Oscars: Underdogs Who Deserve Best Actor Nods
The Academy is very adamant about selecting the absolute best for Oscar nominations. In 2022, there will be no shortage of viable lead actors gunning for one of the coveted honors (and possibly win). Will Smith, (King Richard) Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power Of the Dog), Andrew Garfield (tick, Tick…Boom) all appear to be locks with others ( Peter Dinklage, Denzel Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joaquin Phoenix, Bradley Cooper) contending? Of all the films I’ve seen this year, I’ve come across some real gems. While I don’t think any of these following names will be nominated, I’d like to at least spotlight those who deserve the recognition (IMO).
Nic Cage – Pig
For all of Cage’s idiotic performances, there have been some amazing results sprinkled in. Pig, I’d argue, is his best film to date. It’s hard to really describe Cage in this film. Think of him as a John Wick-style character looking to avenge the loss of his pet. Add in the emotions of anger, delight, acceptance, grieving, pretty much everything Keanu Reaves does poorly in the Wick franchise. The end result is a balanced performance that showcases Cage can play a variety of emotions on screen all while maintaining his character.
Ben Platt – Dear, Evan Hansen
I’ll make it known I absolutely despised this film and its dreadful third act. Platt is the films saving grace. From beginning to end, he carries this picture. Perhaps him playing the role on Broadway had a bit to do with this being such a perfect role for him. I’m surprised more haven’t given him attention for Best Actor. I can’t fathom that because he’s played the role on Broadway and transitioned it to the big screen so effortlessly is a deterrent.
Hugh Jackman was nominated for Les Miserables and (sit down for this, folks) Platt was better in this role than Jackman was in his. Platt made Amy Adams seem plain in this film. He gave us a heck of a performance. You felt for him every step of the way, even when his character went through the inevitable change of course at the end, the belief in him was never in doubt.
Johnathan Majors – The Harder They Fall
When all is said and done, this could be my favorite film of this year. Majors is indeed a driving force in that. His role, while calm and collected, felt aggressive and you got the feeling he was a firecracker ready to explode. Majors played this perfectly as he never lost touch with the character. He never tried too hard to make himself seem like a badass or an ass-kicker. The role just came naturally and remained that way all film. For Majors, you’re starting in a film with Idris Elba, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, and LaKeith Stanfield and (outside of Stanfield who’s going to be overlooked as a best-supporting actor for this film), came out looking like the star of the film. Majors is a major player in Hollywood.
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John Cena – Suicide Squad
I’m 100 percent serious about this selection. Does Cena meet the typical Academy criteria for best actor? Hell No! However, I’m not a member of the Academy. If you ask which actor carried his movie to greater heights, soared above all the others, and delivered, that’s Cena. He’s a damn comical genius on screen. His presence makes for such a fun and exuberant film. He helps all of his cast reach new heights and again outshines Idris Elba in a film. The witty banter and just pure fun he has with this role shows. The case can be made he’s not the actual lead. However, that’s up to the discretion of James Gunn and Warner Bros. Cena is literally the best shot they’d have at a major actor award.
Idris Elba – Concrete Cowboy
Alright, I’ve given Elba enough slack. If Concrete Cowboy came out in November or December, the film is a contender. Elba paces this film beautifully. His calm demeanor is met with a strong aggressive tone as well. The two balance out well in this story of finding your true self. I’m not going to say this was his best role (Beasts of No Nation holds that honor), however, given the attention Netflix films have gotten over the years he needs to be given more credit for the roles he’s done with them. I’ll say this, and I’ll sound like a broken record, Caleb McLaughlin does overshadow him, however, he’s in a supporting role (and will be on this same list given Supporting Actors).
Image Source: Warner Brothers
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
