Oscars 2012: Jessica Chastain Reflects on a Whirlwind Awards Season (Video)

With awards season drawing to a close Sunday, nominee Jessica Chastain took a moment to reminisce at The Hollywood Reporter’s Nominees Night celebration earlier in the week.

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Chastain again will face off with The Help co-star Octavia Spencer in the best supporting actress category for her role in the film adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s novel. She is also represented twice in the best picture category, with The Tree of Life and The Help both earning noms.

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When all is said and done, Chastain told THR that the past year has been jam-packed with life lessons.

“I’ve learned more than I could ever even explain,” she confessed. “It has been a big year for me, but I guess the one thing that has been the best part about this year is that when we made The Help, it was a group of women that really liked each other. We became great friends in Mississippi and now -- going on this tour together, celebrating our film and celebrating the book and each other -- it’s just been this great testament to how, when you support someone and you’re each other’s cheerleader, it actually inspires you to do your best work.”

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Win or lose, Chastain told THR what she was most excited about during the Sunday ceremony: Billy Crystal.

“I love the movie montage that he does,” she exclaimed. “That’s my favorite. It’s so good.”

Chastain hit the red carpet at the Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center on Sunday donning Alexander McQueen and Harry Winston jewels. On Chastain’s arm was her grandmother, who even joined the actress for a televised chat with Ryan Seacrest.