Vanderbilt Hall, a cavernous space at the entrance of historic Grand Central Station, was fitted with Oscar statuettes, for an exhibition to bring the yearly awards events to everyone, commuters and those, like me, who love to pass through this cherished landmark, en route to Broadway, Barney’s and Bergdorf’s. Just before ribbon cutting, I had a chance to chat with Melissa Leo. The Academy Award winner for Supporting Actress in last year’s The Fighter made this stop en route to L.A. to present the Best Supporting Actor award on Sunday night. “I wouldn’t mind sharing a stage with any one of those guys,” she ventured gamely about Jonah Hill, Kenneth Branagh, Nick Nolte, Max von Sydow, and front-runner Christopher Plummer.

Everyone will be asking you, how has winning the Oscar changed your life?

I’m changed from the inside. New roles have not yet come along. You could say I am in what Tennessee Williams called, “a period of adjustment.” If it weren’t for working in Treme, I’d be worried. But I do have a new movie, Francine, opening at SXSW.

Of this year’s actresses, what’s your pick?

Regina Weinreich

Graphic Design: Salpeter Ventura