The 84th Academy Awards show is quickly approaching, and we’re set to cast our votes for a few of the most-important categories. Let’s take a look at the nominees for Best Actor and what they bring to the table.
Demián Bichir, A Better Life
Bichir has been an acclaimed star in his native Mexico dating back to the ‘80s and, since the ‘90s, has crossed over for roles in international films. In this movie, he stars as an illegal immigrant who struggles to give his teenage son a better life by working as a gardener in L.A. A solid actor with rugged good looks, he commands this role with effortless perfection.
George Clooney, The Descendants
Clooney stars as Matt King, a husband and father who is forced to become the primary parent after his wife is severely injured in an accident. He must figure out how to raise his two daughters while struggling to come to terms with his wife’s scandalous affair. I don’t think there’s any denying that Clooney is a great actor, and his performance in this movie is no different. He owns it, and only time will tell if The Academy agrees.
Jean Dujardin, The Artist
A French actor who began his career in a comedy troupe, Dujardin stars as George Valentin in this silent film. Valentin, a silent movie darling, struggles to produce one epic final show as the inception of talking movies takes over. In the meantime, his marriage is tested as he falls for a young showgirl. Dujardin has already received accolades for this performance, so an Academy Award is certainly not out of the question.
Gary Oldman, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
In this secret intelligence thriller, Oldman stars as top-ranking lieutenant George Smiley. Set during the Cold War, Smiley is forced to come out of retirement to help uncover a double agent suspected of sharing top-secret British intelligence with the Soviets. Reviews of this movie claim that it’s difficult to follow and at times slow moving, but many say that Oldman’s acting is impeccable. Here’s to Oldman finally winning the Oscar he so much deserves.
Brad Pitt, Moneyball
Pitt headlines this film as Billy Beane, a former high-ranking, big-league baseball player who becomes undone and moves on as GM for the Oakland Athletics. He works to make the Athletics a winning team while he struggles with its financial situation and its longtime managers who question his abilities. When Pitt learned of his nomination, he made pancakes for the whole family. I wonder what’s on the menu for a win.
My vote is for Gary Oldman to win the Oscar, just because he deserves it most. Who, out of the five, wins Best Actor in your book?
Clooney