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How about an Oscar nod for Steve Carell?

Nov 12, 2007, 10:24 AM | by Michael Slezak

Categories: 'The Office', Film, Oscars 2008

Dan_l The halls of most major retail operations have been decked with holly, cardboard snowflakes, and cartoon turkeys, which can mean only one thing: The Academy Awards are coming! In the spirit of the season, EW's own Oscar prognosticator Dave Karger posted a gallery last week of early front-runners, but I was bummed to see that Steve Carell isn't getting much buzz for his work in Dan in Real Life.

I know some of you probably think that's an insane idea. Best Actor Oscar nods, after all, are supposed to be reserved for guys who play tortured heroes, morally ambiguous villains, and outsize real-life characters (bonus points if they've got well-documented quirks or accents). They don't go to romantic comedy leads, right?

But as Dan, a widowed father of three who finds an unexpected (and unexpectedly complicated) chance at love, Carell is magnificent. His character's repeated attempts to derail his teenage daughter's love affair are hilarious without ever feeling forced, and yet his warbled last verse of Pete Townshend's "Let My Love Open the Door" during a family talent show reduced me to tears. (Yeah, I'm an easy crier, but still...) As Owen Gleiberman points out in his A- review of Dan in Real Life, "the whole movie spins around Carell's inspired performance as a man who is going quietly nuts because the universe has decided to toy with him." If that's not worthy of a little Oscar love, then what the heck is?

What say you, PopWatchers? Do you think Carell deserves to at least be considered alongside Clooney, Hanks and Mortensen this awards season? And while we're on the topic, what other loopy, longshot Oscar nominees are on your wish list?


khalil Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:54 AM EST

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khalil Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:52 AM EST

zodiaclove Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 02:42 AM EST

hey
I don't agree with what you said really....
please explain further a bit more for me ;D


thanks

refriedtoad Sun, Mar 23, 2008 at 04:14 PM EST

Steve Carrel is "BORING", THE ONE TRICK PONY !!!

WendyT Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 02:04 AM EST

Steve Carrel is talented, but "Dan in Real Life" is a terrible film so full of plot holes, undeveloped characters, and general stupidity. I love a good romantic comedy, but this isn't one of them. I can't believe EW gave this an A-. I agree with the Wall Street Journal reviewer: insipid.

Lori Passman Sun, Dec 2, 2007 at 11:55 AM EST

as far no doubt about it!! its Steve Carell as far as I'm concerned!! for "DAN"he was so wonderful so real !! WELL I LOVE HIM AND THATS IT !!

Lori Passman Sun, Dec 2, 2007 at 11:55 AM EST

as far no doubt about it!! its Steve Carell as far as I'm concerned!! for "DAN"he was so wonderful so real !! WELL I LOVE HIM AND THATS IT !!

Brian Tue, Nov 20, 2007 at 03:47 PM EST

I

zodiaclove Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 02:42 AM EST

hey
I don't agree with what you said really....
please explain further a bit more for me ;D


thanks

refriedtoad Sun, Mar 23, 2008 at 04:14 PM EST

Steve Carrel is "BORING", THE ONE TRICK PONY !!!

WendyT Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 02:04 AM EST

Steve Carrel is talented, but "Dan in Real Life" is a terrible film so full of plot holes, undeveloped characters, and general stupidity. I love a good romantic comedy, but this isn't one of them. I can't believe EW gave this an A-. I agree with the Wall Street Journal reviewer: insipid.

Lori Passman Sun, Dec 2, 2007 at 11:55 AM EST

as far no doubt about it!! its Steve Carell as far as I'm concerned!! for "DAN"he was so wonderful so real !! WELL I LOVE HIM AND THATS IT !!

Lori Passman Sun, Dec 2, 2007 at 11:55 AM EST

as far no doubt about it!! its Steve Carell as far as I'm concerned!! for "DAN"he was so wonderful so real !! WELL I LOVE HIM AND THATS IT !!

Brian Tue, Nov 20, 2007 at 03:47 PM EST

I think He Honestly Deserves at least a nomination! I haven't seen a single movie this year with better acting than this one with the possible exception of 1408. Honestly people... The romantic Comedy is so underrated latley... all the movies are about Raunch and Race! Show a little love to an exceptionally good comedy, with an exceptionally good cast and supporting cast!

The Late Mitchell Warren Fri, Nov 16, 2007 at 01:51 AM EST

Steve Carell has played the same overcompensating character for years now. If Hollywood loves him that much then give him an Emmy for ripping off Ricky Gervais. But don't you dare reward him for Dan In Real Life, a shallow film that believes a sweet smile is the epitome of comedy drama. Entertainment Weekly, what has happened to you??? You've changed, man.

Charles Fri, Nov 16, 2007 at 12:51 AM EST

I was saying the same thing about The 40-Year Old Virgin, which sounds even more off the wall; however, he played that character with flawless precision, versatility and much complexity. I don't even think Tom Hanks could have pulled it off as well. Too bad it was a sex comedy.

blaj Wed, Nov 14, 2007 at 03:45 PM EST

I think steve carell MUST to be nod. He was so good in this movie, I loved it. I think he's a really talented actor. I also think he should've got nod. for Little Miss Sunshine.

JJ Wed, Nov 14, 2007 at 02:30 AM EST

Molly Shannon in Year of the Dog

A lovely subtle performance from an actress that we usually see only in broad comedic roles.

sorano916 Wed, Nov 14, 2007 at 01:01 AM EST

Having seen Juno, I'm Not There, and Atotement...
- Ellen Page deserved a nom for Juno. Jennifer Garner... maybe not so much.

- Cate was an interesting choice in I'm Not There, but I wouldn't give her a nom for it. Heath or Christian are more deserving. Charlotte Gainsbourg was terrific, too.

- James McAvoy was a-mazing and between this and Becoming Jane, he's getting his star up there. Keira wasn't as strong as she was in P&P. However, the combination of Romola Garai and Saoirse Ronan just made the character of Briony.

Wed, Nov 14, 2007 at 12:52 AM EST

Emile Hirsch gives, in my opinion, the best performance of the year in the film Into the Wild (which should be nominated for Best Picture). I think that it is going to be between Bardem and Hirsch for Best Actor.

Film Fan Wed, Nov 14, 2007 at 12:18 AM EST

I really hope Cate Blanchett gets a nomination at the very least for "The Golden Age". The critics were WAY off the mark on this film. She was terrific in the movie. And I enjoy the film itself a great deal. Samantha Morton was also terrific. So in a perfect world, she'd get a Best Supporting nod. Ryan Gosling was amazing in "Lars". Hope he gets his second nomination for this role. And whoever said "The Simpsons" was the best animated film of the year. Give me a break. Sure, the animation was several steps up from the TV show, the film was flat and boring. It's not even in the same league with "Ratatouille". Or even "Surf's Up" for that matter.

boidiva02 Wed, Nov 14, 2007 at 12:15 AM EST

i just thought of another one Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr., in "Zodiac"... one of the few movies from the early part of the year that i think is worth Oscar nominations.

boidiva02 Wed, Nov 14, 2007 at 12:11 AM EST

Keri Russell in "Waitress" deserves a nod for her subtle and nuanced performance as a waitress that finds out she is pregnant... She has grown a lot as an actress and this is the role of her career. Even though comedic performances rarely get Oscar nods i think this one deserves a nod.

Wed, Nov 14, 2007 at 12:06 AM EST

Leslie Mann stole every scene she was in in Knocked Up. Michael Shannon was pretty good in Bug, and it'd be cool to see him get some attention for that. Another Shannon--Molly--is the only thing that held the little seen Year of the Dog together. Love it or hate it (I loved it, most people hated it), everyone agreed that Molly was the best part of the movie.

jake Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 11:49 PM EST

Hugh Dancy for best supporting actor in the awful Evening -- a very moving performance -- 1 hour and 10 minutes into the film.
Also, niki blonsky from hairspray.

Leslie Mann from Knocked up

Mel Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 11:34 PM EST

Ben Foster - 3:10 to Yuma
Seth Rogen - Knocked Up
Robert Downey Jr. - Zodiac
Michael Shannon - Bug

B Bell Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 11:10 PM EST

HAIRSPRAY FOR BEST PICTURE!!!! It better at least get a SAG nomination for best cast, because everyone was perfect for their parts; though I would love to see John Travolta get a best supporting actor nod!
Ben Foster-3:10 to Yuma
and I would love to see Steve Carrel nominated for Dan in Real Life, it was nice to see a movie about people who wanted what was best for each other, and not only for themselves!
Really, a lot of the movies that actually look interesting to me haven;t even come out yet, or I just haven't gotten the chance to see.

musicalfan Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 09:53 PM EST

Hairspray, Enchanted and Sweeney Todd deserve to sweep any and all categories they could possibly be eligible for. These movies all are/are going to be amazing. Lets have musicals sweep the awards this year!

Corran Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 09:41 PM EST

No offense but this year is a very lackluster year for movies. The majority of movies considered being nominated either no one has heard of, they havn't come out yet, or no one has gone and watched them. What happened to the Titanic's and Lord of the Rings where we were rooting for a film in its award season. As much as American Gangster may be good, it doesnt compare to Goodfellas or the Departed.

LEG Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 09:32 PM EST

Steve Carell is a great actor. I think that excelling in his roles is more of a challenge than all the typical Oscar winners.

Darla Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 08:49 PM EST

Adam Sandler - Reign Over Me
Don Cheadle - Reign Over Me
Best movie seen in years!!

dala Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 08:46 PM EST

SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR NEEDS TO BE NOMINATE IN THE BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS CATORGORY BECAUSE SHES SO FUNNY AND CONVINCING IN 'SOUTHLAND TALES' OR SHE CAN BE NOMINATE FOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS FOR 'THE AIR I BREATHE' BECAUSE SHE IS AWESOME!


IF SHE IS NOT NOMINATE FOR EITHER OF THOSE WORKS, THEN THEY SHOULD TAKE BACK MARISA TOMEI'S OSCAR!!!! AND GIVE IT TO SARAH OR SOMEONE WHO DESERVES IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ernie Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 08:34 PM EST

Actress- Ashley Judd. Bug
Actor- Johnny Depp. Sweeny Todd
Sup. Actor- Hal Holbrook. Into Wild
Sup. Actress- Tilda Swinton. Michal Clayton
Picture ???

jen Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 08:10 PM EST

Also, No Country for Old Men deserves nominations in the top catagories.

Temp Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 08:09 PM EST

Taraji P. Henson for Talk to Me. She's phenomenal and should have had a nom for her amazing performance in Hustle and Flow.

And of course, Don Cheadle for anything he ever does.

jen Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 08:08 PM EST

Ruby Dee-A. Gangster
Holbrook -Into the Wild
Waitress-Best Screenplay
A. Hathaway-Best Actress Becoming Jane
Juno-Deserve nominations in so many catagories
James Mcavoy- Best Actor Atonement
Cate Blanchett-Supporting Actress I'm Not There


Mar Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 07:45 PM EST

I'm a huge fan of Steve so I may be biased, but regardless, I was pleasantly surprised at how good he was in DiRL. I would be thrilled to see him get at least (another) Golden Globe nomination and it would be great if he were to be considered. If Jennifer Hudson can win an Oscar, Steve certainly should.

Marten Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 07:41 PM EST

Tommy Lee Jones- In the Valley of Eliah
Viggo Mortenson- Eastern Promises
Javier Bardem- No Country for Old Men
Josh Brolin- No Country for Old Men
George Clooney- Michael Clayton
Brad Pitt- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Casey Affleck- Gone Baby Gone
Emile Hirsch- Into the Wild
Daniel Day-Lewis- There Will be Blood
James McAvoy- Atonement
Russel Crowe- 3:10 to Yuma
Ben Foster- 3:10 to Yuma
Tom Hanks- Charlie Wilson's War
John Cusack- Grace is Gone
Tim Roth- Youth without Youth
Denzel Washington- American Gangster or The Great Debators

Can we nominate all of them?

Jared O Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 07:41 PM EST

Don't kill me for saying this but I think Ratatoiuliee or however you spell it was overrated.

SIMPSONS MOVIE for best animated feature.

Jared O Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 07:35 PM EST

Also loved AMERICAN GANGSTER and MICHAEL CLAYTON

Jared O Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 06:34 PM EST

best picture- ONCE
best Song - anything in ONCE

Give GRINDHOUSE some love. and BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOUR DEAD. SUPERBAD and KNOCKED UP. SETH ROGEN deserves something.

rachel Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 06:31 PM EST

best actress: keri russel in waitress
best actor: john cusack in grace is gone

trent Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 06:12 PM EST

here are a few nominations that need to be considered:

Best Actor- Viggo M.- Eastern Promises

Best Actor- Tommy Lee Jones- In the valley of elah/no country for old men
Best supp. actress- Cate Blanchett- I'm not there

Best supp. actor- casey affleck- jesse james

Best actor- george clooney- micheal clayton

Best supp. actor- tom wilkinson- micheal clayton


(maybe even tilda swinton for m c as well)


I am also thinking american gangster will be a definite when it comes to the oscars.

I think that Eastern Promises will get a best picture nomination for sure. Also, no country for old men.

Tara Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 06:00 PM EST

Best performance I've seen this year was Ryan Gosling in Lars and the Real Girl. As Lars, Ryan managed to embody every socially awkward, emotionally stunted, psychologically frozen person I've known. And Lars' transformation happened in such tiny increments that it was seamless and perfect and something you didn't see happening until it had happened, but when you did, WOW. The sincerity of the performance was astonishing, and yet I completely lost sight of the actor behind it.

Hardly anyone saw Lars and the Real Girl so it doesn't have as much buzz as the performance deserves. He SHOULD be a sure bet, but he won't be unless something or someone champions the film in a big way really soon.

Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 05:18 PM EST

I still can't believe that Jim Carey didn't win for the "Truman Show." I know its an "old" movie but his performance was amazing - turned me into a fan (until I saw "Cable Guy" on TV late one night).

Luke Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 04:59 PM EST

I know this might have been mentioned already, but the one performance that really blew me away in that I thought "this guy needs to win the Oscar, or else there's no justice in the world" was Tom Wilkinson in MICHAEL CLAYTON. It may be George's movie, but Tom steals it out from everyone as a truly unpredictable character. A lesser actor would have just chewed scenery, but Tom brings the right mix of spiritual insight to balance the manic madness. And his opening voice over monologue perfectly sets the tone for the movie and never lets up.

They can give the Oscars to everything else, for all I care. But they absolutely HAVE to give Tom the Supporting Actor trophy for that.

Perry Lucas Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 04:43 PM EST

I second the commenter who mentioned The Namesake. That was a really good movie that I think flew under a lot of people's radar. The father was incredible in that role, although I fear his acting is going to be snubbed in favor of higher-profile stars.

L.J. Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 04:37 PM EST

Here's one more nod for Steve Carell.

To Dennis Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 04:27 PM EST

People like you are the reason people sometimes get Oscars they don't deserve. You can't reward people for previous work, you have to look at what they are nominated for! I'm glad Peter O'Toole didn't win for Venus, he didn't deserve it, even though his never having won would warrant it.

joseph Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 04:13 PM EST

Best Actor:
Don Cheadle (Talk to Me)
Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe (American Gangster)
Best Supporting Actress:
Ruby Dee (American Gangster)
Best Director:
Kasi Lemmons (Talk to Me)

justme Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 04:07 PM EST

I would love to see Steve Carell get a nomination for this one. I'm not one for melodramatic movies, but I went to see this because I was curious to judge whether Carell is a good actor or just someone who got a lucky break with slapstick characters in The Office and 40 Year Old Virgin, and with the quirky role in Little Miss Sunshine. I didn't know if he could pull off a "regular guy" role, but I thought he totally nailed it. I find it funny that some people are criticizing him by saying that he wasn't acting, but just "being himself." Since I don't personally know Mr. Carell, I couldn't judge that one way or the other, but one thing that stuck out for me was that I kept thinking "This is a guy that I could run into on the street."

This movie reminded me a lot of The Family Stone - it felt natural.

I would also love to see Ryan Gosling get nominated for Lars and the Real Girl. Fantastic performance!

Dennis Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 03:48 PM EST

I know there is NO chance of this, but I thought Andy Griffith was just wonderful in "Waitress". Before you laugh, remember that Alan Arkin WON last year for "Little Miss Sunshine". I think that Andy at least deserves a nomination! And the poor man was on one of the most iconic TV series ever and was NEVER nominated for an Emmy (while he watched his buddy Don Knotts walk away with FIVE). Show some love, Academy!!

John Haas Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 03:47 PM EST

'The 11th Hour' for Best Documentary definitely

Krista Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 03:38 PM EST

I think simple, understated performances are harder to pull off than an over the top, overwrought, emotional one. For this reason, YES, I think Steve Carrell deserves a nod. I also think Keri Russell deserves one for her wonderful performance in "Waitress." Christian Bale and Steve Zahn also deserve nominations for their roles in "Rescue Dawn," especially Mr. Zahn who simply knocked it out of the park with his stellar turn as the discouraged prison mate.

IS Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 03:36 PM EST

The most heroic work of the year that truly reminded you of what stunt people do: Zoe Bell in Death Proof.

rosy cheeks Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 03:34 PM EST

I know it's way too late to be talking about this one, but I think Christian Bale in American Psycho is amazing. One of the best performances ever. He should have been nominated and won.

Ian Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 03:31 PM EST

Michelle Pfeiffer for Supporting Actress for HAIRSPRAY

lia Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 03:12 PM EST

Oops,it should be "I cross my fingers"

lia Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 03:09 PM EST

I hope a nod for Christian Bale, Emile Hirsch and Viggo Mortensen for the leading role.
I think Sean Penn is up for his work of adaptation.
In the supporting role department,I'm with Robert Downey Jr.
For best actress,like many here I cros my fingers for Keri Russell but I hope Anne Hathaway,for Becoming Jane,won'tbe overlooked.Agree,the film has its flaws but she delivers a really fine performance.A mention for Julie Christie in Away from her.
I'm waiting for the release of Juno and think it can be a contender(Ellen Page,Jennifer Garner),since it earned great reviews in various festivals.

Alan Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 03:00 PM EST

Sarah Polley for directing Away from Her and Adrienne Shelley for writing Waitress.

E Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 02:53 PM EST

No one will see it, but Sam Riley in CONTROL was incredible. His peformance as Ian Curtis was heartbreaking.

Clayton Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 02:53 PM EST

Once for best picture!

Aeryn Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 02:43 PM EST

Steve definately deserves a nod. I also am rooting for Gone baby Gone.

Becky Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 02:30 PM EST

How could anyone forget Steve Zahn's desperate portrayal of of POW in Rescue Dawn? He was a marvel in the movie; so different from the loveable loser type he's so used to playing. His fierce performance is definitely worth an Oscar nod.

Amelia Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 02:21 PM EST

Ryan Gosling in "Lars and the Real Girl". You really believed that he really believed Bianca was real.

Kevin Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 01:46 PM EST

Anyone from Knocked Up; Rogen, Heigl, Mann, or Rudd! I'd be happy!

Kevin Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 01:46 PM EST

Anyone from Knocked Up; Rogen, Heigl, Mann, or Rudd! I'd be happy!

Allison Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 01:41 PM EST

Gerad Butler in 300. Or more noticably, Gerab Butler's abs.

Kyle Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 01:17 PM EST

Forgot Clooney and Mortensen were in the main article. Silly me.

Kyle Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 01:15 PM EST

Oh, almost forgot a few.

Best Actor:
Russell Crowe, 3:10 to Yuma
George Clooney, Michael Clayton
Viggo Mortensen, Eastern Promises

Best Supporting Actor:
Ben Foster, 3:10 to Yuma
Tom Wilkinson, Michael Clayton

danny ashkenasi Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 01:12 PM EST

Imelda Stauntan got terrific reviews for her work in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. She gave a terrifically wicked and nuanced performance. Is it only because it was in a Harry Potter movie that she is not being written up as a shoe in for a best supporting actress nomination?

Kyle Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 01:12 PM EST

My longshots.

Original Screenplay: Knocked Up and Ratatouille.

Score: Ratatouille.

Best Actor:
Christian Bale, 3:10 to Yuma or Rescue Dawn
Richard Gere, The Hoax

Best Supporting Actor:
John Travolta, Hairspray
Jeff Daniels, The Lookout
Alfred Molina, The Hoax

Chris G Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 12:57 PM EST

I hope Into the Wild, Lars and the Real Girl, Gone Baby Gone and waaaay long shot Knocked Up get nominations for anything. I think the Academy needs to let loose a little, I mean they let Dakota Fanning in for God's sake!!

Rob Grizzly Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 12:54 PM EST

Best animated- Ratatouille
Best score- Sweeny Todd?
Best visual fx- HP order of the phoenix
Best sound- Transformers
Best editing- Stardust
Best makeup- Grindhouse
Best costume- Elizabeth: golden Age
Best art dir.- 300
Best cinemat.- Ass. of Jesse James
Best Original sp- Knocked Up
Best Adapted sp- Stardust
Best Sup Actor- Casy Affleck (Ass. of Jessie James..)
Best Sup Actress- Ruby Dee (American Gangster)
Best Actor- Don Cheadle (Talk to Me)
Best Director- Adam Shankman (Hairspray)
Best Actress- ??
Best Picture- 3:10 to Yuma

Laura Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 12:32 PM EST

I bawled during Dan in real life.
Loved that singing scene.

sherry Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 12:25 PM EST

I do believe that Steve Carell deserves an oscar nod for his role in Dan in real life. I absolutely loved this movie, it shows that not only can Carell be hilarious, he has a great flare for drama. He is if nothing else very talented!

Dillon Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 12:20 PM EST

Since this is just a wish list. I'm going to have to go with. Michelle Pfieffer for Supporting Actress for Hairspray. My friends and I were imitating her all summer long. I would also have to put a shout out for Leslie Mann in the same category,the door man scene in Knocked Up is HIGHlarious!

Keri Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 12:19 PM EST

Not sure if it's eligible because of when it came out-- sometimes the indies are hard because I don't know if festivals qualify as release dates...

But if they are eligible for this year (and not skipped over for last) then: Amber Tamblyn and Tilda Swinton for "Stephanie Daley." And "Once" for Best Picture, Best Song ("Falling Slowly"). Absolutely Keri Russell for "Waitress"!

Jose A Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 12:18 PM EST

How about Christian Bale for "Rescue Dawn" and "3:10 to Yuma"?

Karl Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 12:14 PM EST

Armin Mueller Stahl as best supporting actor for "Eastern Promises".

mark in nyc Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 11:34 AM EST

Love Steve Carell but would not pay to see this movie. Why? Two Words, Dane Cook....that guy just brings down everything he touches. Not sure why he gets any roles at all? But he is an albatross around any movies neck

thevisitor Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 11:33 AM EST

That'll be cool if Timothy Dalton (HOT FUZZ) gets nominated for an Oscar before pretty-boy Pierce Brosnan. That'll prove once and for all who was the more talented James Bond.

thevisitor Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 11:24 AM EST

I would nominate Steve Carell for DAN IN REAL LIFE (since he wasn't nominated for his terrific performance in LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE--the Academy owes him one). Additionally, I would nominate Emile Hirsch (INTO THE WILD), Brad Pitt (THE ASSASINATION OF JESSE JAMES), Daniel Day-Lewis (THERE WILL BE BLOOD), and James McAvoy (ATONEMENT). If anything, Carrel's nomination will add some "comic" relief to the other "serious" nominations.

Ian from CT Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 10:49 AM EST

Dude, you must be on drugs. Dan in real life was ok at best. So cliche. Anyway this is the way it's going to be: Emile Hirsch(into the wild), Tommy Lee Jones(In the Valley of Elah), Javier Bardem(No Country for Old Men), Denzel Washington(American Gangster) Daniel Day-Lewis(There Will Be Blood) that's the best actor list. Supporting is as follows: Josh Brolin for either "gangster" or "no country". Brolin is more than likely gonna get an oscar for supporting. It's between Bardem and Hirsch for best actor. That will be interesting to see.

Frank Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 10:32 AM EST

Dan in Real Life was an ok movie. It wasn't anything spectacular. Steve Carrell WAS very good, but not great. Definitely not Oscar material. I predict a Golden Globe nom. in the future for him in this film (Depending on how Depp does in Sweeney, it's anybody's guess on who will win), but no Oscar nomination. He simply wasn't good enough. It wasn't his fault, though. You can't be great in a mediocre movie.

b Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 10:30 AM EST

knocked up for best movie...it has been one of the best reviewed movies of the year, but since it is a comedy, i doubt it will be nominated.

finka Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 10:26 AM EST

Jake Gylenhall should be nominated for ZODIAC. The whole movie should get a nod for Best Pic.

finka Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 10:24 AM EST

Steve Carrell is not funny. He is dull. What's the big deal? There haven't been really funny men on screen since the days of Steve Martin and Jim Carrey's heydays. Dane Cook isn't funny either. Won't go see any movies with him or Carrell.

Tim Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 10:09 AM EST

Ed Harris- Gone Baby Gone- Best Supporting Actor

Nicholas Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 10:07 AM EST

Casey Affleck - Gone Baby Gone
Jeremy Piven - Smokin Aces
Robert Downey Jr. - Zodiac

Danny Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 09:57 AM EST

Katherine Heigl for Knocked Up

Kevin Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 09:54 AM EST

Ryan Gosling for Fracture? No way. Ryan Gosling for Lars and The Real Girl? Most definitely.

graeme Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 09:22 AM EST

Christina Ricci, Black Snake Moan
Michelle Pfeiffer, Hairspray
Ryan Gosling, Fracture
Anthony Hopkins, Fracture
Jennifer Garner, Juno (although she's hardly a long shot)

Terra Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 09:18 AM EST

Dan was a steaming pile of crap. It's hard to say if he was good or not because the movie was soooo awful.

H.K.W. Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 09:16 AM EST

Yes, Steve Carell deserves an Oscar nomination for his role in "Dan In Real Life." He was amazing. The singing scene brought tears to my eyes, too ... all three times that I've seen the movie. Come on, people, Steve's awesome! He's so talented; he really deserves some more acting awards. Some really important acting awards. Soon. Perhaps in February. That would be wonderful.

Mags Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 09:15 AM EST

Isn't it pathetic that the people who decide who will be nominated can't seem to remember what happened before October?

Jennifer Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 09:06 AM EST

I used to think I liked Steve Carell, but after seeing Dan, I realized he has the same problem as Helen Hunt. They have their own little (annoying) quirks that they bring to EVERY role. Watching Dan all I could see was Michael Scott.

Lisa Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 09:01 AM EST

Thank you to the person who mentioned Chris Cooper for "Breach." I was thinking about him last night. Because that performance was released in February, I fear it will be overlooked.
Keri Russell is also an excellent choice. The first time I saw "Waitress," I thought it was cute and sweet, but nothing more. I saw it again a couple of months later and was struck by how moving the film was and by the growth Russell's character undergoes. I'm really looking forward to the DVD release.
Finally, more "Gone Baby Gone" love, please! My family and I saw it three weeks ago. We still can't stop talking about it. Isn't that the sign of a good movie?

Mags Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 08:52 AM EST

Oh! And Timothy Dalton for "Hot Fuzz."

Mags Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 08:52 AM EST

Glen Hansard for "Once" and RDJ for "Zodiac." Not really a long shot, but Tilda Swinton was great in "Michael Clayton."

renton Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 08:29 AM EST

Any Oscar conversation that doesn't include Mathieu Alamric for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is messed up.

Mags Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 08:22 AM EST

Chris Cooper NEEDS to be nominated for his brilliant turn in "Breach." I'd also love to see Kurt Russell get a supporting nod for "Death Proof." Never, ever gonna happen. Also, Jeff Daniels for "The Lookout."

Mags Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 08:21 AM EST

Chris Cooper NEEDS to be nominated for his brilliant turn in "Breach." I'd also love to see Kurt Russell get a supporting nod for "Death Proof." Never, ever gonna happen. Also, Jeff Daniels for "The Lookout."

Rachel K Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 07:49 AM EST

Where's the love for Russell Crowe? He was in two fantastic movies this fall, 3:10 to Yuma and American Gangster. Personally, I thought his portrayal of Ben Wade in 3:10 was his best but I'd settle for an Oscar nod for either one!

AG Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 07:32 AM EST

Steve Carrell should have been nominated for 40 Year Old Virgin-- he was fantantic.

Jason Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 07:10 AM EST

As good as Carrell was in Dan, I'd personally like to see Sandler get a nod for Reign Over Me, which completely surprised me. Sandler gets overlooked because of his goofball roles but between Reign and PunchDrunkLove he has shown he has some range. I just hope he keeps on picking up the occassional dramatic role with a director that sees his potential.


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