There's been a lot of talk in Hollywood about the "foreign invasion", if you will. There seemed to be a disproportionate number of Oscars leaving the country this year in the hands of foreign winners, this being most obvious in the acting categories, which were swept by Europeans. But is there really a dearth of great American performances out there? I don't think so.

Look no farther than exhibit A, Margot at the Wedding. Margot what? Well, you can be forgiven if this one passed under your radar as the release was limited at best. The film is written and directed by Noah Baumbach, whose last film, The Squid and the Whale, was similarly small but also packed quite the emotional punch.

The film is ostensibly about two sisters, played by Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Jason-Leigh, and their attempt at reconciliation, amidst Jason-Leigh's wedding to a loner/loser, played by Jack Black. And it's here that we find one of the criminally overlooked great American performances by Jennifer Jason-Leigh. By turns, frustrated (with her venomous sister and lackadaisical fiancée), childishly joyous, and resolutely hopeful, Ms. Leigh's performance is one of subliminal power and should not be missed. Watch the trailer here, read reviews, and rent it now from Netflix.

The next film contains three American performances that really weren't even considered come awards time. The film is Reservation Road, and it was by far one of the most powerful to hit the screen in 07. What we have here is a tragic tale of love and revenge, with Joaquin Phoenix and Jennifer Connelly playing grieving parents whose child was struck down in a hit and run by Mark Ruffalo. Beyond Connelly's usual excellent work, there is an intensity and drive by Ruffalo and Phoenix which plays itself out in a devastating final scene which will have you questioning all you know about truth and its consequences. Watch the trailer, read reviews, and rent it now on Netflix.

Just remember most of the films that are truly worth seeing are under the radar and there is certainly no crisis in American acting. So don't believe the hype.