LOL, and what evidence is there that she and no other was being prepped as the actress of her generation? A generation I might add that featured multiple Oscar-winners Cate Blanchett, Frances McDormand, Hillary Swank, Emma Thompson etc. So Watson being nominated makes zero difference. She was merely one of several. Watson was well and truly behind the majority of them in the pecking order of leading ladies of the late 90s early 00s. I think you're basing all of this on subjective opinion rather than any factual basis. For one thing, Punch-Drunk love isn't even her most well-remembered performance (Breaking the Waves for sure).