Leonardo DiCaprio could just be the spoiler in Oscar’s best actor race once his portrayal of a crooked stockbroker in esteemed director Martin Scorsese‘s The Wolf of Wall Street releases wide on Christmas Day. The studio just released a second trailer for the film and by the looks of it DiCarprio, who has collaborated with Scorsese on four previous films, could nail himself a nomination. This film has been generated some sniping among awards watchers because it originally was supposed to be released on Nov. 15. But Scorsese, ever the perfectionist, says he simply needed more time to edit, probably since an early cut reportedly exceeded three hours. Paramount just recently announced the change of release date.
The Best Actor category is already so dense with astounding performances that the five spots that are available are quickly filling up. Insiders are already calling it the tightest Best Actor race in years. Studios know that, so that is why the campaigning already is in full, fierce swing. Current thinking is that longtime matinee idol and humanitarian Robert Redford will get a nomination for his solo performance in All Is Lost. Chiwetel Ejiofor will get the recognition he for his heartbreaking portrayal of real life author Solomon Northup in 12 Years A Slave. Industry stalwart Tom Hanks will probably receive a nod for Captain Phillips. Bruce Dern, who is long overdue for a statue, will also most likely get a nomination for his poignant portrayal of a man with unrealized dreams in Alexander Payne‘s Nebraska. That leaves a coveted fifth spot. Current thinking is that Matthew McConaughey could snag that golden spot with his truly moving stint in Dallas Buyers Club, the real life story of Ron Woodruff, a good old cowboy who was diagnosed with HIV in 1986 and found himself at the forefront of the battle over alternative medical treatments for AIDS. Christian Bale has yet to be reviewed for his performance in American Hustle, but he rarely stars in a feature without attention from the Academy. One more favorite at TVMix.com is Isaiah Washington‘s comeback performance in D.C. sniper pic, Blue Caprice.
So the buzz about the Hollywood water coolers is that this is going to be a close race. Lucky Leo could be the spoiler for a nomination and maybe even a win; he’s had two nominations in the past, but has never won a golden statuette. Hollywood respects Leo and his intense and precise dedication to his craft is well known throughout the town. Hey, in Hollywood stranger things have happened. All in all, it’s shaping up to be an Oscar nail biter!
Sometimes its too hard to keep up with the onslaught of important fall movies. Retreat to the comfort of the classics with FilmOn Classics:
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