In the directorial debut of '' Jesus ' Son '' screenwriter Oren Moverman , the war drama '' The Messenger '' ( 2009 ) , Morton starred as Oliva Patterson , a widow whose husband was killed in Iraq . She was drawn to the " feminine " side of the story and found her part to be " one of the first characters she has played in a long time where she has felt so much in common " , as her brother and stepfather both served as soldiers in the military forces . Critical reception towards '' The Messenger '' and Morton was unanimously favorable , with Claudia Puig of '' USA Today '' asserting that , Morton " as always , gives a subtle , excellent performance " . She was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 14th Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards and the 25th Independent Spirit Awards
14th Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards
14th Critics' Choice Awards
Samantha Morton