A Sense of Humor Helps

“If you don’t have a sense of humor, you probably don’t have any sense at all.
A sense of humor reduces people and problems to their proper proportions.”

~ Canon J. John
Speaker, Storyteller, Evangelist, Social Activist & Author

~

If Bad Things Happen

“You don’t stop living because bad things happen. You keep going.”

~ Gina Neely
Restaurateur, Television Personality & Author

When the Going Goes Tough

“When the going gets tough, I’m not always sure what you do.
I’m not saying that I know how to fix everything when the going gets tough, but I do know this: when the going goes tough, you don’t quit,
and you don’t fold up, and you don’t go in the other direction.”

~ John Madden
Football Coach, Sportscaster, Super Bowl XI winner, Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award (2002), Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006), Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (1991), Yahoo Sports Top 50 All Time Network Television Sports Announcers, California Hall of Fame (2009), NSSA National Sportscaster of the Year (1984), NSSA Hall of Fame inductee (2010) & Emmy Awards (16X)

Tribulation without Stain

“God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it,
not without pain but without stain.”

~ C.S. Lewis
a.k.a. Clive Staples Lewis,
Novelist, Poet, Academic, Medievalist, Literary Critic,
Essayist, Lay Theologian, Broadcaster, Lecturer, & Christian Apologist

~ Image via NAME HERE

True Friends

“I’m ready to listen when you’re ready to talk.”

“You’re gonna be O.K.”

“The fellowship of true friends who can hear you out,
share your joys, help carry your burdens,
and correctly counsel you is priceless.”

~ Ezra Taft Benson,
Farmer, United States Secretary of Agriculture (1953-1961),
President – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1985-1994),
Boy Scouts of America Awards: Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope
& Silver Buffalo & International Scouting Award Bronze Wolf

 Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay & Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Pressures & Needs

“Drinking intensifies all your pressures and your needs.”

~ Desi Arnaz,
a.k.a. Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III,
Actor, Musician, Television Producer, Author,
Hollywood Walk of Fame Stars (2x) & Golden Globe Award (1956)

It’s Not Like the End of the World

“Sure, I suffered a lot. But it’s not like the end of the world and
it’s not who I am. I lead quite a pleasant life and
I’m able to divorce a perceived reality from my actual experience of life.
I find forgiveness to be really healthy.”

~ Ben Affleck,
a.k.a. Benjamin Géza Affleck-Boldt
Actor, Director, Producer Screenwriter, Academy Awards (2X), Golden Globe Awards (3X),
BAFTA Awards (2X), Screen Actors Guild Awards (2X), Humanitarian, Philanthropist,
Directors Guild Award, Producers Guild Award, Co-Founder – Eastern Congo Initiative , Co-Owners –Pearl Street Films

 

A Tool to Open the Heart

“I think that comedy is such a tool to open the heart, to loosen up the muscles, to loosen up the brain.
God knew how important it would be to laugh because He said it is a great medicine,
and when used properly, it is the greatest of medicines.”

~ Chonda Pierce,
Comedienne, Author, Philanthropist &
Co-Founder – Branches Recovery Center

His Silence Never Equals Slumber

“We have no idea how busy God’s hands are even when His mouth seems closed.
Where God is concerned, silence never equals slumber.”

~ Beth Moore,
Evangelist, Author, Bible Teacher
& Founder – Living Proof Ministries

That Color on Purpose

“People are valuable regardless of the color of their skin.
You can be open about it and talk about it. You don’t have to pretend that you are not different,
but you can learn about those differences God didn’t say, ‘Ooh, I made you brown on accident.’
He made them that color on purpose. And if you do not have friendships with other races,
then ask God to bring you some. He will.”

~ Nicole C. Mullen,
Singer, Songwriter & Choreographer.

Just Because One Thing Went Wrong

“The world doesn’t end just because one thing goes wrong.”

~ Shelley Duvall,
Actress, Producer, Writer, Narrator Singer,
& Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress (1977)

Like You Have an ‘S’ on Your Chest

“People love that you’re human and that we’re frail and we face the same situations.
Honesty tends to communicate with people better than standing up there like you have an ‘S’ on your chest.”

~ TobyMac,
a.k.a. Toby McKeehan
Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Author,
American Music Awards (2012), Billboard Music Awards (2X),
Grammy Awards (3X), GMA Dove Awards (19X)

Challenges & Lessons

“Everyone has challenges and lessons to learn – we wouldn’t be who we are without them.”

~ Sean Combs,
Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Record Executive, Actor, Entrepreneur,
Grammy Awards (3X), MTV Video Music Awards (2X), Philanthropist,
Founder – Sean John, Founder – Daddy’s House Social Programs,
Council of Fashion Designers of America Award (2004) & NAACP Image Awards (2009),

This is When You Lose

“Really, you don’t lose until you stop trying.”

~ Laurence ‘Mr. T’ Tureaud,
Actor, Bodyguard, Television Personality & Retired Professional Wrestler

Crises: Motivation for Innovation

“Crises provides the motivation for innovation. It is a call to change the way you do life.
The most important challenge will be to change yourself as well as to reinvent yourself in the process!
Go ahead! Make the change! Your future self will thank you!”

~ Juanita Bynum,
Singer, Author & Pastor

Standing Adversity

“Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man;
but for one man who can stand prosperity,
there are a hundred that will stand adversity.”

~ Elvis Aaron Presley,
Musician, Singer & Actor

Life is a Gift

“To me, life is a gift, and it’s a blessing to just be alive.
And each person should learn what a gift it is to be alive no matter how tough things get.”

~ Tony Bennett
a.k.a Anthony Dominick Benedetto,
Singer, Artist/Painter &
Founder, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts

A Sense of Humor Can Save You

“It’s good to be able to laugh at yourself
and the problems you face in life. Sense of humor can save you.”

~ Margaret Cho,
Stand-Up Comedian, Actress, Fashion Designer, Author & Singer-Songwriter.

People Who Say It

“People who say it cannot be done
should not interrupt those who are doing it.”

~ Author Unknown,

~ Image via NAME HERE

Crying is Feeling

“I suppose I’ve always done my share of crying, especially when there’s no other way to contain my feelings.
I know that men ain’t supposed to cry, but I think that’s wrong.
Crying has always been a way for me to get things out which are buried deep, deep down.
When I sing, I often cry. Crying is feeling, and feeling is being human. Oh yes, I cry.”

~ Ray Charles,
Singer-Songwriter, Musician & Composer

Concentrate on the Solutions

“I think, at some level, if we concentrate on problems
as opposed to solutions, then you just create more problems.”

~ Suzanne de Passe,
Emmy Awards (2x), NAACP Image Awards, Golden Globe Award, Peabody Award, Syracuse University George Arents Award (2010),
Essence’s Hollywood Women of Power Visionary Award (2008), Savannah Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award (2008),
Black Enterprise Top 50 Hollywood Power Brokers (2007),
Center for The Advancement of Women Changing the Landscape for Women Honoree (2007), Jackie Robinson Foundation Trailblazer Award (2006),
Ebony Magazine Madame C. J. Walker Award (2004), Los Angeles Urban League Whitney M. Young Award (2003),
American Women in Radio and Television Silver Satellite Award (1999),
Revlon Business Woman of the Year Award (1994), Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame (1990), Essence Award (1989),
Women in Film Crystal Award (1988), Candace Award, National Coalition of 100 Black Women (1983, 1989)

How You Wait

“Patience is not just about waiting for something…
it’s about how you wait, or your attitude while waiting.”

~ Joyce Meyer,
Author, Speaker & Philanthropist

Sneaky Sin

“Sin is SNEAKY, because sin promises to please and to satisfy,
but it only serves to enslave and to dominate.
It’s sort of like the Pandora’s Box: just get a sample and you’re hooked!”

~ Dale C. Bronner,
Founder & Pastor – Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral
Author, Co-Author, Writer, Co-Owner – Bronner Brothers Manufacturing Company
Conference Speaker & Leadership Trainer

Sometimes Life Hits You

“Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick.
Don’t lose faith.”

~ Steve Jobs,
Entrepreneur, Marketer, Inventor, &
Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO of Apple, Inc.
Founder & CEO of  NeXT, Disney Legend (2013, posthumously)
Grammy Trustees Award (2012), California Hall of Fame (2007)

A Battle with Our Name On It

“We all have a battle with our name on it, and until
we embrace the reality of the battle, we will miss the beauty of the victory.”

~ John Gray,
Comedian, Author, Speaker, Actor, Singer,
Associate Pastor – Lakewood Church, Playwright &
Senior Pastor – Redemption Church

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To Make it Through Challenges

“In life we face challenges and
oftentimes we need one another to make it through.”

~ Priscilla Marie ‘Cece’ Winans Love,
Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Talk Show Host, Speaker,
Author, Dove Awards (23X) Stellar Awards (15X) & Grammy Awards (12X)

Life: A Lot of Colors & Situations

” Life is an awful lot of colors and situations to be handled.”

~ Diahann Carroll,
Actor, Advocate, Dancer, Model, Singer, Author, Philanthropist,
Tony Award (1962), Golden Globe Award (1969) & Television Academy Hall of Fame (2011)

A Beautiful Challenge

“Life is a beautiful struggle, but life is worth living.”

~ Jaeson Ma,
Entrepreneur, Producer, Writer, Musician, Missionary,
Media Executive, Music Artist, Inspirational Speaker & Author.

A Crisis, A Miracle

“Your crisis is God’s opportunity for a miracle.”

~ Marilyn Hickey,
Founder – Marilyn Hickey Ministries International
& Today with Marilyn & Sarah

Something Beyond What You’ve Mastered

“Unless you try to do something beyond what
you have already mastered, you will never grow.”

~ Author Unknown,

Knowing You Are Loved

“If you enter this world knowing you are loved
and you leave this world knowing the same,
then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.”

~ Michael Jackson,
Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Dancer & Actor.

You Can Still Have Victory in Your Life

“You can go through turbulent times and still have victory in your life.”

~ Natalie Cole,
Singer, Songwriter & Actress

An Appreciation for the Downs & the Ups

“I’ve had 60 years of ups and downs, and all of the downs that I’ve had, I’m happy that I’ve had them because it’s taught me to appreciate all the ups.”

~ Patti LaBelle,
Singer, Songwriter, & Actress

~ Image via NAME HERE

You Don’t Have to Settle for It

“… if you don’t like the situation you’re in,
you don’t have to settle for it.”

~ Macy Gray,
Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Record Producer, Actress, Black Reel Award (2011),
Brit Award (2x), Grammy Award (2001), MTV Video Music Award (2x)
& Pollstar Concert Industry Award (2001)

Thriving in the Middle of the Pain

“It was such a blessing to find myself thriving
in the middle of the pain. Unless you find a way to do that,
there’s always going to be this fake illusion that once you get there–
wherever “there” is for you–you’ll be happy.
But that’s just not life. If you can’t find happiness in the ugliness,
you’re not going to find it in beauty, either.”

~ Joanna Gaines,
Co-Owner, Co-Founder & Lead Designer – Magnolia Homes,
& Co-Star – Fixer Upper

Thinkers Reap the Greatest Rewards

“The people who think — the people who solve problems
or entertain or inform — in a creative fashion
are the ones who reap the greatest rewards.”

~ Anthony R. Michalski,
Publisher & Curator

If We Would Just Hang on Long Enough

” God has promised to every single one of us that
even in our hardest times,
if we would just hang on long enough,
the blessing will come.”

~ Beth Moore,
Evangelist, Author, Bible Teacher
& Founder – Living Proof Ministries

Solutions & Promises

“There is nothing that you will face for which
God has not already provided a solution or promise.”

~ IV Hilliard,
Senior Pastor & Founder – New Light Christian Center

One Step Closer to the Dream

“Every setback means you’re one step closer
to seeing the dream come to pass.”

~ Joel Osteen,
Pastor, Motivational Speaker & Author

Your Freedom

“It’s time for your freedom.”

~ Kenneth Copeland,
Singer, Author, Co-Founder – Kenneth Copeland Ministries
& Co-Founder – Believer’s Voice of Victory

Every Single One of Us

“I believe that every single one of us, celebrity or not,
has a responsibility to get involved in trying to make a difference in the world.
Our generation faces many challenges, some of which were passed on to us by the past generations,
but it’s up to us to find solutions today, so that we don’t keep passing our problems on.”

~ Shakira
a.k.a. Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll
Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Dancer, Philanthropist,
Entrepreneur, Founder – Pies Descalzos Foundation,
MTV Video Music Awards (5X),Grammy Awards (2X), Latin Grammy Awards (13X),
Billboard Music Awards (7X), Billboard Latin Music Awards (33X),
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star, Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year (2011),
Chevalier De L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2012)

For Your Blessings, …

“Be true to yourself,
help others,
make each day your masterpiece,
make friendship a fine art,
drink deeply from good books – especially the Bible,
build a shelter against a rainy day,
give thanks for your blessings and
pray for guidance every day.”

~ John Wooden,
Basketball Player, UCLA Head Coach (1948–1975), Author,
Lecturer, The Sporting News “Greatest Coach of All Time” (2009)

Nothing in My Life That’s So UGH

“I don’t regret what I’ve been through.
I’ve had ups and downs, super highs and some really low lows.
I’ve been so blessed that I could never say, ‘I wish this didn’t happen.’
It’s part of who I am. There’s nothing in my life that’s so ugh.”

~ Jennifer Lynn Lopez
Actress, Author, Fashion Designer,
Dancer, Producer & Singer

Completely Broke (Temporarily)

“When I got out of Yale Drama School,
I was completely broke.”

~ Courtney B. Vance,
Actor, Author, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor …,
Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play, Clarence Derwent Award,

Overcoming Tough Things

“I think everybody has tragedy in their life. Everybody has hurdles in their life.
Everybody has tough things to overcome.
My kids say to me, ‘This isn’t fair.’ I said, ‘Life isn’t fair.’
Everybody has their issues. It’s how you handle your issues that distinguishes you.”

~ Maria Owings Shriver,
Journalist, Author,
First Lady of California (November 2003-January 2011)
Peabody Award Winner, Emmy Awards Winner,
& Academy of Television Art & Sciences Award Winner

Do What We Can Do for Our Country

“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you,
ask what you can do for your country.”

~ John F. Kennedy,
35th President of the United States (1961-1963)

That Book, It’s My Life

“Inside that book, it’s my life-all the places
where I’m hurting or I laughed
or I cried or I prayed.
And I’ve had to pray a lot!”

~ June Carter Cash,
Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Dancer, Comedian, Author,
Grammy Awards (5X) & Christian Music Hall of Fame (2009)

The Prayers of Tears

“Every now and then your tears will pray a prayer your words never could.”

~ John Gray,
Associate Pastor – Lakewood Church, Comedian, Author, Speaker,
Actor, Singer & Playwright

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Silent & Suffering

“We don’t need to suffer in silence.  Reach out.”

~ Dorothy Newton,
Speaker & Author – Silent Cry

Laughing at Obstacles

“Don’t take yourself too seriously. Know when to laugh at yourself,
and find a way to laugh at obstacles that inevitably present themselves.

~ Halle Berry,
Actress, Model & Film Producer

Control the Flames

“Walking through this life is really walking through fire.
As you get older, you realize there are fire extinguishers.
You do have an ability to control the flames.”

~ Chaka Khan,
Singer, Songwriter, Activist & Grammy Awards (10x)

Strength to Not Surrender

“Strength does not come from winning.
Your struggles develop your strengths.
When you go through hardships
and decide not to surrender,
that is strength.”

~ Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Actor, Producer, Businessman, Investor, Author,
Philanthropist, Activist, Politician,
Professional Bodybuilder & 38th Governor of California (2003-2011)

Stop Signs? No, Guidelines.

“Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.”

~ Dr. Robert Harold Schuller,
Pastor, Motivational Speaker, Author
& Founder of the Crystal Cathedral

Peace, Joy, Love & …

“First comes peace. Then joy. Then love. And finally understanding.”

~ Chonda Pierce,
Comedienne, Author, Philanthropist &
Co-Founder – Branches Recovery Center

Peace is Very Dear

“Peace is something very dear.
If you’ve been through
wars
and operations
and battles,
you want peace.”

~ Benjamin Netanyahu,
Author and 9th & 13th Prime Minister of Israel

Whistle in a Barely Audible Way

“If the pressure is getting to you, whistle in a barely audible way.
It’s the best way I know of to let go of tension.
Music gets your mind off the situation, and
the act of whistling melts the tension out of your body.”

~ Fuzzy Zoeller,
a.k.a. Frank Urban Zoeller, Jr.
Professional Golfer, PGA Tour (10x),
PGA Tour Champion (2x), Masters Tournament (1979),
US Open (1084) & Bob Jones Award (1985)

When We Call Him

“Oh, I have never walked on water, and I have never calmed a storm.
Sometimes I’m hiding away from the madness around me
Like a child who’s afraid of the dark, but when I call on Jesus,
All things are possible; I can mount on wings like eagles’ and soar.
When I call on Jesus, mountains are gonna fall
’cause He’ll move Heaven and Earth to come rescue me, when I call.
Weary brother, broken daughter,
Widowed, widowed lover, you’re not alone.
If you’re tired and scared of the madness around you,
If you can’t find the strength to carry on
call Him in the morning, in the afternoon time
late in the evening. He’ll be there.
When your heart is broken,
And you feel discouraged,
You can just remember that He said
He’ll be there.”

~ Nicole C. Mullen,
Singer, Songwriter & Choreographer.

Look at Life in the Best Way You Can

“I think beauty comes from within.
If you’re happy and look at life in the best way you can,
even when there are problems,
it can make you beautiful on the outside.”

~ Faith Hill,
Singer, Actress & Record Producer

A History of Victory

“I am not a victim. No matter what I have been through,
I’m still here. I have a history of victory.”

~ Steve Maraboli,
Author & Speaker

Victory: A Storm’s Heart

“At the heart of every storm is VICTORY — waiting to be claimed.”

~ Mary Southerland,
Author & Speaker

The Real Problem Is …

“Is your problem really your problem,
or is your ATTITUDE toward your problem the real problem?”

~ Joyce Meyer,
Author, Speaker & Philanthropist

A Sweet, Refreshing Gang

“When life gives you lemons, find someone that life gave sugar to.
Then, find someone who life gave water to. Then be a gang … a sweet refreshing gang.”

~ Amanda Swafford,
Model, America’s Next Top Model

The Christmases in Our Lives

“It’s true, Christmas can feel like a lot of work, particularly for mothers.
But when you look back on all the Christmases in your life,
you’ll find you’ve created family traditions and lasting memories.
Those memories, good and bad, are really what help
to keep a family together over the long haul.”

~ Caroline Kennedy,
Author, Attorney, Diplomat &
United States Ambassador to Japan

The Absence of Obstacles?

“The difference between
the Successful and the Unsuccessful
is not the Absence of Obstacles,
but the Presence of Perseverance.”

~ Chris Widener,
Author & Motivational Speaker

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Precious in the Shade & the Sunshine

“But friendship is precious, not only in the shade,
yet in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement
the greater part of life is sunshine.”

~ Thomas Jefferson,
United States Minister to France (May 1785 – September 1789,
1st United States Secretary of State (March 1790 – December 1793)
2nd Vice President of the United States (March 1797 – March 1801)
3rd President of the United States (March 1801 – March 1809)
Founder – University of Virginia

Chase Perfection. Catch Excellence!

“Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”

~ Vince Lombardi,
American Football Player,
Coach, and Executive

When You Overcome

“If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best effort,
eventually you will overcome your immediate problems and find you are ready for greater challenges.”

~ Patrick James “Pat” Riley ,
Professional Basketball Executive, Miami Heat Team President (1995- ), Motivational Speaker, Author,
Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2012), NBA Championships (2012 & 2013: Miami Heat)
Head Coach (1995-2003 & 2005-2008), NBA All-Star Game Head Coach (9x)
NBA Coach of the Year (1989–90: Los Angeles Lakers, 1992–93: New York Knicks & 1996–97: Miami Heat)
10 Greatest Coaches in NBA History Award (1996) & Los Angeles Lakers’ Championship Team Player (1972)

Dedicated & Passionate

“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success
if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”

~ Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela,
Activist, Politician, Philanthropist, Lawyer,
1st President of South Africa, Philanthropist
Nobel Peace Prize Awardee(1993) & Presidential Medal of Freedom Awardee

Reinventing the Self

“When things are bad, it’s the best time to reinvent yourself.”

~ George Lopez,
Comedian, Actor, Talk Show Host, Imagen Vision Award (2003),
Latino Spirit Award for Excellence in Television (2003),
National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Award,
& One of “The Top 25 Hispanics in America” by Time (2005)

Never Let It Define the Future

“We embrace and respect our past,
(even if it was … up)
but we never let it define our future .”

~ Dwayne Douglas Johnson
a.k.a. The Rock,
Professional Wrestler, Actor, Author
& Founder of the Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation

Difficult Victories, Happiest Wins

Pele’s Jump (1958) {{PD-1996})

“The more difficult the victory,
the greater the happiness in winning.”

~ Pele
a.k.a Edson Arantes do Nascimento,
Footballer, Humanitarian, FIFA Ballon d’Or Prix d’Honneur (2013),
France Football’s Football Player of the Century (1999),
Player of the Century (1999), IOC Athlete of the Century (1999),
Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1997)
Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary (1994), Knight of the Order of Rio Branco (1967)
Commander of the Order of Rio Branco (1969) & Brasil Postage Stamp (1969),

Falling Apart, Falling Together

“I believe that everything happens for a reason.
… and sometimes good things fall apart
so better things can fall together.”

~ Marilyn Monroe
a.k.a. Norma Jeane Mortenson,
Actress, Model, Singer and Film Producer

100% In

“I learned to put 100 percent into what you’re doing.
I learned about setting goals for yourself,
knowing where you want to be and
taking small steps toward those goals.
I learned about adversity and how to get past it.”

~ Kristi Yamaguchi
a.k.a Kristine Tsuya Yamaguchi,
Ladies’ Singles U.S. Olympic Champion (1992), World Champion (1991 & 1992),
U.S. Champion (1992), World Junior Pairs Skating Champion (1988),
National Pairs Skating Champion (1989 & 1990),
& U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Inductee (2005),
Founder – Always Dream Foundation,
Designer – Tsu.ya Activewear, Author,
Asian Excellence Awards (2008), Sonja Henie Award (2008),
Thurman Munson Award, Women’s Sports Foundation Flo Hyman Award,
& Great Sports Legends Award

Persistent, Unshakeable Gratitude

“Opportunities, relationships, even money flowed my way when I learned
to be grateful, no matter what happened in my life..”

~ Oprah Winfrey,
Chairwoman & CEO of Harpo Productions,
Chairwoman, CEO & CCO of Oprah Winfrey Network,
Television Host, Producer, Author, Actress & Philanthropist

Happiness Can Creep Up on You!

“Even when there are times that we’re not happy,
happiness will creep in.”

~ Dyan Cannon,
a.k.a Samille Diane Friesen
Film & Television Actress, Director, Screenwriter, Editor, Producer,
National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress,
New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress,
Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture,
& Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress