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Only one film has three acting Oscar nominations this year: Tate TaylorsThe Help.

Shes friends withTrue Bloods Nelsan Ellis, who plays the waiter at the diner in the movie.

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Credit: Dale Robinette/DreamWorks

Almost everybody who is in the film came in and read.

It took on a really beautiful life because everybody wanted to be involved in the telling of this story.

Its in the final film, too.

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Dale Robinette

Before she says anything, something happens to Violas face.

you’re able to see her wheels turning about.Is this a good idea?

There was such beauty in everything so still she did.

The Help

Dale Robinette

Thats what really draws you in, Schnee says.

Everything you see in the final performance she brings naturally with her into an audition that sense of dignity.

Theyre usually bigger on screen than they need to be.

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Lewis Jacobs/NBC

If Bardens memory serves him, Davis also did the scene in which Aibileen reads Skeeter what shes written.

Its just so delightful, he says.

Davis and Taylor immediately hit it off in the room, Barden remembers.

So he started playing around with her and they worked together on the scenes several times.

They did, and stayed in touch.

Its one of the funniest things Ive ever seen, Barden confirms.

(The movie also features Spencers future SAG Awards date Josh Hopkins.)

Looking at the alternatives always makes it more clear, I suppose.

Spencer read with Chastain when she auditioned.

Well, it sounds like she read with most everyone.

She was our reader for most of the sessions, just because she wanted to be.

I mean, she read Bryces character, she read the whole script, Barden laughs.

It was her figuring out how to play Skeeter or whomever opposite an actor.

She came in and was just unbelievably wonderful.

She moved them to tears.

Oh my God, yes.

Even if she wasnt the Marilyn-esque figure Celia was described as in the book…

When youre casting a fictional character you have a little more leeway, Barden says.

Clearly, Jessica is a phenomenal actress.