Matlock lead Kathy Bates and Meryl Streep’s inspirational story from the Oscars, explored

Kathy Bates and Meryl Streep's friendship at the 2003 Oscars is a sweet story of sticking together and cheering each other on. These two big-time Oscar winners were both up for the Best Supporting Actress award, but it was Catherine Zeta-Jones who ended up taking it home for Chicago. But you know what? They didn't let that get them down. They turned the situation into something fun.

Bates was nominated for her role in About Schmidt and Streep was in the running for Adaptation. Even though they didn't win, they found a way to make it a night to remember. Bates talked about it on Jesse Tyler Ferguson's podcast, Dinner's On Me. She said that Streep, being the sport she is, invited her to hit the bar after the show. And you know what Streep ordered? A vodka neat!

So, Bates decided to go with the flow and did the same. They had a good laugh and toasted to being in the same boat. It is a little story that shows how even when things don't go your way, you can still find joy in friends. Streep has been nominated for the Oscars 21 times. And Bates bagged an Oscar for Best Actress in 1990 for Misery.

Kathy Bates is also going to be back in the Matlock reboot on CBS in 2025.

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Kathy Bates and Meryl Streep 2003 Oscars throwback

Back in 2003, the Oscars ended up being a heartwarming reminder of the friendship between two big-time Hollywood stars, Kathy Bates and Meryl Streep. Despite having decorated careers, both of them were upset about not winning the Best Supporting Actress award that night.

During her podcast with Ferguson, Kathy talked about it as if it was a scene straight out of a classic Joan Crawford and Bette Davis moment.

Kathy Bates remembered their little talk that night:

“We turned and toasted each other. I could see in her eyes, and she could see in mine, how much we wanted it.”

This wasn't just any old moment for them, it was about something deeper than wanting to win. They could support and encourage one another.

Streep, with a career that has had her in mind-blowing roles like in Kramer vs. Kramer and The Iron Lady, is like a shining star of pure talent. Then there is Bates, who is just as awesome, winning her Oscar for her role in Misery, and now keeping everyone glued to their seats playing a sneaky lawyer in Matlock.

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Kathy Bates is currently starring in the Matlock reboot

Kathy Bates is killing it as Madeline Matlock, a lawyer who is smarter than she looks and has a knack for using her quick wit to win cases.

The new version of Matlock started in September 2024 and has quickly become one of the best shows on CBS. It has got Bates' acting and clever legal stories that everyone loves—whether you're an old fan or just getting into it. The show is coming back on January 30, 2025, with the 9th episode, titled "Friends."

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The Matlock episodes are available to watch on Paramount+, Pluto TV, and the CBS website.

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