9. Judi Dench - Shakespeare In Love
Though it doesn't quite hold the record for the shortest performance to ever win an Oscar, Judi Dench's turn as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love does feel like one of the more ridiculous turns to be nominated (for Best Supporting Actress). Though not a terrible performance by any means, it's simply too piecemeal and brief to really gain much traction; when accepting the award Dench herself even felt obliged to note that "I feel for eight minutes on the screen, I should only get a little bit of him". It's all a more beguiling win when you consider the credentials of her fellow nominees - Kathy Bates (Primary Colors), Brenda Blethyn (Little Voice), Rachel Griffiths (Hilary and Jackie), and Lynn Redgrave (Gods and Monsters) - who gave far more memorable turns. Alright, I'm still stinging over the fact that Shakespeare In Love pipped Saving Private Ryan to Best Picture (surely one of the Academy's biggest travesties to date), and though Dench does give the film some fiery spirit, quite how the Academy thinks it worthy of even consideration for a gong is beyond my comprehension.