Leachman or Burstyn?

No question that Cloris Leachman gives a beautiful performance in this film, but having watched it today for the first time in many years, I personally believe that Ellen Burstyn gave an even stronger performance with less screen time. Her scene with Timothy Bottoms in the car is a master class and among the finest work I have ever seen from the great actress.

Leachman was superb but had a relatively foolproof part, tailor-made to engage sympathy. Burstyn arguably had the tougher job, and I say in a tight race the Oscar should have gone her way.

If ever a case could be made for a tie, though, here it is…