Charlize could be set for the big-time

Critics have been talking about a ‘Nicole Kidman moment’ for best actress winner Charlize Theron, who won for her portrayal of a serial killer in Monster.

While winners don’t always go on to have A list careers (Whoopi Goldberg, Mira Sorvino and Hilary Swank, for example), top US film reviewer Roger Ebert is convinced that Theron will be following in the footsteps of Kidman, who won last year for The Hours.

“There are big similarities, a beautiful actress from Australia and Charlize from South Africa. Both had to do roles that showed them without the glamour to persuade filmmakers how talented they are," he said.

"This will be a real career boost for Charlize. Usually an Oscar win is a ticket to two years of good scripts but in this case, she’s here for good. This is one of the best Oscar-winning performances ever.”