oscar for Her Roles in The Good Wife and The Good Fight?

The question of whether an actress deserves an Oscar, especially for her work on television, is often a contentious one. Does Christine Baranski, known for her roles in The Good Wife and The Good Fight, deserve such recognition?

The Skeptic's Viewpoint

Some might argue that Baranski, while undoubtedly a talented actress, does not necessarily deserve an Oscar for her performances in these shows. They believe that her work is commendable, but not to the extent of earning an award of such high distinction. Furthermore, many might note that The Good Wife concluded well before the recent years of The Good Fight. This sense of 'already completed' narrative could influence opinions on her recent performances.

The Defenders' Perspective

On the opposite side, some strongly believe that Baranski does deserve Oscars for her performances. In particular, her work in The Good Fight received critical acclaim, and her ability to bring complex characters to life is lauded by many. Here's a deeper dive into her performances and why these defenders hold their stance.

Astounding Performances in The Good Fight

On The Good Fight, Baranski portrays Diane Lockhart with remarkable depth and complexity. Diane Lockhart, a strong, capable woman navigating a chaotic political landscape, offers a rich and nuanced character study from Baranski. The series presents Diane's journey from an aspirational figure, known for her grace and intellect, to a woman grappling with her own morality and loss of control.

Physicality and Subtlety

Baranski's portrayal includes the gradual shift in Diane's body language. Early in The Good Wife, Baranski's Diane exudes elegance and self-assuredness, moving with grace and poise. However, as shown in the third season of The Good Fight, Diane's mannerisms change, adopting a more pointed and aggressive posture, reflecting her internal struggles. The makeover from grace to a jagged edge is not only visually arresting but also emotionally compelling.

Emotions and Anger

The show delves deeply into Diane's internal rage, particularly after discovering her husband's affair with a former student. Baranski had to convey this anger in deeply human and relatable ways. For instance, in the infamous slap scene, Baranski captures both the physical and emotional intensity of Diane's response to her partner's betrayal. She transforms a moment of betrayal into a powerful physical “fuck you,” which sets the stage for Diane's arc in The Good Fight.

Action and Anger Release

Baranski's character also turns to more physical outlets to channel her anger, such as kung fu and ax-throwing. These actions not only showcase her physical prowess but also symbolize her struggle to maintain control in the face of chaos. The shift from seemingly serene movements to intense action reflects Diane's inner turmoil and growth.

Earnest Defenses and Emmy Nominations

Despite the argument and skepticism, it's clear that Baranski's performances are award-worthy. The underlying premise of why she might not receive an Oscar is that television awards (like Emmy) often serve as a precursor for Oscar recognition. However, her performances in The Good Fight might still warrant an Emmy nomination, if not an Oscar. Baranski's dedication to her craft and her ability to bring depth to complex characters make her performances truly special and deserving of accolades.

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