The "sewn up" Best Actor race
The hunt for the Best Actor trophy has been an interesting one all year long.At one point along the way, somebody out there floated the idea that nothing seemed strong enough to compete with Daniel Day-Lewis or Johnny Depp and that the race was likely between those two scenery-chewing performances. That settled into the conventional wisdom for a spell, then George Clooney began to take down critics award after critics award, making him in that hunt to say the least. But Clooney just won the Oscar two years ago for "Syriana," albeit a supporting trophy. And then Depp couldn't manage a nomination from the guild that gave him a win in this category fur years ago for playing a pirate.
All of this is the long way of getting to today's conventional wisdom, which is that Daniel Day-Lewis has the win in the bag. It's been nearly 20 years since "My Left Foot," the performance is one for the ages, the movie is burning up the critical scene like wildfire. In a season determined to be elusive (does ANYONE have a convincing argument for one of the films in play taking Best Picture?), maybe we can all finally put this one to bed.
But...still...I've done this long enough to know that things aren't always as they seem.
Red Carpet District is Variety contributor Kristopher Tapley's attempt at making sense of the ever-expanding glut of film awards coverage. He's been on the beat for six years. Email 
Alison, I don't think I'd consider Depp a frontrunner at all. His SAG absence was a pretty big deal, though the argument could be made that not enough members saw the film in time. But even so, I don't recall another year where a "frontrunner" for a lead acting race was left off the ballot by his or her own guild.
In any case, like I said at the end, I've done this long enough to know that things aren't always as they seem. Someone like a Frank Langella could steam ahead with a savy campaign froM Roadside and be a formidable contender. Emile Hiursch could suddenly dazzle the membership with face time appearances. Who knows? But the one thing that has certainly been unanimous this season has been praise for Day-Lewis' performance.
There is something to be said for that.
Posted by: Kristopher Tapley | 12/30/2007 3:32:57 PM
I hope the race isn't sewn up yet. I've seen several fantastic performances by several masterful actors this year and it would be ashame if those actors don't get a fair shot. DDL is a good actor, I just don't believe the sun rises and sets on him and if he doesn't win this year I'm sure he'll get another chance down the road since people sort of lose it whenever he shows up on screen.
Posted by: paddy | 12/29/2007 1:43:16 PM
I, too, would be thrilled to see DDL take home a second award. But I'm always wary of people declaring a race over this early in the game. The nominations aren't even out yet. Both Depp and Clooney are very, very strong contenders as well. Despite Depp's absence from the SAGs, he's still very much one of the frontrunners.
We may be surprised - it's possible that none of these three men will be the winner, and someone no one is looking at right now will take it. I'm not ready to say that anyone has the award sewn up by any means yet.
Posted by: Alison | 12/29/2007 12:06:07 PM
Though I have yet to see DDL's performance it does appear that the foundation for his win is on VERY solid ground. The chances of anyone matching his momentum grow considerably smaller by the day. DDL is masterful. A genius actor. I do not expect to be disappointed. I have seen a lot of exceptional work this year from lead male actors, but if DDL meets my expectations, I will be THRILLED to see him ascend the podium for the second time. February can't come soon enough.
Posted by: Sherry | 12/29/2007 2:45:22 AM