In one of her most memorable roles, Kathy Bates delivered a career-defining performance as Annie Wilkes in the 1990 film Misery — a role that ultimately earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. However, both Bates and her director, Rob Reiner, initially doubted the film’s chances at securing such prestigious recognition.

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, Misery centers around Annie, an obsessive fan who holds her favorite author, Paul Sheldon (played by James Caan), hostage after a car accident. Despite Bates’ captivating performance, Reiner never believed the Academy would honor a genre film, especially a horror movie, which traditionally gets little recognition at the Oscars.

Director’s Doubts and Surprise Victory

At the 16th TCM Classic Film Festival, Bates recalled how Reiner told her, “You can campaign, but you’re not gonna get it” due to the film’s genre. “You said because it’s a horror movie and not likely,” Bates said. Reiner agreed, remembering his skepticism, but when Bates won, he couldn’t hide his excitement. “That night, I just remember you standing there and you were like ‘Yeah, yeah,'” Bates added, mimicking Reiner’s fist pumps. “Because you deserved it,” Reiner responded, acknowledging her exceptional performance.

Early Career Fears and Reiner’s Confidence

Before Bates took home the Oscar, she feared Misery might spell the end of her film career. She recalled attending a screening of the movie and feeling horrified. “My face just drained of color, and I was like ‘F—, man.’ I was out at the very end of a branch, and I could just hear the saw. I was like, ‘This is the end of my career,'” she said.

But Reiner was always confident in her abilities. He knew right away that Bates was perfect for the role of Annie Wilkes. “She read like two lines, I think, two or three lines, and I said, ‘That’s enough, you can do this,'” Reiner recalled. “She was like, ‘What do you mean?’ I’m cutting her off. I’m like, ‘No, no you can do this, I know you can do it.'” Bates, unsure of herself at the time, replied, “Really?” as she walked out of the room, saying, “Can I call my mother?”

A Role That Resonated Personally

Bates also reflected on how much Annie Wilkes resonated with her. Of all the characters she’s portrayed, she considers Annie the closest to her true self. “I get kind of manic, and I can get kind of down,” she explained. “Do you know how sometimes how you can get obsessed with someone very talented?”

Interestingly, Bates’ connection to the character was foreseen by a friend who, years before the movie’s release, suggested she would be perfect for the role after reading the Misery novel.

The Legacy of ‘Misery’

The 35th anniversary of Misery was celebrated at the TCM Classic Film Festival, where Bates and Reiner revisited the making of the film and their enduring bond. Despite the initial doubts, Misery remains a cultural touchstone, with Bates’ performance still regarded as one of the most chilling and unforgettable in cinematic history.