OUTSTANDING FEMALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Sakura Andô as Nobuyo Shibata in “SHOPLIFTERS”

Olivia Colman as Queen Anne in “THE FAVOURITE”

Regina Hall as Lisa in “SUPPORT THE GIRLS”

Carey Mulligan as Jeanette Brinson in “WILDLIFE”

Charlize Theron as Marlo in “TULLY”

AND THE WINNER IS:

SAKURA ANDO AS NOBUYO SHIBATA IN “SHOPLIFTERS”

This is the first win and nomination for Sakura Andô. She wins for her performance as Nobuyo Shibata in Shoplifters. Sakura delievered a singular performance that could never be given by anybody else in any other film. Even if I never see another performance by Ando I'll still be grateful that I was able to watch her stunning work here. Playing a woman whose choices could be seen as villlianess but this narrative shows how the heart people show while making bad choices can be the kindest ever. Sakura playing the maternal figure in Shoplifters is breathtaking to watch as early on she seems harmlessly loving and later on a heart broken protector. The above scene in the later portion of the film shows her true talent, the way in which she deliveres her defense is truly heart breaking and really sells the fantastic finale of the film.