Despite achieving a historic milestone by winning every major acting award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” Sarah Paulson found herself shut out of major Hollywood film offers for years afterward. This disparity left her bewildered as fellow cast members like Courtney B. Vance and Sterling K. Brown secured prominent movie roles, while she did not.
That cycle appears to have broken with “Closing Night,” a feature written specifically for Paulson by Cody Fern, her former “American Horror Story: Apocalypse” co-star. The film, which explores the life of a glamorous movie star grappling with a health crisis and familial tensions, is set to make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Fern, an Australian actor known for playing the Antichrist in the Ryan Murphy series, was so impressed by Paulson’s ability to portray three distinct characters that he crafted the lead role to showcase her range. The ensemble also includes Naomi Watts, Toby Wallace, Odessa A’zion, and Dianne Wiest.
Paulson admitted to Variety that she initially doubted Fern had sent the script to her, believing it was destined for more celebrated film actresses like Cate Blanchett or Kate Winslet. “I thought he must have sent it to Cate Blanchett or Kate Winslet, is what I thought,” Paulson said. “It’s a part in the film space that I haven’t had the opportunity to embody.”
The actress attributed the lack of film opportunities following her Emmy sweep to her demographic. She was 41 at the time and playing Marcia Clark, a character who led with her intellect rather than sexual appeal.
“I can only attribute it to my femaleness, I guess, and that I wasn’t this hot, young nubile thing,” Paulson explained. “I was middle age and not playing a glamorous lady.” She noted that unlike TV, where female and gay creators often drive more diverse casting, Hollywood film remained resistant.
Paulson described her collaboration with Murphy as a “creative marriage,” citing their shared affinity for high-stakes storytelling. She credited Murphy with consistently offering her complex roles, beginning with their unexpected pairing on “Nip/Tuck.”
Reflecting on “Closing Night,” Paulson expressed gratitude for Fern’s faith in her talent over commercially safer choices. “He wanted me, and I will be forever indebted to him,” she said, adding that if her performance resonates, she hopes it leads to further opportunities regardless of medium.
With powerhouse performances from the cast, industry observers anticipate Paulson’s turn as Sandra Vale could be a significant factor in the upcoming awards season.
Leave a Reply