Oscar Analysis: The Gentlemen

Posted by Brian C. Gibson (brian@filmschoolrejects.com) on March 3, 2006

I have to say, this is the first year in a long time in which none of the nominees for leading actor have previously been nominated in this category. Only one man on this list has ever been nominated in any category. This list is filled with men who are typically used in a supporting role, but this year their ability to steal the stage has earned them due recognition.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

• Philip Seymour Hoffman for Capote
• Terrence Howard for Hustle & Flow
• Heather Ledger for Brokeback Mountain
• Joaquin Phoenix for Walk the Line
• David Strathairn for Goodnight, and Good Luck

Two men on this list really stand out to me; Philip Seymour Hoffman’s performance was breathtaking. His transformation into one of the most eccentric but accomplished contemporary American writers was flawless. Even if he had not lost all the weight to play the role, his attention to the mannerisms and speech of Capote were so meticulously performed that you might have forgotten that you were watching an movie but rather a documentary. Joaquin Phoenix was personally chosen by Johnny Cash to star in the emotional biopic Walk the Line. The reasons that Phoenix was chosen to play the Man in Black, were perhaps the physical similarities, the cold stare, or maybe his ability to sing the man’s songs without missing a beat.

Heath Ledger, who is traditionally found in bad movies with even less attractive plots found himself cast in a considerable movie with a splendid plot. I think the acting was excellent, but the movie buzz freight train was what drove the nod Heath Ledger’s way. Now to one of the most unique Oscar nominations in history: Terrence Howard’s role in Hustle & Flow. Howard’s performance was found in an unlikely film. His performance was absolutely fabulous, and he pushed the envelope for recognition in a film genre that is hardly ever recognized for anything positive. His acting was admirable, but I do not think that the Academy is ready to give an Oscar to a Hip-Hop film. David Strathairn’s performance as Edward R. Murrow, who is considered the most distinguished and renowned figure in the history of American broadcast journalism, was precise and enthralling. I just did not walk away from Goodnight, and Good Luck thinking “Wow, Strathairn was magnificent.” He played the role beautifully, but the beauty of the film overshadowed his acting.

WHO SHOULD WIN: Joaquin Phoenix
WHO WILL PROBABLY WIN: Heath Ledger

On the list of supporting roles we find some starving artists, and some deserving ones.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

• George Clooney for Syriana
• Matt Dillon for Crash
• Paul Giamatti for Cinderella Man
• Jake Gyllenhaal for Brokeback Mountain
• William Hurt for A History of Violence

The starving artists of the bunch are a bitter but persistent George Clooney, and the man I thought has been dead since 1985, William Hurt. Clooney will be recognized by the Academy for his acting and directing skills someday, but not Sunday. William Hurt should have been nominated for his role in Syriana before A History of Violence.

In my humble opinion, Jake Gyllenhaal was great in Brokeback but was even better in his subsequent performances this year: Jarhead and Proof. I think that his supporting role in Proof was more captivating than his part in Brokeback. Paul Giamatti has been snubbed by the Academy on several occasions; American Splendor and Sideways come to mind. I think Giamatti was thrown a bone on this nomination, but surely will not win. Matt Dillon has never shown Oscar-worthy performances, until now. His role as the racist cop in Crash (the best film of the year), was simply awe inspiring and captivating. Even though the film was filled with several characters and storylines, everyone walked away talking about Dillon’s character and his performance in the film.

WHO SHOULD WIN: Matt Dillon
WHO WILL PROBABLY WIN: Jake Gyllenhaal

Tags: Oscar, Oscar Nominees, Oscar Predictions, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Entertainment

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