Marissa tomei is far better than this pasty British ferret
For all those pissing and moaning that Richardson deserved the Oscar over Tomei:
Marissa was absolutely ravishing and sexy in "My Cousin Vinny" and still managed to hit the comic timing on the mark every time and in every nuance. That is quite an accomplishment for any actress.
Just because Richardson had a 3 minute kitchen scene where she emoted and wailed frantically fans will think she deserved the Oscar more. But Marissa has done that herself and sometimes better than Richardson did. I thought Richardson's performance was rather bland up until that scene. What made that scene so powerful was the circumstances and tragedy that befell the family. That is called good scripting and direction, not necessarily great acting.
Marissa also has better screen presence and can play a myriad of types from glib hottie to self -sacraficing wife.
Verdict: Marissa won and earned the win.