Sally Kirkland digs deep for latest role in 'Archaeology of a Woman'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Actress Sally Kirkland is hoping to strike Oscar gold with her latest role in "Archaeology of a Woman." She feels her work in the new movie is the best work she's done since her previously Oscar-nominated performance in 1987's "Anna."

In "Archaeology of a Woman," Kirkland plays a senior citizen in trouble. It's not just because of a crime she may have been involved in 30 years ago, it's because she has Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Kirkland is passionate about this story.

"I want you all to see what I deeply care about and it has to do with heart and soul and humanity," she said. "She's spinning out of control but she keeps her head up and she just makes you want to embrace her and take her home and love her."

Kirkland has firsthand experience in dealing with disease.

"I've been a caretaker for Alzheimer's patients, cancer patients and AIDS patients," she revealed. "And at some point, they all hit dementia, of course. I've been real close to it and it's just heartbreaking."

Kirkland calls this her best role in 27 years, and she's working hard to get it some attention. It all started when she sent a friend request the director, Sharon Greytak, on Facebook, and won the role after a three-hour phone conversation. Now that the film is complete, she's screening it and sending out DVDs to Oscar voters. Kirkland is on a mission.

"I just decided to go for it. Why not?" she said. "I just want to work and work and work. And I want to blow your minds, and I want you to cry, and I want you to laugh, and I want you to recognize people my age as sexual, strong brave women. And it's not over 'til the fat lady sings, you know? I plan to be acting when I'm 100."