Alfre Woodard - Holiday Heart

Exception – TV Role.  Although this was a television film, she was so brilliant in it, I had to mention it on theblackactor.com.
    
Alfre Woodard was so good in this film -- transforming into a drug addicted, crackhead mom who descends deeper and deeper into the waiting arms of addiction. Her performance as Wanda was magnificent.
    
She was extraordinary because she completely transformed into character.  She didn’t the make mistakes that some other actresses might make when mimicking someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some actors believe they have the artistic freedom to become imbeciles and dramatize idiotic behaviors. This diminishes the performance, rendering it devoid of credibility. Alfre Woodard played the part as if she were a crackhead; not a heroin user -- not a weed smoker -- not a meth user -- not a powder cocaine user -- not a drunk; a crackhead. She conveyed this realism perfectly, without overreaching. 
    
This understanding of character coupled with obvious preparation, made her portrayal real and I am grateful she gave this to her audience. We deserved it. We were looking at a crackhead. There is a difference between a powder cocaine user and a crack user, just like there’s a difference between an alcoholic and a crackhead. One of the most annoying things to watch onscreen is the futile feigning of addiction.
    
Alfre Woodard was perfect. And precise. It is likely challenging to play a drug user (especially if you have not used drugs yourself or witnessed drug use). But I don’t care. Do it.
    
But her drugged out scenes are not the only ones she shined in. She was great throughout the film. I liked Alfre Woodard in this role. She was true to it. And she was fantastic. I just love Alfre Woodard. This lady can act. And I appreciate her smartness in her approach to this role.
    
Please see this movie. I insist recommend you watch this film and all the perfect performances in it, including those of Ving Rhames and Jessika Quynn Reynolds.
    
In 2001, Alfre Woodard was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV, for her work in this film. She is highly respected in the industry and has been nominated for many industry awards. The Oscar-nominated actress has won four Emmy awards, one Golden Globe award, and three SAG awards.