Only two men in Oscar history have ever received acting nominations for two different performances in the same year: Al Pacino (for 1992’s Scent of a Woman and Glengarry Glen Ross) and Jamie Foxx (for 2004’s Ray and Collateral). Though I don’t expect anyone to join that list this year, I do find it funny that good buddies George Clooney and Matt Damon are competing against each other in this season’s Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories. In the lead race, Clooney headlines Up in the Air with a quintessential star turn, while Damon shows off his droll comedy stylings in The Informant! And in the supporting contest, there’s Clooney’s goofball performance in The Men Who Stare At Goats, while Damon gets serious as a South African rugby player in Invictus. I’ve only seen three of these four performances, but my hunch is that Clooney’s stronger shot is for Best Actor while Damon seems a better bet for Best Supporting Actor. But that doesn’t mean a little trash-talking isn’t in order. Back in Toronto, Damon told me how he plans to take down his pal as the awards season progresses.
Image credit: Richard Young/startraksphoto.com
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The two most overexposed actors working today. Seriously, Affleck during his “Bennifer” stage was a hermit compared to these two.
With all the fine female performances
this year, THIS is what you choose to
do a column on? Are you that hard-up for ideas?
I don’t see Clooney’s role in Men Who Stare… as a supporting role. I think it’s more of a co-lead.
i don’t think either actor will be nominated for either role this year. too many strong contenders in both fields. well maybe Clooney for Best Actor in Up in the Air, but i don’t think it’s a sure thing.
Who are you predicting fancypants? Neither will be nominated twice but Clooney does stand a good chance for getting a Best Actor nod for Up in the Air. Damon is a shoo-in for Invictus and stands a good chance of stealing the thunder from Christoph Waltz in order to win Best Supporting Actor. Waltz better hope for some critic awards in December to keep his thunder rolling.
I can see Clooney going up for Best Actor and Damon for supporting but doubt either of their chances for the win; Waltz has too much momentum and support and Best Actor is going to be HIGHLY competitive this year. Day Lewis, Freeman, Colin Firth… etc.
Clooney will be nominated for Up in the Air as he is such an insider and game player, he is a shoe in. Personally, I would like to see Colin Firth win and Christop Waltz also really deserves it. Two non-hollywood types he have worked hard and shown true talent and really deserve the Awards. PS, I like Clooney and Damon, just don’t think they deserve the awards this year.
I agree. I don’t think either Clooney or Damn deserve the awards this year–or any year. They’re over-rated and not great actors. They have yet to impress me with an amazing performance. I mean, I wouldn’t put them in the same league with Laurence Olivier, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Daniel Day-Lewis, Ralph Fiennes, etc. EW should campaign the Oscar for other worthy actors than these clowns.
Today my friends were talking about JIM CARREY for best actor!