A Hollywood Ending

The Oscars panel love nothing more than a good terminal illness and, for the noughties at least, Alzheimer’s seems to fit the bill.

For example, the 2001 film ‘Iris’, which focused on the relationship between the novelist Iris Murdoch (Dame Judi Dench) and her husband (Jim Broadbent), received three Oscar nominations for its all-star cast, which also included Kate Winslet. It raised the profile of Alzheimer’s considerably, yet only ended up with one Oscar to show for it – a best supporting actor gong for Broadbent.

This year Alzheimer’s could again take centre stage at the show. It has a real possibility of joining the likes of cerebral palsy, autism and AIDS, which all received major attention after picking up one of the big three awards – best film, best actor or best actress.

Julie Christie is in the frame for best actress for her portrayal of an Alzheimer’s sufferer in ‘Away From Her’. Having already picked up the equivalent Golden Globe, and with a further BAFTA nomination under her belt, it means for once there could be a happy ending for such a tragic disease.