As the awards season reaches its climax, recess offers our picks for the best in acting, writing and directing. This is the third of seven installments covering the 79th Academy Awards, presented Sunday, Feb. 25.
This year's leading men contain veterans, young actors, superstars, and a fresh prince of Bel Air. Newcomer Ryan Gosling (The Notebook) finds himself in company with legend Peter O'Toole, co-heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio, rapper-turned-actor Will Smith and super-supporter Forest Whitaker.
Early buzz has placed Whitaker as this season's man to beat, but the ER alum shouldn't be polishing up a spot on his mantle just yet. Whitaker must make it past previously nominated peers-Smith (one), DiCaprio (two), O'Toole (seven)-and underdog Gosling.
Indicates recess' pick for Best Actor
Leonardo DiCaprio, Blood Diamond: Many wondered whether DiCaprio would beat himself out of a nomination by splitting votes between his stellar performances in Blood Diamond and The Departed. Fortunately, he made it to the big show. Unfortunately, thick South African accents and moral messages are not enough to garner a win this year.
Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson: Ryan Gosling's haunting performance as a drug-addicted, idealistic school teacher that makes Half Nelson what Kevin Smith dubs "one of the best films in the last decade." This overlooked performance has already earned a few minor awards, but truly deserves an Oscar.
Peter O'Toole, Venus: Peter O'Toole was first nominated for Best Actor in 1962 for Lawrence of Arabia and was last nominated in 1982 for My Favorite Year. After returning to the spotlight after 20-plus years, some are surprised to see the 74-year-old actor is still alive. Although he did grab an honorary Oscar in 2003, the academy may atone for past misses by handing him a statue this year.
Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness: Will Smith is an underrated actor. Will Smith is an extremely talented actor. One year he will win an Oscar. This is not that year.
Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland: Whitaker is the latest in the line of off-lead actors turned spotlighter-behind Paul Giamatti, Jamie Foxx and Philip Seymour Hoffman. As the de facto choice for many academy members, few dare to question Whitaker's supremacy. Yes, his performance as Idi Amin is powerfully unforgettable-but he wasn't even the lead in Last King. recess asks that Academy voters consider Gosling and O'Toole before tossing Whitaker the prize so quickly.
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