Another pair of women comprise are sixth and seventh selections for Best Character. They also happen to represent two of the largest global blockbusters of the year. In Frozen, Anna is the younger princess of Arendelle who finds herself orphaned by her parents then disavowed by her sister in a short period of time. Rather than wallow in self-pity, Anna embarks upon a quest to discover her sister’s location and convince her to return home. This Disney princess is willing to brave wintery weather and climb a mountain to get her sibling back. Anna is brave, and a kinder person than her big sister. Our staff voted Elsa higher because she is splashy. Anna carries Frozen because she is a better human being.

Gravity’s Dr. Ryan Stone is a certified genius. Don’t believe me. Take NASA’s word on the subject. They provide her with six months of intensive training simply because they can teach her how to be an astronaut more easily than they can teach someone else how to be a wizard at her machinery. Stone has developed a scanning system designed for hospitals that is being repurposed to scan the edge of the universe. Alas, scanning the universe takes a backseat to a struggle for survive. Stone has been through her fair share of personal tragedy yet nothing could have prepared the doctor for this catastrophe. Somehow, she rediscovers her humanity and desire to live as she floats stranded and helpless. Gravity is a spellbinding cinematic triumph. The character of Dr. Ryan Stone is the reason why. She demonstrates the ultimate form of survival of the fittest.

Our final selections in the category are Samantha from Her, Niki Lauda from Rush and Erin from You’re Next. Samantha is a sexy disembodied voice who is seeking total enlightenment, even if she has to leave this plane of existence to find it. And she must have something going for her since thousands of people are in love with her. Lauda is the pricky, irascible race car driver who cares about winning more than his own safety. When faced with personal tragedy, the F-1 racer grows to appreciate the fragility of life. And Erin once received survival training. She is amazed how much said training translates to claustrophobic situations such as home invasion. You’re Next is arguably the most pleasant surprise of 2013 movie releases, largely because of the character of Erin. She is the most kickass female protagonist since the women of The Descent.

The characters who narrowly missed nomination this year are Aimee Finecky (The Spectacular Now), Adèle (Blue Is the Warmest Color), Theodore Twombly (Her), Trevor Slattery (Iron Man 3), Jordan Belfort (The Wolf of Wall Street), Barry the Berry (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2), Owen (The Way Way Back), Rosalyn Rosenfeld (American Hustle) and R (Warm Bodies).

2014 Calvin Awards
Calvins Intro
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Album
Best Cast
Best Character
Best Overlooked Film
Best Scene
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best TV Show
Best Use of Music
Best Videogame
Breakthrough Performance
Worst Performance
Worst Picture

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