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Race for the Gold: Frank Ochieng Looks at Potential 2003 Oscar Nods 
E-MAIL FRANK OCHIENG It’s always a fun prospect for film critics and avid film fans alike to acknowledge the busy time where Hollywood prepares to bestow on us the slew of award shows to help celebrate the finest in moviemaking. At the beginning of the year, there’s always talk buzzing about concerning who and what will be recognized for their excellence in filmmaking. Whether we’re talking about the People’s Choice Awards, The Independent Spirit Awards or the highly touted Golden Globe Awards, the movie industry has plenty to cheer about. Well, the granddaddy of all movie award opulence, The Academy Awards, is right around the corner. But before we can get giddy about The Academy Awards and the potential winners, we first need to know the nominees. And as any Oscar enthusiast knows, the Academy Award nominations are always revealed in early February of each year. Seeing as though this particular article was penned in mid January 2003, obviously we don’t have a handle in terms of what’s been selected for Oscar consideration. So what I propose to do if offer what I consider are the sure-fire frontrunners for Oscar gold. I will also introduce selections that I feel need to be noticed as viable contenders as well. So let’s sit back and go over possible Oscar notables and other hopefuls that unfortunately the golden statuette routinely doesn’t signal out, shall we? Oh yeah folks, we will only be covering the five major categories of best actor, actress, supporting actor, supporting actress, and best picture. Frank’s “Sure-Fire” Oscar Nominees That Will Be Recognized by the Academy: BEST ACTOR Again, this is only my speculation as to what I think the Academy will honor with an Oscar nomination. Remember, the actual Oscar nominations will be announced in February 2003. Anyway, here goes my assessment of who will definitely be nominated: Adrien Brody as the shell-shocked protagonist who delivers the potent angst as the riveting Roman Polanski Holocaust drama The Pianist. The fact that Brody won his Best Actor honors from the National Society of Film Critics should seal his nomination and deservedly so. Nicholas Cage taking on double duty as the portly insecure but committed screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and his crafty less-serious scriber twin brother Donald in the delightfully delirious dramedy Adaptation. This is perhaps Cage’s most celebrated work since his Oscar-winning turn in Leaving Las Vegas. Daniel Day-Lewis steals the show as the ruthless Irish gang leader who serves as the mentor to a baby-faced upstart charge (Leonardo DiCaprio) looking to secretly take him down in the name of revenge in Martin Scorsese’s ambitious but intermittingly flawed period piece epic Gangs of New York. Day-Lewis, who is impeccably masterful in everything he does in a project, was a past Oscar winner with the inspirational film My Left Foot. Richard Gere will probably be given his due and be recognized by the Academy for the first time in his long film career by granting him an Oscar nod for his rich and colorful portrayal of shrewd and shady lawyer Billy Flynn in Rob Marshall’s insanely lyrical and biting musical satire Chicago. Jack Nicholson, the three-time Oscar winning acting legend, will be the first man in American movie history to score a 12th nomination with his revered work as a disillusioned Nebraskan retiree released from years of the insurance racket in the self-discovery caustic comedy About Schmidt. Who Frank definitely thinks should be included in the top five BEST ACTOR circle: Campbell Scott, Roger Dodger Why? Because Scott was so intensely effective as the handsome New York ad exec with the disturbing and sardonic misogynistic tendencies toward women he thought worthy of as a mere game to score on as if he was in some Neanderthal sporting event. Scott’s Roger is a pathetic and dangerous cad who uses his suave package to act as an unassuming potent tool that adds to his sleazy but alluring charm. Scott also does the impossible by making audiences like Roger and garner sympathy for him despite his inexcusable and questionable behavior. We see that, in the long run, Roger is the real victim of his own misguided and ignorant actions. It’s that telling glance of vulnerability and raw verve that should have launched the wily Campbell Scott into the elite five. Who is the other possible Oscar candidate that most likely will be lost in the shuffle regarding the race to Oscar nomination glory? (listing not in any particular order): Michael Caine, The Quiet American Robin Williams, One Hour Photo Tom Hanks, Road to Perdition Hugh Grant, About a Boy Leonardo DiCaprio, Catch Me If You Can Kieran Culkin, Igby Goes Down Philip Seymour Hoffman, Love Liza Edward Norton, 25th Hour Jason Patric, Narc Campbell Scott, Roger Dodger Derek Luke, Antwone Fisher Sam Rockwell, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind Dennis Quaid, The Rookie Greg Kinnear, Auto Focus Adam Sandler, Punch-Drunk Love Eminem, 8 Mile Ian Holm, The Emperor’s New Clothes Frank’s “Sure-Fire” Oscar Nominees That Will Be Recognized by the Academy: BEST ACTRESS Nicole Kidman’s turn as the tortured poetic soul Virgina Woolf in the stylistic and moody literary drama The Hours should certainly help her chances of being recognized for a well-deserved Oscar nod. Being pointed out by both the Golden Globes and the Las Vegas critics group should make Kidman’s nuanced performance one to reckon with. Diane Lane was once a promising child star with boundless potential. Well, her potential certainly carried over into adulthood with her mesmerizing performance in the hauntingly provocative sexual drama Unfaithful. Being recognized by both the New York Film Critics Circle and the National Society of Film Critics should cement a noted place for Lane as one of the five top acting spots for this resilient actress. Julianne Moore is without a doubt one of this generation’s finest actresses to emerge out of nowhere. With two previous Oscar nods under her belt, Moore’s conflicted role as a 1950’s housewife in domestic denial in the period piece melodrama Far From Heaven is a fruitful and astute portrayal that echoes honesty behind the manufactured façade. Moore’s Cathy Whitaker is a satirical if not candid commentary on the so-called Eisenhower-era social values that were promoted ideally during the golden age of idyllic suburban America. Meryl Streep: her name says it all. Undoubtedly the finest actress within the last three decades to consistently grace the big screen with durable, compelling and diverse performances. Her role as put upon New Yorker Clarissa Vaughan in The Hours could launch her into legendary moviemaking proportions where she would have accumulated 13 record-breaking Oscar nods, surpassing the great cinema icon Katherine Hepburn. And this doesn’t even include the fact that she may get a double nomination this year (a 14th nod?) if she’s cited for her exceptional work in Adaptation as a best supporting actress. Renee Zellweger is the zest and energetic drive behind her showy alter ego Roxie Hart in the frothy and cynically highly spirited musical Chicago. Zellweger struts her stuff as an opportunist song and dance gal caught up in a storm of media frenzy on her way to unlikely celebrity. Clearly Zellweger is turning out to be one of the busiest and adventurous young actresses working today in cinema. A nomination for Chicago will solidify that her Bridget Jones’s Diary nod from last year was indeed no fluke. Who Frank definitely thinks should be included in the top five BEST ACTRESS circle: Isabelle Huppert, The Piano Teacher Why? Huppert unmercifully delves into the tricky role of a repressed middle-aged spinster with no redeeming social life other than her committed profession as a piano teacher with the prestigious Conservatory. She’s desperate for intimacy, something that will release her from a miserable isolated existence of living at home with an overbearing mother and more importantly, an empty bed. Whether succumbing to the kinky tactics of voyeurism by observing other couples fornicating for her wishful thinking arousal or resorting to self-mutilation out of carnal craving frustration, Huppert delivers a calculating and complex role that most actresses would not have the tenacity or courageousness to pull off. Huppert’s turn in The Piano Teacher is challenging, perverse, haunting and morbid in its unintended hilarity. Who is the possible Oscar candidate that most likely will be lost in the shuffle regarding the race to Oscar nomination glory? (listing not in any particular order) Nia Vardalos, My Big Fat Greek Wedding Catherine Keener, Lovely & Amazing Jennifer Aniston, The Good Girl Maggie Gyllenhaal, Secretary Salma Hayek, Frida Alison Lohman, White Oleander Isabelle Huppert, The Piano Teacher Frank’s “Sure-Fire” Oscar Nominees That Will Be Recognized by the Academy: BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Chris Cooper is divinely inspired as the off-the-wall defiant orchid thief John Laroche in the outrageously clever Adaptation. Should Cooper be lucky enough to snag an Oscar nomination for his fun-loving off-kilter work, this would be his first nod for an Academy Award. The mainstay character actor has racked up some impressive acknowledgements for his treasured turn in Adaptation so it’s only fitting that he gets the recognition from his peers here. Paul Newman is somber and deeply menacing as gangster John Mooney in the Sam Mendes’ dark reflective film Road to Perdition. Newman’s gritty and memorable performance will net the 1986 Oscar winner for The Color of Money his ninth Oscar nod in a lengthy, distinguished career. Interestingly enough, this would be Newman’s first nomination in the best supporting actor category. Most likely voters will forget the poignant impact that the film, its leading star (Tom Hanks) and its director (Mendes) made but luckily for the 77 year old movie icon Paul Newman, he will be pinpointed to have another viable shot at Oscar to put an exclamation point on his remarkable four decade plus career. Dennis Quaid has really and truly been a surprising force to deal with this past movie season. His indomitable spirit as a mid thirties athlete with a killer pitching arm and will to match in the soothing baseball drama The Rookie was a joy to behold. Now he provides a sturdy and convincing portrayal as alcoholic homosexual Frank Whitaker in the revealing ‘50s melodrama Far From Heaven. Quaid has always been a competent and reliable performer even when some of the material he’s been in has failed him considerably. Here’s hoping that Oscar will give a shout out to this underrated and charismatic actor. John C. Reilly pretty much was a ubiquitous presence during much of the 2002 movie season. This heavily sought after actor gave a handful of pleasing performances in films such as The Good Girl, Gangs of New York and The Hours. But I feel that most likely he will be rewarded with an Oscar nomination for his work as the gullible and exploited husband being cheated on by his opportunistic adulterous showbiz-minded wife in the carousing musical Chicago. Reilly is another amazing character actor who regularly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to adding exceptional range to varied characterizations that cater to his resounding touch. Christopher Walken is undoubtedly one of my personal favorite film actors of all time. Intense, volatile, insightful, unpredictable and strangely charismatic, Walken has continuously wandered into the pantheon of filmmaking pop culture with his unsettling roles in countless films. He can be cunningly stoic one moment then turn around and be creatively cartoonish the next. But the Oscar-winning multi-dimensional actor (for 1978’s The Deer Hunter) doesn’t disappoint as the disadvantaged and quietly outraged Frank Abagnale Sr. in the light-hearted cat-and-mouse crime caper Catch Me If You Can. Who Frank definitely thinks should be included in the top five BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR circle: Willem Dafoe, Auto Focus Why? Unfortunately Auto Focus, the biopic about the twisted passions of rampart sexual porno explorer and video equipment enthusiast late Hogan’s Heroes TV star Bob Crane, didn’t register with many moviegoers in terms of the box office showing. However, one shouldn’t count out the intriguing and gutsy performance by previous Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe as the sleazebag hanger-on John Carpenter who was the partner-in-crime behind Crane’s obsessive interest in womanizing and the liberating sexual trysts in front of video cameras. Dafoe is relentless as the pitiful pal of Crane’s who saw opportunity and advantageous notoriety in clinging to the likeable but depraved Crane’s fading fame as a measure of securing some taste of the pseudo-celebrity high life that included sordid women and a flirtation with the so-called Hollywood high life in the form of the has-been television personality. Dafoe played Carpenter with relentless flair that was both shocking and quite observant. Who is the other possible Oscar candidate that most likely will be lost in the shuffle regarding the race to Oscar nomination glory? (listing not in any particular order): Ed Haris, The Hours Alan Arkin, Thirteen Conversations About One Thing Viggo Mortensen, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Willem Dafoe, Auto Focus Andy Serkis, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Dennis Haybert, Far From Heaven Alfred Molina, Frida Ray Liotta, Narc Denzel Washington, Antwone Fisher Barry Pepper, 25th Hour Philip Seymour Hoffman, 25th Hour Jesse Eisenberg, Roger Dodger Frank’s “Sure-Fire” Oscar Nominees That Will Be Recognized by the Academy: BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Kathy Bates is fearless in her role as the free-spirited and flirty ‘60’s relic who’s the potential mother in-law of Jack Nicholson’s Warren Schmidt’s daughter in About Schmidt. Bates, a previous Best Actress Oscar winner for 1990’s Misery, is absolutely courageous and riotous as the nimble older gal who exudes life’s enthusiasm. The fact that Bates flashes her fleshy rotund nude body is indeed a heroic gesture in this day and age where younger and shapely actresses are afforded this provocative opportunity. In what could have been a risky humiliation and over-the top affair, Bates brings a refreshing optimism and realness to a proud and flighty middle-aged woman and the self-inflicted pride she has about herself and her kooky philosophy. Patricia Clarkson is a veteran character actress that has been around for the longest time in both television and movies. Here’s hoping that she will get her due with a permanent fixture as a best supporting actress nominee as the gossipy acquaintance of Julianne Moore’s Cathy Whitaker in the savvy melodrama Far From Heaven. Clarkson, who some strongly believed was robbed of a previous Oscar nod for her outstanding work in High Art, is solid and affecting in her contribution to one of the best films of the past year. Hopefully the Academy will do the right thing and make her an Oscar nominee for the first time in her distinctive career. Julianne Moore is guaranteed as a mentionable in the best actress race for Far From Heaven. But will the Academy also recognize her as one of the compelling components in The Hours? Why not? She’s a talented and intuitive actress who has a penchant for appearing in stimulating, smart vehicles. The Academy shouldn’t penalize an actress for being resilient and resourceful enough to give a pair of remarkable performances in two differently entertaining, thought-provoking films. Julianne Moore is beginning to be reminiscent of Meryl Streep for these ages, a thoroughly professional artist for the millennium. Meryl Streep is the ultimate actress that others want to compare their “A” game to in artistry and style. There’s no questioning the thought of having a double dose of Streep in the Oscar sweepstakes. Heck, it’s almost blasphemous if you don’t include Streep in the Oscar mix at all! Not only is she slated to be nominated as best actress for her marvelous bit in The Hours, Streep does wonders as the celebrated writer Susan Orlean in the cleverly uproarious Adaptation. There’s just no end to the probing and ingenious artistry of Streep’s dedication to her craft. Catherine Zeta-Jones may receive a welcomed invitation to join the distinguished girl’s club of Oscar hopefuls with her vibrant turn as a scorned song-and-dance rival of attention-getting Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger) in the musical powerhouse Chicago. Zeta-Jones is energetic, dazzling, exotically sexy and matches Zellweger in her ability to sing, dance and absorb the madcap tension that prevails throughout this jaunty musical. Who Frank definitely thinks should be included in the top five BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS circle: Bebe Neuwirth, Tadpole Why? Because her audacious and quirky performance as an older woman having an affair with her best friend’s (Sigourney Weaver) underage stepson in the off-kilter coming-of-age vehicle Tadpole was simply fabulous. Neuwirth, perhaps known for her Tony-winning stage work and Emmy-winning television persona (“Cheers”) has that self-deprecating naughtiness that’s wickedly endearing and hypnotic. She’s funny, flawed and ferociously high-spirited as a woman who’s as every bit lost and incomplete as is her juvenile lover. Neuwirth is sexy and saucy and she belongs in that pack of Oscar-courting divas looking for Oscar satisfaction. Who is the other possible Oscar candidate that most likely will be lost in the shuffle regarding the race to Oscar nomination glory? (listing not in any particular order): Bebe Neuwirth, Tadpole Sigourney Weaver, Tadpole Toni Colette, About a Boy Lainie Kazan, My Big Fat Greek Wedding Edie Falco, Sunshine State Queen Latifah, Chicago Susan Sarandon, Igby Goes Down or Moonlight Mile Michelle Pfeiffer, White Oleander Cameron Diaz, Gangs of New York Frank’s “Sure-Fire” Oscar Nominees That Will Be Recognized by the Academy: BEST PICTURE CHICAGO: It never hurts to include an exuberant and joyously stinging movie musical that is distinctively added into the mix of varied best picture selections. Chicago is basically what Moulin Rouge to last year’s crop of headlines—the colorful and supremely spry eye-candy musical that’s meant to snap moviegoers’ fingers and please the optic nerve. With snappy songs, pithy performances and a jazzed-up attitude, Chicago should definitely make the cut into the top five contenders for Oscar consideration. GANGS OF NEW YORK: There’s a solid chance that filmmaker Martin Scorsese’s robust but uneven and flawed epic will compete for Oscar gold. After all, it has the look of an Academy Award contender—it’s a lavish period piece that Oscar loves to covert. Also, it’s a grand scale production that exudes emotional grit and excess, a feisty and forceful slew of performances from notable actors and an established and viable moviemaker in the form of scholastic cinema enthusiast Martin Scorsese. Gangs may be flawed and atmospheric, but its heart roars like the lion of filmmaking it is thanks to Scorsese’s tenacious vision. THE HOURS: The Academy Awards can never resist an elegant, chewy and lofty literary piece such as the formidable feminine fable The Hours. The film boasts some of the cinema’s most cherished and talented actresses led by the fine participation of Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore (all likely to garner Oscar nods as the result of their work in this sedate picture). The Hours has a sophisticated malaise that’s stirring, enriching and thoughtfully delivered. It’s the type of film that Hollywood is proud to embrace for its soothing and thought-provoking convictions. LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS: Peter Jackson’s eye-popping, rousing and raucous production is another priceless production that Oscar loves to champion. With its visual vibrancy and exquisite look of a mythical adventure that takes moviegoers on a thrilling escapist ride, The Two Towers is the ideal choice to represent the interests of Academy Award worthiness. Certainly The Two Towers will be a stark contrast to the uptight and “message” films such as The Hours, Gangs of New York, and The Pianist. THE PIANIST: Roman Polanski’s harrowing and artistically riveting Holocaust picture provides the consciousness and haunting spirit that’s too undeniable to ignore. With a standout performance by Oscar contender hopeful Adrian Brody and profound and stimulating direction from the controversial filmmaker Polanski, The Pianist should play a rewarding tune of a different sort when it deservedly is ushered into the best picture ring of Oscar’s shadow. The Pianist is soulful, chilling and convincingly absorbing. Who Frank definitely thinks should be included in the top five BEST PICTURE circle: ADAPTATION, Directed by Spike Jonze Why? Director Spike Jonze and his shrewd Being John Malkovich collaborator, screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, devise a wickedly ingenious and clever concept in the way they go about their wayward commentary on the Hollywood creative process. Adaptation is off-kilter and savvy in its biting satire about the way in which one stimulates the artistic mind in the search for integrity, pride and in some selfish cases, the financial motivating factor. Cunningly witty in its caustic skin, Jonze’s warped and unbalanced examination of art and the forces behind its existence is sheer maniacal joy. Adaptation players Nicholas Cage, Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper instill this in-depth farce with plausibility and pulsating potency. Who is the other possible Oscar candidate that most likely will be lost in the shuffle regarding the race to Oscar nomination glory? (listing not in any particular order): My Big Fat Greek Wedding About Schmidt Road to Perdition Far From Heaven Adaptation Roger Dodger 25th Hour Spirited Away Y Tu Tambien Well, we’ll see how the Oscar nominations are derived at when next month arrives and the announcement is made. In the meantime, let’s all sit back and anticipate what nods will cross our way come February when the voice says with hasty glee, “…and the Academy Award nominations are as follows…” Click here to comment on this article or post your own thoughts. Frank Ochieng © TheWorldJournal.com |
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