Melissa Leo has wasted no time in putting the disappointment of missing out on a Best Actress Oscar behind her by signing on to star in Hilary Swank’s new drama, Betty Anne Waters.
Leo, who was nominated for her great performance in Frozen River, will immediately join the cast of the true-life tale, which started filming this week in Michigan.
Swank will star as the eponymous heroine, who spent years studying for a law degree in her spare time in an attempt to clear the name of her brother (Sam Rockwell), who had been convicted for a murder she was convinced he did not commit.
Leo will play a police officer who tries to pin the murder on Rockwell’s character, Kenneth Waters, and she bolsters a fine cast that also includes Minnie Driver.
Tony Goldwyn is directing the movie, from a script by Richard LaGravenese. And, given that this seems like a prime piece of Oscar bait, perhaps Leo might find herself back at the ceremony next year. Second time lucky...?