Yes, "American Gangster" will be a homerun at the box office--and maybe even Oscar time.
But I can't be sure, whether Denzel Washington will be remembered for being a bad guy--or for that matter, African-American actors.
The facts don't lie. To get you up to speed, check out my column
Is this a catch 22? If the academy doesn't acknowledge Washington for his performance, then they are overlooking another great performance.
Of course, if they reward him, there is a pattern.
What do you think?
I'm sure not much of your readership is African-American.
But coming from a black man, it's interesting that you bring up the subject. I undoubtedly will be the first through the door when it opens in theaters.
Denzel and Russell Crowe should be unbelievable together. It might be taking it too far to say that Denzel will only be recognized for being a villain.
He has been curiously been passed over before, however.
BUt race is a big deal in this country, and Hollywood is no exception. It's hard being a black man or woman these days, but if the award committee will be overzealous for rewarding black actors and actresses, then we'll take it.
--P.L.
I like Denzel and feel he is a very talented actor. However, when the Academy gave him the Best Actor award for Training Day I felt it was more or less an apology for having not ackowledged much better roles that he had played in previous movies. I mean, Training Day was good, but Oscar worthy?
I think great acting should be acknowledged regardless of whether or not the actor is black or white or the character is good or evil. That being said, The Academy has committed some tremendous oversights over the years.
Before we talk about awards, shouldn't talk about if the movie will be any good?
The movie is not even in theater.s
In your 10/25 Sun, you postulate that Denzel Washington may well win an Oscar for his portrayal of a drug lord, the portrayal of a "bad guy"
1. Since when is the Oscar a statement about the quality of the character the actor/actress portrays? After all it's acting - it's make believe. If Denzels' portrayal is Oscar worthy, I suspect it will be the result of his talent, as opposed to likeability of the his role.
2. Are you saying that the Academy of voters, an overwhelmingly left wing liberal group, by rewarding a person for his talent, is guilty of racism? Hypocrisy is a more apt description.
Very weak argument in a very silly column.