Oscar-bait movies have officially hit the box office. Here are the Top 10 contenders expected to be on the Academy Awards ballot as nominees for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.
10.Joaquin Phoenix in Her
Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer who falls for a very smart computer “Samantha” (voiced by Scarlett Johanson). Warner Bros. pushed back the romance’s release date to December 18 in order to increase chances of nomination. Phoenix has been previously nominated for three Oscars, for his performances in Gladiator (2000), Walk the Line (2005), and most recently, The Master (2012).
9.Christian Bale in American Hustle
Bale plays Irving Rosenfeld, a con artist forced to help the FBI and turn the tables on other con artists, mobsters, and politicians. American Hustle comes out on December 25th. Bale won an Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for The Fighter in 2011.
8.Leonardo DiCaprio in The Great Gatsby
DiCaprio plays the ever mysterious, iconic literary character Jay Gatsby in this film adaptation. It’s about time DiCaprio got an Oscar, and the Academy recognizes that. DiCaprio has previously been nominated for three Oscars for his roles in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape(1993), The Aviator(2004), and Blood Diamond(2006).
7. Oscar Isaac in Inside Llewyn Davis
Isaac plays (the movie’s namesake) Llewyn Davis, a young singer wandering the 1961 folk-scene of Greenwich Village. The movie comes out December 20th. If nominated, this would be Oscar’s first chance at an Oscar (no pun intended).
6.Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club
McConaughey takes a big step out of his comfort zone, playing real-life character Ron Roodroof, the man who refused to fall to H.I.V. despite his bleak prognosis. The movie will be in theaters November 1st. Like Isaac, this would be McConaughey’s first nomination for an Academy Award.
5. Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years A Slave
Ejiofor plays another real-life character, Solomon Northup, a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into 12 years of slavery on a Louisiana plantation. The historical drama will be released on October 18th. Chiwetel would also be a newcomer to the Academy Awards.
4.Tom Hanks in Captain Phillips
Tom Hanks is Captain Richard Phillips in this movie based on the Somalian pirate incidents of 2009. When his ship is hi-jacked, he’s forced to isolate himself with several of the pirates. The movie hits theaters October 11. Hanks is certainly no Oscar newbie, previously nominated five times, two of which he won. His past Academy Awards include Best Actor in a Leading Role for Philadelphia at the 1994 Oscars and Forrest Gump at the 1995 Oscars.
Alright, we’ve finally gotten to the big three…
3.Hugh Jackman in Prisoners
Jackman plays Keller Dover a father turned vigilante when his daughter and her friend are kidnapped. His performance is exciting, disturbing, and overall absolutely stunning. He raises the level of the film’s intensity sky high. Jackman’s first nomination for an Oscar (Best Actor in a Leading Role for Les Miserables) was earlier this year at the 2013 Academy Awards when he was unexpectedly beat out by Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln. Now it’s Jackman’s turn to snag the win.
2. Forest Whitaker in The Butler
Whitaker plays Cecil Gaines, a butler who serves eight different presidents during his tenure at the White House. In the midst of major political events, including the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War, Gaines and his family are strongly affected along with the rest of American society. Whitaker performs with grace, poise and strength, demonstrating the discipline required of his character. At the 2007 Oscars, Whitaker won this category for his performance in The Last King of Scotland.
1. Robert Redford in All Is Lost
Redford plays an unnamed character in this story of solo survival. This is his chance to star in a movie and singlehandedly (acting-wise) make it into a masterpiece. Already wowing the critics, it’s no surprise Redford is a favorite for the award. All Is Lost> will be released on October 18. Redford’s history with the Academy Awards is an interesting one, with four nominations and two wins, one for Best Director (Ordinary People 1980). His last nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role was four decades ago in 1974 for The Sting. Redford received the Honorary Award at the 2002 Oscars, his statuette engraved with “Actor, director, producer, creator of Sundance, inspiration to independent and innovative filmmakers everywhere.”
So there you have it. Do you have any predictions? If so, comment below!
Official nominations for the 2014 Oscars will be released on January 16.
The 86th Annual Academy Awards will air on March 2.