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With the Oscar nominations unveiled on January 23, the race for Best Actor has crystallized into a duel between two seasoned contenders: Adrien Brody for his role in The Brutalist and Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown. Both actors are vying for their first Oscar win, but the stakes are particularly high for Brody, who previously won the award two decades ago. An upset at this stage would be surprising, as many expect one of these two to walk away with the coveted trophy. However, three other nominees, Ralph Fiennes for Conclave, Colman Domingo for Sing Sing, and Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice, are watching closely and ready to capitalize on any unforeseen circumstances.
Let’s delve deeper into the dynamics of the Best Actor competition.
The Frontrunner: Adrien Brody
To fully appreciate Brody’s positioning in this year’s race, it is important to reflect on his stunning victory in 2003 for The Pianist. At the time, his win was unexpected, as he was up against industry giants like Daniel Day-Lewis, who had been sweeping awards for his performance in Gangs of New York. Day-Lewis’s accolades included wins at significant ceremonies such as BAFTA, SAG, and the Critics Choice Awards, making Brody an unlikely candidate. His win not only marked a shock for the audience but also established him as a significant player in Hollywood as the youngest Best Actor winner at 29, surpassing the previous record held by Richard Dreyfuss.
This year, however, Brody is viewed as the likely frontrunner. He has secured wins at the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards, and the New York Film Critics Circle has also recognized him. Additionally, he has received nominations from BAFTA and SAG. His performance in The Brutalist is at the forefront, with the film securing ten nominations overall. In this film, Brody portrays a Hungarian architect whose journey reflects harrowing experiences from World War II. The themes of immigration depicted may resonate with Academy members, particularly amidst current discussions on the subject, potentially giving Brody an edge.
Furthermore, Brody’s narrative of a comeback adds an emotional dimension to his campaign. After spending years in supporting roles, his return to the spotlight has garnered sympathy and support from voters. His acceptance speech at the Golden Globes resonated with reflections of his career journey, underscoring his appreciation for the opportunity to return to prominence.
Nevertheless, Brody faces hurdles. Some voters might recall the controversy surrounding his Jubilee kiss with Halle Berry during his Oscar acceptance speech, which could be viewed differently in the context of the modern #MeToo movement. Additionally, discussions about the use of AI to enhance his performance in The Brutalist have also emerged. Brody’s director, Brady Corbet, defended the approach, insisting it in no way diminishes the actor’s original work.
The Potential Spoiler: Timothée Chalamet
At 29, Chalamet stands at a poignant juncture, as a win for him would see him dethrone Brody as the youngest actor to claim the Oscar in this category. The timing of his film’s release and its gradual rise in status have positioned him as a serious contender. The Academy has demonstrated a strong affinity for performers who portray iconic musicians, evident in previous wins for actors like Jamie Foxx, Rami Malek, and Renée Zellweger. While Chalamet did not win at the Golden Globes, his nominations across BAFTA and SAG reveal a steady ascent in his favor among industry insiders.
His role in the Bob Dylan biopic is particularly noteworthy as it has led to a historical moment, with three actors—Chalamet, Edward Norton, and Monica Barbaro—nominated for playing musicians in one year. Chalamet’s promotional efforts have also been innovative, including a recent SNL appearance where he embraced his character’s essence. Known for his earlier Oscar nomination for Call Me by Your Name, Chalamet has already established himself as a household name among younger audiences, enhancing his appeal.
The Underdogs: Ralph Fiennes, Colman Domingo, Sebastian Stan
Among the nominees, Ralph Fiennes boasts an extensive filmography marked by critical acclaim. With performances in The English Patient and Schindler’s List—both of which received numerous Oscars—Fiennes’ acting credentials are undeniable. However, his current role in Conclave may lack the outward spectacle that tends to attract Oscar attention, and his tendency to let his work speak for itself may impact his campaigning efforts.
Meanwhile, Colman Domingo has garnered attention for his consecutive nominations in major acting categories across two years. His role in Sing Sing emphasizes the healing power of performance, appealing to the Screen Actors Guild audiences but leaving him with slimmer prospects for an Academy award. Finally, Sebastian Stan also faces the longest odds among the nominees, elevating the surprise factor should he clinch victory akin to Brody’s groundbreaking win years ago.
Source
www.goldderby.com