As most of you may know I am a fan of the Academy Awards. The Oscar Nominees were announced on January 22nd. Here are my thoughts on a few on the Best Actor and Actress categories. The Best Actress category is one of the most interesting races in recent history. The early front runner was Lady Gaga for “A Star is Born”. I have to admit she was amazing, in a performance that captivated the screen. You couldn’t take your eyes off of her. In past years, she would be a shoo-in, but this year is different. Glenn Close, who has been nominated seven times and never won, is up for her performance in “The Wife”. Close is great in everything that she does and this film is no exception. She is now the front runner and will probably win as much for this role as for a lifetime of incredible acting. If there is an upset, it’ll probably Gaga. The other nominees, Yalitza Aparicio was the heart and soul of “Roma”; Melissa McCarthy turned in a unique performance in “Can You Ever Forgive Me”; and Olivia Colman stole “The Favorite” from two amazing actresses.
The Best Actor category also has two front runners. Christian Bale transformed himself into Dick Cheney in “Vice”. His performance is amazing. He has won a few awards, but I am rooting for Rami Malek as Freddy Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody”. His was one of those performances that doesn’t come along very often, like Jamie Foxx in “Ray” or Marion Cotillard in “La Vie en Rose”. He was real every moment of the film. Viggo Mortensen morphs into every role he takes on and “Green Book” is no exception. He will probably win one day, but this isn’t his year. Bradley Cooper gave a great performance in “A Star is Born” as well as directing it. (He was robbed of a Best Director nomination!) Willem Dafoe is also a nominee for “At Eternity’s Gate”, which is probably the least seen film in this list. (I haven’t seen that one.)
So my picks for Best Actress is Glenn Close and Best Actor Rami Melek.
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