Rodney's 2011 Oscar Wishlist (Part II -ACTING I)

     Having just enjoyed a wonderful lunch with friends and being challenged in church that my faith should impact the most private parts of my life and not just the public, I wanted to set aside a little time on this quiet afternoon to continue my 2011 Oscar Wishlist. Today I'll be writing the first of my acting wishlists:

BEST ACTOR:

     George Clooney - The Descendants

(In a career-best performance *though his career-best film remains Up In The Air*.)

     Leonardo DiCaprio - J. Edgar

     Michael Fassbender - Shame

(Who essentially functioned as the male Jessica Chastain last year, releasing no less than 3 movies in 2011 (excluding Shame) and another in January of 2012: Jane Eyre, X-Men: First Class, A Dangerous Method, and Haywire, respectively. And he still managed to turn in his best performance ever.)

     Michael Shannon - Take Shelter

Despite their turning in good performances, the Academy has no business nominating either Gary Oldman for Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy or dark horse Damien Bichir for A Better Life. Of the other two actual nominees, either is worthy of a nomination; but based on charisma alone, I'd probably give it to Jean Dujardin for his work in The Artist.

WINNER: Michael Fassbender - Shame

BEST ACTRESS:

     Viola Davis - The Help

(Who will likely win the actual Oscar over Meryl Streep for the combined facts 1. that she gives an outstanding performance in 2. an outstanding film. Whereas Streep gives an outstanding impersonation in the mediocre The Iron Lady.)

     Elizabeth Olsen - Martha Marcy May Marlene

(Who came on the scene with this movie and is an absolute revelation in it, poised to begin a promising film career a la last year's indie darling Jennifer Lawrence of Winter's Bone.)

     Tilda Swinton - We Need To Talk About Kevin

(Who is always a revelation, practically a saint *read Roger's Blog for more*, yet rarely a nominee -apparently Academy voter's missed Tilda's masterpiece I Am Love as well as her bravura performance in 2008's Julia.)

     Charlize Theron - Young Adult

     Michelle Williams - My Week With Marilyn

(Receiving her second consecutive Academy Award nomination this year after last year's Blue Valentine.)

In reference to Oscar's actual nominees: As to Rooney Mara's nomination, I have two words:

Noomi. Rapace.

Glenn Close does fine work in a fine film and that's all fine save that Oscar awards excellence, not simply "fine". And lastly, Meryl Streep (one of the greatest actresses of our time who holds the record for the most Oscar nominations ever) does everything she can and more in a flimsy role in a poorly written movie. She'll get her third Oscar, but not now, not with this film. It's also worth noting that Mia Wasikowska and Kirsten Dunst both turned in great performances in Jane Eyre and Melancholia respectively.

WINNER: Elizabeth Olsen - Martha Marcy May Marlene