The Nominees
Richard Jenkins, The Visitor
Jenkins staring role as emotionally dead Walter Vale is a surprisingly touching, very quiet, character study. Every movement and flinch feels intricately thought out. Jenkins does a superb job of creating a character that the audience can not just watch but grow with. Jenkins was absolutely deserving of a nomination, but will be hard-pressed to bring home the statue against this years competition.
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Langella is a Broadway star who has accumulated three Tonys for Best Actor, one of which he won in 2007 for his performance as Tricky Dick in the Broadway version of Frost/Nixon. He is an expert at capturing the crooked, sleazy ex-president. From his tired slump to muttering tone Langella gives an impressively measured and balanced portrayal of Nixon. While an underdog behind some more popular movie actors, Langella is my dark horse candidate to throw a wrench in the plans of the heavyweight favorites.
Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Brad Pitt's acting ability has long been overshadowed by his looks and tabloid fame. His performance in Button demonstrates his continued growth as an actor, and his continued willingness to expand into more experimental roles. The Academy has rewarded his efforts with this nomination, but his less than stellar performance will struggle to bring home the hardware especially against this years competition. Button was driven largely by effects and make-up, so expect the film to win some of the auxilary categories but likely miss out here.
Sean Penn is one of the two favorites for his roles as gay activist Harvey Milk. His turn as California's first openly gay elected official has all the stuff the voters are looking for. In addition to a convincing and inspiring performance, Penn is playing a gay activist in the post-Prop 8 world, in a movie based on a true story with a tragic ending. Penn melts into the role in that is his most thrilling performance, and strikingly different from all his past performances. The odds are good that one of the most talented actors of the generation could be rewarded come Oscar night.
Rourke is likely Penn's strongest challenger for the award and deservingly so. He gave a brutally touching "comeback" performance as an aging wrestler seeking redemption. It's impossible to avoid the parallels between the character's search for redemption and Rourke's comeback effort. Hollywood insiders appreciate the struggles of Rourke's personal life, and his ability to portray them on-screen in an honest and touchingly personal fashion.
The Winner: Frank Langella
In a stunning upset, Langella will shock the world by beating out Rourke and Penn on Oscar night. This award is completely up in the air with all the political behind the scenes bull that goes into every vote. Some voters will pick Rourke for his miraculous rebirth, others will fawn over Sean Penn to make sure Milk recieves praise if Slumdog steals Best Picture. And in the midst of it all Langella will eek out a victory.
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