Jessica Chastain was destined to win an Academy Award.
Following the premiere of The Help in 2011, four of the female cast members have gone on to win an Oscar and Jessica just became the fifth. The actress spoke about the success of the cast backstage at the 2022 Oscars, giving credit to director Tate Taylor for his ability to recognize talent. "I definitely wasn't the obvious choice for the part of Celia Foote," she explained. "I didn't look like her. I didn't sound like her. And he fought for me for that role and it really goes to show his respect and his admiration for actresses."
The March 27 ceremony saw the Eyes of Tammy Faye actress win her first-ever Academy Award more than 10 years after she was first nominated. Back then, she was recognized for her supporting role in The Help alongside co-star, Octavia Spencer, who ultimately took home the award for her portrayal of Mini Jackson.
Now, a decade later, Jessica has the privilege of saying that she, Octavia, Allison Janney, Viola Davis and Emma Stone are all Academy Award winners.
Coincidentally, Jessica bought the rights to Tammy Faye Bakker's life story in 2011, with the actress telling the press, "To be here 10 years later with a film I bought the rights to, that I kind of willed into existence is incredibly meaningful."
And though Tammy Faye, who passed away in 2007, wasn't alive to see Jessica win, the star noted that she remains in touch with the televangelist's children. "It's very special to be part of a film that that means something to me in that it rights a misjustice [sic]," she reflected. "It's so important to give each other our flowers when we're still alive. And I feel like we missed that opportunity with Tammy Faye. So it's very special to me."
During her acceptance speech, Jessica took the time to recognize the LGBTQ+ community and give hope to those struggling with mental illness, saying, "For any of you out there who do in fact feel hopeless or alone, I just want you to know that you're unconditionally loved for the uniqueness that is you."
Olivia Colman, Penelope Cruz, Kristen Stewart and Nicole Kidman were also nominated for Best Actress.
To see who else took home an Oscar at the 94th Annual Academy Awards, check out the list here!