Douglas» turn as pianist Liberace in Behind the Candelabra was a career best and deserved
at least a nomination in the best actor category.
With Daniel Kaluuya on the table for «Get Out,» Lead Actor has just turned into a competitive little race (
at least nomination wise).
There's the usual crop of film awards front - runners to be found here; in addition to the list above, there is also Michael Fassbender, Eddie Redmayne, Rooney Mara, Rachel McAdams and Kate Winslet, but one or two surprising omissions, especially The Martian, Jennifer Lawrence or indeed anyone from Joy (David O. Russell films have tended to be garlanded
with at least nominations in the past).
Still, Dafoe deserved
at least a nomination for his perfectly pitched performance as a well - meaning therapist trying to placate his grieving wife with psychobabble.
If you ever needed a textbook demonstration of the difference an Oscar (or
at least a nomination) can make to an actor's career, there you have it.
Eddie Redmayne has set himself on a trajectory for an Academy Award next year or
at least a nomination.