Oscar Talk: The Best Actors

It would seem that the best Actor race is all but sewn up with Colin Firth getting the Oscar that more than a few felt he was robbed of last year. I wouldn’t say that he was robbed, but of the five nominees he was my favourite, so good for him. I’ve still yet to see The King’s Speech – the only Best Actor lock I’ve not screened yet – but putting all things into consideration: timing, picture, likeability – he looks like a sure bet. Who’ll join him? Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) and James Franco (127 Hours) seem like locks for a nomination and the last two spots seem open. Of the set fighting for a nod I still say Robert Duvall will get it definitely, even if True Grit has turned into a blockbuster I believe there’s more goodwill for a Duvall nomination – Crazy Heart aside, the AMPAS don’t seem that smitten with Bridges – case in point, look how long the man waited to get that Oscar that everyone kept saying he was so “overdue” for. I suppose I’m not counting him out entirely, in fact that, right there, could be the nominated five. Ryan Gosling is waiting just below for some love for his work in Blue Valentine but there’s really not much buzz for that. I’m still somewhat surprised that in a year of two high profile flicks Leonardo DiCaprio has turned up at only a few precursors. His Shutter Island work is superior, but the film has failed to make a mark in the race and Inception hasn’t become the all encompassing ruler of the season – so he can’t depend on either.

                

This does make for an especially boring race, but that’s awards’ season for you.

Predictions: Jeff Bridges in True Grit / Robert Duvall in Get Low / Jesse Eisenberg in The Social Network / Colin Firth in The King’s Speech / James Franco in 127 Hours /

Are your tired of me fêting Rabbit Hole? Tough; Aaron Eckhart should at least be a contender in the race – but alas, no love for him. That’s a shame, considering that the man gave the best performance Jason Reiteman has ever directed and managed to go toe to toe with the Queen of Hollywood herself in her best performance.

What’s your biggest gripe with the Best Actor race? Which actor are you shocked has received no attention?