15 Reasons Why Jessica Lange Deserves Another Emmy | The Odyssey Online
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15 Reasons Why Jessica Lange Deserves Another Emmy

68 and still ruling our TV screens.

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15 Reasons Why Jessica Lange Deserves Another Emmy
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Sister Jude, The Supreme, and Elsa Mars are just a few of the roles that Jessica Lange has exemplified during her run on FX's "American Horror Story." Although having been nominated for a variety of different awards, including 15 Critics' Choice Television Awards, 78 Emmy Awards, nine Golden Globe Awards and three People's Choice Awards, Jessica Lange's audience and accolades have not been as vibrantly praised as those of younger actresses, such as Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence and Alexandra Daddario. As a 68-year-old, her career has just reached its peak and it shows no signs of slowing soon. Below are 15 reasons why Jessica Lange deserves another Emmy win!


1. Her historical performance as Joan Crawford

Ryan Murphy's recent endeavor involves Joan Crawford and Bette Davis' hottest feud as Hollywood's greatest actresses at the time. Based on true events and accurately rehearsed to the correct tone and pitch of voice body language, Jessica Lange took on the immense role and transformation to truly become Joan Crawford. Filled with emotions and raw desperation, her voice projects as a way to show the world what truly happened within Joan Crawford's life and how her past affected her actions and character. Though the season of "Feud" just ended, the show is most likely renewed for another season in the upcoming year.

2. Her impeccable German accent as Elsa Mars

"American Horror Story" fans have been crazed off the past seasons, which each depict a different story line. Elsa Mars, the ultimate character and leader of "Elsa's Cabinet of Curiosities," portrays a woman corrupted by the idea of fame and fortune until one day every dream comes true until fate decides to take its own course. Jessica Lange underwent a three-hour transformation into a German lady with thick blue eye shadow, red lipstick and a bouquet of curly blond hair. Her accent became her main characteristic in "Freakshow" and never once did it falter for a mere second. Indeed, a grandiose talent.

3. Her 41 years of experience in the film industry

Starting as "Dawn in 1976," Jessica Lange never expected her suddenly viral movie, "King Kong," which became her first ever on-screen experience that also made her famous. In the following years, she starred in "Tootsie," "Blue Sky," "Grey Gardens" and several Broadway productions. Then, she landed a role with Ryan Murphy, who granted her the peak of her film career on American Horror Story for four seasons. Afterward, she worked on "Wild Oats," "Feud," and "Long Day's Journey Into Night" on Broadway.

4. Her incredibly moving scene during "Coven"

Out of all of the AHS seasons, "Coven" was by far my favorite. Fiona Goode, the Supreme of the coven in Louisiana, was plagued by the ambition of eternal life, love and power; however, as she ages and her body is wracked with cancer, Fiona Goode goes in search of a final love. Right when she realized that she is happy, she is on the brink of death. and her cancer overtakes her systems, leading up to her final scene with her daughter, Cordelia Foxx. "Let it all in, and let it all go...."

5. Her fiery relationships with Danny Huston

Jessica Lange and Danny Huston are the epitome of a true OTP, staring in a heart-warming relationship as the Axeman and Fiona Goode and Massimo and Elsa Mars on AHS, "Coven" and "Freakshow." After finding love for the first time in many decades, Fiona Goode has an attempt on the ultimate adventure of her life as her time as Supreme runs out. Every movement and every word is like a punch in the guts of feels. Just watch the fanfic come pouring in.

6. Her first-ever hit on "King Kong"

Released in 1976, "King Kong" was Jessica Lange's first official onscreen movie, which unexpectedly drew a huge audience and enormous revenue, making her an instant celebrity. Despite her lack of official experience, she managed to pull off a multi-million dollar role, ranking her over Meryl Streep's early career. This was the beginning of her film career that lead up to dozens of other movies such as "Tootsie" and "Frances."

7. Her solo debut of Lana Del Rey's "Gods and Monsters"

During her run as Elsa Mars on "Freakshow," one of Jessica's main performances was "Gods and Monsters" in preparation for her next "Cabinet of Curiosities" night show. Wrapped in a feathery green boa with heavy makeup, she continues on to summon Edward Mordrake in an emotional and eager style, making this one of the top songs that Jessica has ever recorded in her career. Hey, perhaps it's better than the original!

8. Her hilarious portrayal as Maddie on "Wild Oats"

"Wild Oats" revolves around two older women: Eva, played by Shirley MacLaine and then, Maddie, played by Jessica Lange, who discover that they had deposited a mistakenly written check of one million dollars. As their time runs short with age, they go to the Canary Islands for an adventure of their lives with drinks, hot men and a pristine beach. Jessica's hilarious portrayal lightens up the screen with laughter and curiosity for both the actresses and the audience.

9. Her shimmy-shake dance moves during "The Name Game"

"The Name Game" is the ultimate gateway from the dreary and tense atmosphere in AHS Asylum. Sister Jude, after being framed for murder, is treated at the facility Briarcliff as a patient rather than the head nun. As her mind slowly spirals into insanity, "The Name Game" strives as a flashback to what her true name is: Judy Martin, or rather, Sister Jude.

10. Her ability to smoke a cigarette in nearly every scene in "AHS"

In almost every scene shot during "Coven," Jessica Lange, playing Fiona Goode the Supreme was seen with a cigarette in hand, whether it was merely just trailing smoke or actually being inhaled. Despite her abhorrence of smoking in real life, her tolerance to constantly smelling tobacco on set is very impressive. On the other hand, the cigarette gives Fiona a bit of an edge that intimidates the rest of the characters in "Coven," putting the perfect vibe for the Supreme.

11. Her skill of pulling off any hairstyle

Whether Jessica is wearing a wig, having her hair curled into Marylin Monroe style or simply topping a blonde nest, she can pull off all styles great and simple. As depicted during her role as Betty Drake after position as Sister Jude on AHS Asylum, her hair maintains a greasy and disheveled look for the rest of the season; however, that did not bother any of the audience a slight bit. Jessica Lange is fantastic and gorgeous, even in a trash bag.

12. Her heart-wrenching role as Mary Tyrone on Broadway

For my first ever Broadway show experience, I had the honor to watch "Long Days Journey Into Night" played by Jessica Lange, Michael Shannon, John Gallagher and Gabriel Bryne. A powerful and emotional figurehead, Mary Tyrone, the head wife of a quarreling and diseased family has the same daily routine — waking up, fighting, crying, drugged and going back to sleep. Addicted to morphine, she struggles to keep her family together in times of need, delivering several moving monologues of raw despair and concern, making this Broadway show a major hit.

13. Her attachment to whiskey while staying sober

Similar to her smoking addiction on AHS, drinking is also a very big gamble. From Gin Rickey to bourbon to straight vodka, the cast of "American Horror Story" is not lenient with their drinking game. Jessica Lange, seemingly downing dozens of shots manages to stay sober throughout entire episodes. Of course, whether she's acting or not is a different story; however, based on these performances, these scenes take many guts out of these actresses. Cheers to you, Jessica.

14. Her transformative roles on "American Horror Story"

Nonetheless, throughout this entire listicle, "American Horror Story" has been the focal point around many of the reasons why Jessica deserves another Emmy. Sincerely, her effort and talent put into every minute shot and edited is evident in the episodes themselves, distinguishing her from many of the other cast members, which most likely prompted her many Academy Nominations.

Her famous quotes such as "All monsters are human" has become one of the mantras of AHS, appearing on its merch, advertisements and videos. Without Jessica, "American Horror Story" may have never made such top hits on FX. Without her, I would have never become such an avid fan of both her work and the show.

15. Her charismatic character as Jessica Lange

Finally, Jessica Lange is Jessica Lange. There is not a single being on Earth who has the exact charming characteristics, beautiful smile, and prestigious talent as her.

Though other actors and actresses have gone viral for many of their crazy feats, Jessica remains one of seclusion and mystery, making her fans on their feet and ready for the release of her next project. Dormant on social media and hidden from the paparazzi, she has managed to maintain her private and public life along a very hard line. Because of these unique qualities, Jessica deserves yet another accolade for her amazing performances that the Hollywood industry has been missing out.

Ultimately, this delivers an important message: even women in their close 70s still have the ability to act just as well or potentially better than the newer generation of actors; therefore, ageism is never the answer.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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