Oscar@ Statues
[Editor’s Note: Due To An Oversight On My Behalf…I Inadvertently, Forgot To Post Sam Juliano’s Reason For Predicting The Reason That He Predict Actor Christoph Waltz,Will Probably Take Home Oscar@ Gold…Huh? You Know What I Mean…Well, Here Goes…]
Best Supporting Actor…
The line-up for Best Supporting Actor in this year’s Academy Awards is a solid one, with only perhaps one choice a questionable one. Among the “omissions” three were glaring, though most prognosticators had given them little chance. The eventual outcome in this category is a foregone conclusion, much like the Best Supporting Actress race, and it’s expected there won’t be any surprises, although the close examination of the category shows some impressive turns by veteran actors.
Paul Schneider, who plays John Keats’ friend in Jane Campion’s Bright Star was a co-winner of the National Society of Film Critics award for Best Supporting Actor, but he was left off the short-list in spite of his superlative turn. Christian McKay, who plays/impersonates Orson Welles masterfully in Richard Linklater’s charming Me and Orson Welles deserved a nomination for his commanding performance in the independent film.
Matt Damon…
in…Invictus
Likewise, Alfred Molina’s winning and charismatic turn in the British An Education was by passed by the voters, while popular Hollywood star Matt Damon received a questionable nod as South African rugby team captain Francois Pienaar, who bonded with President Nelson Mandela in Clint Eastwood’s Invictus. Damon’s South African “accent” was praised by some critics, while others derided it as more of a lazy drawl.
Damon’s nomination in the same year he received considerable praise in Stephen Soderbergh’s The Informant, is joined by Woody Harrelson in The Messenger, Stanley Tucci in The Lovely Bones, Christoph Waltz in Inglorious Basterds and Christopher Plummer in The Last Station. As Harrelson, Tucci, Waltz and Plummer all give excellent portrayals, one would be hard pressed to criticize this field, though Damon would appear to be the weak link.
Woody Harrelson…As Tony Stone, a military officer dispatched to the unenviable capacity of informing families of their loved ones passings, Harrelson is an onery, uncompromising veteran, who shuts out emotion, and focuses almost stoically on the task at hand. It’s certainly the most thought-provoking performance of his career.
in…The Messenger
Christopher Plummer…As Count Leo Tolstoy, veteran Christopher Plummer is colorfully volatile as the famed author of War and peace, whose tempestuous but loving relationship with his wife, played by Helen Mirren, is given the ultimate test in th elast few years before his death at age 82. Plummer, as always, is masterful in historical and literary roles.
in…The Last Station
Stanley Tucci…Plays George Harvey, a serial killer who murders a beloved [Pictured Below:14 year-old girl,] Tucci has the most unsympathetic role an actor could possibly have, but he delivers the goods in his creepy portrayal of a troubled man whose seething anger is ready to explode.
in…The Lovely Bones.
Here Goes The Five Nominated Actors For Best Supporting Actor…Who Do You Think Will Take Home Oscar@ Gold This Year?
but most importantly, Why? The Photographs From Top to Bottom…
Nominated Role:Matt Damon plays Francois Pienaar, the captain of the South African rugby team that becomes a surprising unifying force for a divided nation
Academy Awards History:
This is the third Academy Award nomination for Matt Damon. He was previously nominated for:
GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997) — Nominee, Actor in a Leading Role
GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997) — Winner, Writing (Original)
Nominated Role:Woody Harrelson…
As Captain Tony Stone, plays a military officer struggling to maintain his sobriety as he delivers news of soldiers’ deaths to their families.
Academy Awards History:
This is the second Academy Award nomination for Woody Harrelson. He was previously nominated for:
THE PEOPLE VS. LARRY FLYNT (1996) — Nominee, Actor in a Leading Role
Nominated Role: Actor Christopher Plummer…
portrays Tolstoy, the Great Russian writer who finds himself torn in his final years between his wife and his devoted admirers.
Academy Awards History…
This is the first Academy Award nomination for Christopher Plummer.
Nominated Role: Actor Stanley Tucci…
As George Harvey, Stanley Tucci plays a serial killer who murders his neighbors’ 14-year-old daughter.
This is the first Academy Award nomination for Stanley Tucci.
===================================================
ACTOR CHRISTOPH WALTZ…IS THE ACTOR THAT SAM JUIANO’S PREDICT WILL TAKE HOME THE GOLD FOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR.
Sam Juliano’s Pick… Christoph Waltz in…
Inglourious Basterds
Nominated Role: Actor Christoph Waltz…
…plays Col. Hans Landa, a sinister Nazi officer with a talent for seeking out people in hiding
Academy Awards History:
This is the first Academy Award nomination for actor Christoph Waltz.
The Actor Sam Juliano Predict Will Take Home Oscar Gold…
…Christoph Waltz, an Austrian actor, who plays Nazi Colonel Hans Landa in Quentin Tarantino’s World War II drama, Inglourious Basterds, has been winning every award in sight for this extraordinary performance, and he comes in as the heavy favorite to win the Best Supporting Actor trophy. For one, he is the very best thing about Inglourious Basterds, and his opening scene in a country farmhouse is one of the best-acted scenes in any film all year. Waltz’ accent and control in this showcase role is perfection.
Prediction: Waltz
Personal Choice: Waltz (though for me the un-nominated Schneider and McKay were tops)
…Now, that Sam Juliano’s prediction have been announced now it’s your turn to voice your opinion and vote in the poll on the sidebar. (Once again it’s not mandatory…)
Now…The question for Wonders in the Dark’s readers…
What actor do you think will take home Oscar@ gold? and most importantly, Why?
Thanks,
Click on names for archives
Writers/Founders
Wonderful layout here Dee Dee, and great trailer!!!!!!!
Hi! Sam Juliano,
Thanks, for the compliment!
Sam Juliano, I probably will cast my vote for actor Christoph Waltz,
but my heart tells me that actor Christopher Plummer, “may” take home the Oscar@ gold because of his…longevity in film(s) or in Hollywood. 🙄
Later…I shrugged my shoulders and protrude my bottom lip.
(Indicating doubt about Plummer’s chances…of winning the Oscar@ gold.)
DeeDee 😉
It would be great if Plummer won for his career. But I can’t see it happening, at least not in a year where every group under the sun has awarded Waltz.
I love Plummer, particularly for his Shakespeare adaptations. But I suspect Mr. Waltz will be bringing home the Oscar. I still need to see “The Last Station” but Waltz was excellent in “Inglourious Basterds.” Outstanding you tube clip.
Waltz sported the year’s best prop-that oversized pipe, which as I recall gave that tense opening scene some levity. I think we have our winner here.
Nice post.
Frank Gallo said,”It would be great if Plummer won for his career. But I can’t see it happening, at least not in a year where every group under the sun has awarded Waltz.”
Peter said,”I love Plummer, particularly for his Shakespeare adaptations. But I suspect Mr. Waltz will be bringing home the Oscar.”
Hi! Frank Gallo and Peter,
Hence, the reason that I (reconsidered my comment and expressed these emotion(s)…Oops! I meant….gestures.
Later…I shrugged my shoulders and protrude my bottom lip…my eyes rolling upward… 🙄
(Indicating my own doubt and uncertainty about Plummer’s chances…of winning the Oscar@ gold.)
DeeDee 🙂
I got ya there Dee Dee. The old ‘on the other hand.’ Truthfully though, I am hoping that we get a huge surprise.
A few years ago both Sam and I were crossing ourv fingers for Christopher Plummer to snatch a Oscar nod for the forgotten NICHOLAS NICKLEBLY. Alas, Oscar buried their head in the sand and over-looked the fine thespian. His turn as 60 MINUTES reporter Mike Wallace in Mann’s THE INSIDER seemed to be bait for a nod as well. Looks like ole Chris can’t get lucky. He’s been a solid figure in screen acting for well over 50 years. Woody Harrelson is out. Matt Damon is just mere filler. The race, if it weren’t for Christoph Waltz being so locked into place, would have been between Waltz and Stanley Tucci. Tucci’s performance is subtly and gradually creepy and his first nomination comes in after years of terrific turns in BIG NIGHT, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and ROAD TO PERDITION. He’ll have to settle for the nomination for Waltz has just about EVERY prize an actor could win and his performance is not only the best thing about INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, but a show stopper. Waltz wins in a land-slide!
Dennis, your conclusion is irrefutable!
Plummer shoulda won for THE INSIDER and I don’t think Tucci has a chance. As much as I dig him, I felt he was waaaay better in JULIE & JULIA than THE LOVELY BONES. I would love to see Harrelson win but alas I don’t think he’s got a snowball’s chance so I would go with the obvious choice: Christoph Waltz.
Yep, J.D., you make some very good points there. And your summary conclusion is one I wouldn’t bet against! Thanks as always my good friend.
Hi! Sam Juliano, Allan and Wonders in the Dark readers,
Hmm…I was just thinking since this is the 82nd year of the Academy awards and most definitely, the comments about actor Christopher Plummer, is the reason I decided to ask this question too…
…I was wondering how many films, directors, actors, actresses and movie scores that were expected to win…lost to a film that you thought had the Oscar(s)@ in the so-called “proverbial” bag?
I know, I know…what you are thinking…What a question! 🙄
DeeDee 😉
Dee Dee, that is a very interesting and ultra-challenging question. It will require some acute research, but I would venture to say that about 80 to 85% of the time the “favorite” winds up winning, especially in the major categories. In recent years it seems the ‘prognosticators’ are really perfecting their craft, and we seem to see less and less eye openers. Even when an upset is brewing it seems that some are on to it. Excellent question!
Christoph Waltz will win because Vegas Odds are undeniable.
Of the three nominated performances in this category I have seen (the others being Damon and Tucci) I do believe Waltz also gave the most memorable performance.
Plus my cold dark heart is ruthlessly routing for a fiery IB surprise sweep (ha ha — not likely…so Waltz will likely be the “token” big win for the film).
Hey David! I know you are with Waltz, and I can’t deny he was great in the film, even with my extreme minority issues, which I’m beginning to think are a result of my blindness. But it’s true it would take bravery to choose another actor for this prize.
I like Plummer and I like Tucci, but I haven’t seen either of their films. It’s clear that Waltz will win though. His acceptance speech, no doubt, has already been written. Great picture design.
I would venture to guess that only Harrelson has a shot at winning over Waltz, but it’s a very long shot. Few will have seen Plummer’s art house literary film, Tucci plays a despicable serial killer (not the kind of role that wins Oscars, Anthony Hopkins aside-but he was a “likeable” cannibal!) and Damon’s role will have little support in the final tabulation.
It’s Waltz vs. Harrelson, but Waltz is the prohibitive favorite.
I was wondering how many films, directors, actors, actresses and movie scores that were expected to win…lost to a film that you thought had the Oscar(s)@ in the so-called “proverbial” bag?”
Hmm…If I recall correctly, was not actor Mickey Rourke, the favorite to take home the Oscar@ last year, but he lost to…to…to…(I’am snapping my two fingers together!)… By the way, here goes an interesting link to films that discuss films that should have taken home Oscars@ gold.
No Awards
DeeDee 😉
Actually Dee-Dee, Rourke was the SENTIMENTAL favorite to win. He took the Golden Globe. But, Screen Actors Guild award, as well as NEW YORK FILM CRITICS prize (the two biggest precursors to Oscar), rightfully went to Sean Penn for his uncanny, brilliant, accurate and emotionally stirring portrayal as Gay Rites activist Harvey Milk in Gus Van Sants loving biopic MILK. Rourke had years of personal problems following a meteoric early rise to stardom in the 80’s. But, Rourke was never a great actor. Serviceable in roles of thugs and slimy con-men, THE WRESTLER was really a movie made around Rourke’s loser persona. The part is really no stretch as Rourke was, basically, playing himself. Penn, however, is a chameleonic actor and his work in MILK is staggering. He literally became the person he played. Most thought sentiment would rule the day last Oscars. But, the Academy was too smart to award an actor who’ll do nothing in the future, with the exception of cheesy horror and crime flicks. Penn was best. Period.
Dennis said,”The part is really no stretch as Rourke was, basically, playing himself. Penn, however, is a chameleonic actor and his work in MILK is staggering. He literally became the person he played. Most thought sentiment would rule the day last Oscars. But, the Academy was too smart to award an actor who’ll do nothing in the future, with the exception of cheesy horror and crime flicks. Penn was best. Period.”
Hi! Dennis,
All of your points are well taken and with all that you have said, there still was a possibility that actor Mickey Rourke, could have won an Oscar@
…but, a “jury” of their (Penn’s and Rourke’s) “peers” found it wise to vote for and award actor Sean Penn, for his role as Harvey Milk, in the film MILK.
Moreover, there have been some actors and actresses that have won the Oscar@ and yet, they have appeared in rather less than memorable roles (before and after they were awarded the Oscar@)…(Translation: After they were awarded the Oscar@ they fit into the category of what I like to refer to as “one hit wonders”)…
By the way, I’am not telling you this as if you didn’t know this already…I’am just pointing out that it’s possible to have a film career like Rourke, and win an Oscar@ too!
DeeDee 😉
DEE-DEE-Also… The other thing I found interesting about last years performances was that it was a SUPPORTING performer that gave the performance of the year. So often we rally and sing the praises of a leading man or lady. Not so with 2008. Almost resoundingly the wealth of the accolades for acting, by the actors and critics alike, were for the late Heath Ledger. His creative spin on iconic comic-book villian THE JOKER was the stuff of legends. His calculating, off-the-wall interpretation of one of 20th century literatures supreme bad-guys won raves from every critic putting ink to paper. He swept all the prizes, caused analytical discussion, and set viewers imaginations ablaze. Sean Penn was the BEST LEAD ACTOR last year. But, the performance that was head and shoulders above anyone performing in film in those twelve long months was HEATH LEDGER. His turn will be remembered as a classic for decades to come and he put the definitive stamp on a character many have tried to play, but failed.
DEE-DEE-YES, YES! You are very right. Rourke DID come extremely close to nailing it. As for ONE HIT WONDERS, you are, again, correct. There have been many that have Oscar gold on the mantle; and then slipped away into oblivion. Right away I’m reminded of Shirley Boothe in COME BACK LITTLE SHEBA in 1955. Hers was a tour-de-force performance and rightfully won. However, her middle-age, dour looks, and lack of parts worthy for her stage and Oscar status lent her many lonely years. It wasn’t till the late 50’s that she would surface as the star of the mediocre TV sitcom HAZEL, where she played a pesky and wise-cracking housemaid with a penchant for blundering trouble. Boothe’s story is heart-breaking because her noteriety as a supreme stage actress is historic.
Also, DEE-DEE, there is the ONE HIT WONDER case of LOUISE FLETCHER. After trying to land every big-name actress who had a penchant for villiany (Ellen Burstyn, Anne Bancroft, Shirley MacLaine, Geraldine Page and Angela Landsbury), director Milos Forman stumbled upon, at the request vof Robert Altman, character actress Fletcher. She won the part and made history as one of the five greatest villians in American movie history as the cold-as-ice Nurse Ratched in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST. Her performance won rave reviews, frightened viewers, and took the Oscar in a land-slide (Funny, every time Jack Nicholson Oscared, he won opposite Fletcher in NEST, so do his leading ladies). She also made history in the fact that she hand-signed her Oscar speech (she had deaf parents), a first in Oscar history. Since her win, she has done less than a handful of films and is all but forgotten. Its her NEST performance that gives her immortal life.
Other ONE HIT WONDERS (meaning they won the Oscar and never hit the stratosphere again). Hang S. Knor-1984 Supporting Actor-THE KILLING FIELDS, Marlee Matlin-1986 Lead Actress-CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, Eileen Hekert-1972 Supporting Actress-BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE, Gig Young-1969 Supporting Actor-THEY SHOOT HORSES DON’T THEY, CLIFF ROBERTSON-1968 Lead Actor-CHARLEY, F. MURRAY ABRAHAM-1984 Lead Actor-AMADEUS, CUBA GOODING JR.-1996 Supporting Actor-JERRY MAGUIRE, RITA MORENO-1961 Supporting Actress-WEST SIDE STORY, GEORGE CHAKIRIS-1961 Supporting Actor-WEST SIDE STORY, PATRICIA NEAL-1963 Lead Actress-HUD, TATUM O’NEAL-1973 Supporting Actress (note-youngest competative winner in Oscar history-she was 9)-PAPER MOON, KIM HUNTER-1951 Supporting Actress-A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (note on Kim Hunter, she would have one other hit after her win. However, the hit was bittersweet. Her entire face would be swathed in 8 hours of prosthetic make-up to portray a chimpanzee psychiatrist in the Sci-Fi classic PLANET OF THE APES)
Hi! Dennis,
Wow…now that is what I’am talking about…Great examples! and facts, to back up your examples…too!
(Translation: After they were awarded the Oscar@ also fit into the category of “one hit wonders”) yet, they have taken home Oscar@ gold, and later appeared in rather less than memorable roles…Or there film career have become…stagnant.
With “Valentine Day” almost upon us…Least we forget the two “lovebirds”(My tongue is firmly planted in my cheek, but of course!)…actor Adrien Brody and actress Halle Berry.
Where are they? He (Brody) of course, maybe more “visible” on the screen than she (actress Halle Berry.)
DeeDee 😉
…”yet, they have taken home Oscar@ gold, and later appeared in rather less than memorable roles…Or secondary roles…”
Hi! Dennis,
Here goes two more actresses, that fit into a similar, but a different category. They have won Oscars@ but, have appeared in films that are less than memorable or in important secondary roles.
actress Marisi Tomei, (Even though she was nominated again last year for her appearance in…The Wrestler.)
and actress Hillary Swank, (The winner of two Oscars@…it seems every seven to ten years?!?) but I’am also mindful of the fact, that Hollywood do not “churn” out films like they use to do during the Silent era, 30s 40s and late 50s…Therefore, great film(s) roles are further and fewer between for actors and actresses in Hollywood today.
Cont…
DeeDee 😉
Dennis said,”Not so with 2008. Almost resoundingly the wealth of the accolades for acting, by the actors and critics alike, were for the late Heath Ledger. His creative spin on iconic comic-book villian THE JOKER was the stuff of legends. His calculating, off-the-wall interpretation of one of 20th century literatures supreme bad-guys won raves from every critic putting ink to paper.”
Speaking of, the Joker, I just read that the character was based on the character that actor Conrad Veidt, created in the film that Allan Fish, just post…The Man Who Laughs.
By the way, in one movie poster I could have sworn that (Veidt) was “channeling “ the Joker. (Or Vice Versa…)
I agree with you and your assessment of actor Heath Ledger and his role as the quintessential Joker in this 21st Century.
DeeDee 😉
Actually, DEE-DEE, Adrian Brody has been working steadily since his win, albeit slowly and cautiously. His most notable turn since that night in 2002 was appearing in Peter Jackson’s loving remake of KING KONG. Halle Berry, on the other hand, has not been as visible or lucky. An actress of limited talent, she basically CASHED in on her new found Oscar clout and amazing good looks, deficating her presence in the critically and viewer panned CATWOMAN. She was also pegged as a BOND girl in one vof the more recent spy thrillers, running around in a skin tight bikini. For the most part, though, Miss Berry has been MIA from anything with half the substance of MONSTERS BALL.
Dennis said, “Actually, DEE-DEE, Adrian Brody has been working steadily since his win, albeit slowly and cautiously. His most notable turn since that night in 2002 was appearing in Peter Jackson’s loving remake of KING KONG.”
“Where are Brody and Berry? He (Brody) of course, maybe more “visible” on the screen than she (actress Halle Berry.)”
Right you are when it comes to Brody…Hence, the reason that I used the words…“more visible.”
Unfortunately, I haven’t watch Peter Jackson’s King Kong and last year film which also featured Brody entitled The Brothers’ Bloom(s) ?!? and his Oscar@ winning turn in the Piano yet…with yet being the “operative” word.
As a matter of fact, The last film that I watched that featured Brody was his neo-noirish turn in Hollywoodland starring actor Ben Affleck and actress Diane Lane.
I can say in earnest that you have summed up actress Halle Berry’s career to date and placed it in that “proverbial” nutshell.
DeeDee 😉
DEE-DEE… Adrien Brody’s career has been one of steady and cautious choices. The youngest to ever win a competative Oscar for LEAD ACTOR (29). Since his win, he has been between the independent circuit and big Hollywood fare. M. Night Shyamalan’s THE VILLAGE received mixed reviews, as did his role in the afformentioned KING KONG. The Sci-Fi thriller, THE JACKET was panned as was the detective film HOLLYWOODLAND. He received good notices for Wes Anderson’s DARJEELING UNLIMITED and roles in CADILLAC RECORDS and this years disaster flick 2010. He was Chris Nolan’s first choice for THE JOKER, for THE DARK KNIGHT, but was shafted when the late Heath Ledger posed interest. He was also slated to play MR. SPOCK, opposite Matt Damon’s KIRK and Gary Sinisi’s MCCOY in STAR TREK before JJ ABRAMS decided on a younger cast.
Hi! Dennis,
A lot of info(rmation) about Brody’s career that I wasn’t aware of…
such as: He was Chris Nolan’s first choice for THE JOKER, for THE DARK KNIGHT, but was shafted when the late Heath Ledger posed interest. He was also slated to play MR. SPOCK, opposite Matt Damon’s KIRK and Gary Sinisi’s MCCOY in STAR TREK before JJ ABRAMS decided on a younger cast.
Dennis said,”The Sci-Fi thriller, THE JACKET was panned as was the detective film HOLLYWOODLAND.
Right you are…When it comes to the film Hollywoodland…because after reading the Wiki article that I posted in my previous comment…it appears as if the studio tried to “pad” the boxoffice intake…maybe I’am wrong (about the studio trying to make it appear that the film boxoffice intake was a little better than indicated, but that isn’t the conclusion that I reached after reading the article.) 😕
DeeDee 😉
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