Americans are finally finished with what was one of the most, if not the absolute most, exhaustive election cycle in the nation's history. It felt like the presidential election started the day after President Obama crushed John McCain back in 08. Is anyone really in the mood to race for votes yet again? Hollywood is. The Academy Awards are set to take place in just a couple of weeks, and there are five candidates jockeying for position in every category, including the Best Actor category. Here is what every nominee has going for him in the race and what he has going against him.
Bradley Cooper in "Silver Linings Playbook"
For him: People Magazine's sexiest man alive scored rave reviews for his star turn as a mentally ill (favorited by the Academy) Eagles fan trying to get his family back. The film he's in is beloved as well, and the Academy will certainly want to reward it somewhere.
Against him: They will have that opportunity to reward the film in the Best Actress race, where his co-star Jennifer Lawrence is something of a lock. Plus, sexiest men alive don't fare as well as you think. Just ask Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, Jude Law etc.
Daniel Day-Lewis in "Lincoln"
For him: Everything. He's won every major trophy thus far, he earned raves playing the most beloved figure in American history in what can be considered the Best Picture frontrunner, and come on, who doesn't love Daniel Day-Lewis?
Against him: Very little. The only thing that may hold him back is his track record with the Academy. He's already won the Best Actor award twice, the second one only five years ago. No man has ever won three Best Actor prizes. Perhaps the Academy will decide to share the wealth.
Hugh Jackman in "Les Miserables"
For him: The Academy loves him. It's weird to say that about a man who has never been nominated, but he hosted the show back in 2009, and he turned out to be the best emcee the telecast has had in over a decade. He's playing one of the most adored characters in theatrical history as well. Bonus points for the singing chops.
Against him: Despite its Best Picture nomination, "Les Miserables" is largely viewed as a disappointment. Also, Anne Hathaway scored all of the best in show reviews; Jackman was merely an afterthought to many critics.
Joaquin Phoenix in "The Master"
For him: Alcoholic characters have fared well with the Academy in the past, and there's no denying how powerful Phoenix's turn is in this Paul Thomas Anderson epic. The last Paul Thomas Anderson epic won the Best Actor prize to.
Against him: His remarks about how much of a joke he considers the Oscars to be isn't going to exactly warm the hearts of voters. "The Master," while being a critical favorite, never was able to amount any Oscar buzz either.
Denzel Washington in "Flight"
For him: See first sentence of Phoenix's "for him." Washington delivers an against type turn in the kind of star vehicle that Hollywood really doesn't make anymore. And who doesn't like seeing Denzel be great again?
Against him: Like Day-Lewis, Washington has two Oscars as well, and "Flight" is no "Lincoln."
Bradley Cooper in "Silver Linings Playbook"
For him: People Magazine's sexiest man alive scored rave reviews for his star turn as a mentally ill (favorited by the Academy) Eagles fan trying to get his family back. The film he's in is beloved as well, and the Academy will certainly want to reward it somewhere.
Against him: They will have that opportunity to reward the film in the Best Actress race, where his co-star Jennifer Lawrence is something of a lock. Plus, sexiest men alive don't fare as well as you think. Just ask Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, Jude Law etc.
Daniel Day-Lewis in "Lincoln"
For him: Everything. He's won every major trophy thus far, he earned raves playing the most beloved figure in American history in what can be considered the Best Picture frontrunner, and come on, who doesn't love Daniel Day-Lewis?
Against him: Very little. The only thing that may hold him back is his track record with the Academy. He's already won the Best Actor award twice, the second one only five years ago. No man has ever won three Best Actor prizes. Perhaps the Academy will decide to share the wealth.
Hugh Jackman in "Les Miserables"
For him: The Academy loves him. It's weird to say that about a man who has never been nominated, but he hosted the show back in 2009, and he turned out to be the best emcee the telecast has had in over a decade. He's playing one of the most adored characters in theatrical history as well. Bonus points for the singing chops.
Against him: Despite its Best Picture nomination, "Les Miserables" is largely viewed as a disappointment. Also, Anne Hathaway scored all of the best in show reviews; Jackman was merely an afterthought to many critics.
Joaquin Phoenix in "The Master"
For him: Alcoholic characters have fared well with the Academy in the past, and there's no denying how powerful Phoenix's turn is in this Paul Thomas Anderson epic. The last Paul Thomas Anderson epic won the Best Actor prize to.
Against him: His remarks about how much of a joke he considers the Oscars to be isn't going to exactly warm the hearts of voters. "The Master," while being a critical favorite, never was able to amount any Oscar buzz either.
Denzel Washington in "Flight"
For him: See first sentence of Phoenix's "for him." Washington delivers an against type turn in the kind of star vehicle that Hollywood really doesn't make anymore. And who doesn't like seeing Denzel be great again?
Against him: Like Day-Lewis, Washington has two Oscars as well, and "Flight" is no "Lincoln."
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