Recall the Gold: The 2003 Best Actor Oscar race

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Ian Wed, Nov 26, 2008 at 02:11 PM EST

This is a hard race to pick! Law goes first because he was good, but not good enough (which is hard to say since I love this movie). Depp goes next (which is hard because I love him) but it's too comedic and the two sequals dried him out! So is it Penn, Murray or Kingsley? I drop Penn because he was flat in my opinion and while Kingsley was amazing, I love 'Lost In Translation' too much. It was the first time I really, really liked Bill Murray. I picked him then, I'll pick him now!

Anju, late to the party Tue, Nov 25, 2008 at 03:57 PM EST

Depp, all the way. The others are all great actors, but it's easier to give an Oscar-worthy performance in an Oscar-worthy, Oscar-bait movie. Depp took what by all rights should've been a throwaway, sub-par popcorn flick and created something amazing based solely on the force of his acting. Now THAT'S somethig that deserves an award.

TR Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 06:48 PM EST

For some reason I can't vote in this category. My vote goes to Depp.

Louis Thu, Oct 30, 2008 at 10:49 AM EST

Very hard year.Sean Penn was deserving,but Depp was over the top and Murray's role was understated in a film that some people did not understand.Although Rene's performance was fine,Sharoh's made me cry.I am sure none of the winners was a runaway.

Marie-Claire Fri, Oct 24, 2008 at 08:05 PM EST

I thought all the nominated performances were good - the least of them, in my opinion, was Law's, and he was very fine - but the one that haunts me to this day is Ben Kingsley's in "House of Sand and Fog". That the same man played Colonel Behrani, Mahatma Gandhi, Meyer Lansky and Don Logan in "Sexy Beast" is astonishing in itself. I can't begrudge Sean Penn an Oscar in general, but that year I feel the best performance was Kingsley's.

Note: I also thought Shohreh Aghdashloo deserved the Supporting Oscar for playing Nadi Behrani, over Renee Zellweger in "Cold Mountain". Aghdashloo suggested volumes about her character's state of mind in scenes that ranged from the silent to the hysterical.

Paul J Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 11:22 PM EST

I don't have a beef with this 2003 oscar race. I can think of many other actors that were robbed that totally trump this race. In the end we knew Bill or Sean were going to win. The other three didnt even have a shot. How about Tom Hanks losing for saving private ryan. Now lets talk.

igor Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 07:57 PM EST

without a doubt. WITHOUT A DOUBT!!!! its BILL MOTHAFUCKIN MURRAY. best performance of the decade, let alone of 2003. he wuz straight up robbed and raped by the academy.

Walt Gamble Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 06:13 PM EST

To those who seem to be remembering wrong, this was a close race, right down to the wire, Penn vs. Murray with Depp as a dark horse (only really because of the last minute SAG push)Murray ended up losing because he was a still deemed SNL whilst Penn had long been deemed deserving.

However, I'd go with Depp. What he did was so original, interesting and great, he took a medicore at best film and made it one of the most memerable films of the year.

Jamie Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 02:10 PM EST

"Depp's may have been the year's most purely creative performance, though it's lost some of its luster after the two lame Pirates sequels."

I disagree, and think he should have won. How could you not notice that his performance in the awful sequels is almost nothing like the fantastic job he did in the first? When I watch the first, the sequels don't come to mind, because they're so different style- and performance-wise.

steve gutenberg Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 12:22 PM EST

Penn deserved this award. People's immediate memory of his performance is 'over-the-top' because what stands out is the scene as he is screaming and being held down by the police, but there were other more subtle moments in this performance that truly made it great. The scene on the porch with Tim Robbins for example was truly touching. Well deserved.

Ed Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 10:49 AM EST

What carried 'Cold Mountain' was the production design by Dante Ferretti, not the acting.

Bill Murray has my vote.

joycemorrison Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 03:07 AM EST

i love johnny and he's great at ANY role he plays but at this poll, i voted for bill. i think i rooted for him back in '03, too. "lost in translation" killed me; bill's acting was *real*; his character touched me most. sean is also an exceptionally talented actor, but if the reason why he got the oscar was coz he "finally" deserved it... well. i have high regard for sir ben's immense talent but i didn't see his "fog" movie. as for jude, well, he'll have his time at another time.

Anne Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 07:42 PM EST

Hands down, Depp. He took a risk and proved his genius. Depp carried the movie and created a blockbuster. I think the sequels have made people forget what an impact the first movie had on American culture.

Ken A. Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 12:39 AM EST

I go with Sean Penn on this one, even though I had problems with the film on an emotional response level... but the performance was moving; and lest we forget, Penn also did a remarkable job in "21 Grams" the same year. Close behind was Kingsley in "House", his best performance ever. "Translation" was interesting but Murray does always seem to be playing the same character. What about the snubbed that year: Paddy Considine for "In America" or Peter Dinklage for "The Station Agent", or Bridges/Maguire for "Seabiscuit". Any of those guys, particularly Considine and Dinklage were worthy of nominations.

Shannon Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 10:42 AM EST

I'm still torn. Penn's performance in "Mystic River" was heart-wrenching. Watching him scream at Bacon when he discovers where Katie's body is, still, is painful to watch (and especially) hear. Yet, I can't help but absolutely adore Bill Murray in "Lost in Translation." His witty, dry humor is what got to me then and still keeps me in it. I'm still struggling between the two option.

In my opinion, as with many other years, they both deserve the honor.

Matt Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 10:45 PM EST

Though most of the performances here are very good ones (haven't seen "Cold Mountain", and I think Bill Murray has done better work elsewhere), there was one lead male performance in '03 that touched greatness. And it was Billy Bob Thornton in "Bad Santa".

I'm not kidding. The finest work of the man's career. A heroic achievement, and it should have been acknowledged with more than a Golden Globe nomination (he failed to win).

Zach Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 08:15 PM EST

This is kind of lame because for the second week now, you've asked us to reconsider Oscar races that seemed like slam-dunks both at the time and now.

give hugh the emmy Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 06:26 PM EST

Johnny Depp..although I agree about the lame sequels. By far the only character of the nominees that still sticks in my mind..and I remember the first scene I saw him in the movie and how I felt when I saw it. Interesting, memorable and original.

jmiklane Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 05:35 PM EST

What a great acting year that was. I love Bill Murray, but Sean Penn RULED in Mystic River. How can you say it's schtick? I had chills up my spine during that scene. Depp, Murray, and Kingsley were awesome. People are crapping on Jude Law, but you can't make a good judgement based on this stupid clip. His performance is one that is haunting because of the whole movie. Maybe I'm the only one who feels that way....

Fatima Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 12:45 PM EST

*I meant to say membership isn't only for Americans. There are somewhere around 30 countries represented within the voters.

Fatima Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

@ Jerry Benedict: sigh.

Okay first of all, neither of those movies won best picture.

Second, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences isn't closed to Americans. It isn't about finding the best American film of the year, it's the best of film. It's hard for them to cross over still however. If you want to ignore great films just because you don't want to read subtitles....well then I can't help you.

peaches Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

Penn was amazing but I still think Murray should have won.

Meier Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 11:42 AM EST

Can we throw in the astonishingly snubbed Paul Giamatti's performance for American Splendor?

Ryan Feit Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 11:18 AM EST

I thought that Sean Penn gave the best performance of 2003. To undermine his performance by doing a column like this is ridiculous. Penn's performance was nuanced and deeply moving and the scene when he found out his daughter was murdered was one of the most powerful in recent cinema. Depp's performace was good but not great, Bill Murray's was good too but not great. Oscar definitly chose the best actor that year.

doopey Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST

I gotta go with Depp. He created an indelible, iconic screen character that people will still be enjoying years from now. And people take for granted now just how risky and crazy his performance was when the movie was released.

Laura M. Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 11:13 AM EST

Sean Penn continued the tradition that Al Pacino began by winning an Oscar for an over-the-top, scenery chewing role, when he should have won years ago for more subtle, nuanced work. Bill Murray was the whole reason why "Lost in Translation" was an entertaining movie, because the script was basically nothing. And what Depp did in "Pirates" continues to be one of the most fantastically original performances of all time. So it was really between Murray and Depp, and in this case, I would give the edge to Murray.

jerry benedict Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 10:57 AM EST

I spent good money to see "Shakespeare In Love" and it was the most boring movie I have had the unpleasure to see. When it won the best oscar over "Saving Private Ryan" I was aghast. Tom Hanks role in the move was lightyears ahead of any of the actors in S.I.L. This was when I stopped watching the oscars on tv. It sounds like politics to me. And why are foreign films winning best picture at the AMERICAN Academy awards? Isn't that what Foreign Film catagories are for? Please lose "Life is Beautiful" and "Hidden Tiger, Crouching Blah Blah" and replace with American films.

Nick Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 10:30 AM EST

I am so much in agreement with Anne, about "The House of Sand and Fog." Within the course of a single scene, Kingsley took my heart and broke it--shattered it, obliterated it. Penn, by contrast, was overwrought and trying too hard.

Fatima Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 10:28 AM EST

To be honest, despite me early involvement, I kind of hate the entire concept of this series. I don't like undermining people's achievements.

I do have to say I LOVED Ben Kingsly in that movie and just about everything else in it. It was melodramatic but it was incredible and gripping. Also, someone should get rid of that Cold Mountain clip that keeps starting and refusing to stop anytime you go on this page.

Martin Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 10:18 AM EST

I forgot about Giamatti's snub for "American Splendor". That was a genius performance. I haven't seen it since that year, but I remember a scene close to the beginning of the flick where Harvey had lost his voice and was pleading with his girl to stay, or somesuch. I thought for sure that would be the Oscar clip they would play during the show... but he didn't even make it! And then the next year when he was snubbed for "Sideways". That was just sickening. Sometimes I just don't get it.

Kari Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 10:10 AM EST

I wish Sean Penn would have gotten his Oscar for "I Am Sam" and not "Mystic River". Oh well at least he got recognized in a year where everyone else was lackluster.

Taylor Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 10:00 AM EST

Eh, I thought that was an underwhelming year. I thought Penn's performance, and the movie, were overwrought. Yes, he was very dramatic but I thought it was too much. Too actor-y. Bill Murray was fine but he was in a dud of a movie.

Kippah Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 09:36 AM EST

Murray was soooo overrated in Lost in Translation (also overrated). Murrays should ahve been nominated for his top 2 performances in the early 90's (Graoundhog Day and What about Bob?)
Depp, by far, created a legendary character that will stand the test of time. Although, I have no arguments with Penn winning over Depp.

Bronxmom Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 08:54 AM EST

I gotta go with Bill Murray, then Johnny Depp

Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 08:49 AM EST

I can't believe you picked Sean Penn's 2003 Oscar to debate. It seem like you are pretty desperate for a new "Recall the Gold" this week.

Myma Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 08:32 AM EST

I go with the "what would I watch again" rule, and since I saw Lost in Translation twice in the theater (imagine that) and have it in my netflix queue, I vote for Murray.

ries Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 08:28 AM EST

would mystic river even have been remembered in 20 years if it had not won this oscar? i don't think so. the movie is good, but it honestly is forgettable. there really isn't really anything original about it. yes, it has great actors and performances but the storyline just doesn't do anything for me.

GeeMoney Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 08:26 AM EST

Lost in Translation is the most god-awful movies that I have ever seen (so awful that I never finished watching it), to whcih if Bill Murray would have won an Oscar for that crapfest, I would have been very disappointed.

Sean Penn gave a great performance in Mystic River... he deserved his Oscar.

Seann Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 08:20 AM EST

Not that it honestly matters, but Bill Murray won that Oscar. Not Penn. Penn is good, but overrated. Murray's work in "Lost in Translation" was shocking. I never expected him to churn out such a good performance.

welshgirl Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 07:56 AM EST

I thought Sean Penn was amazing, but I thought Tim Robbins was even better (he won, too). The race I'd like you, EW, to recount is Best Actress between Julia Roberts and Ellen Bersten(Sp?) for "Requiem for a Dream" - how could Julia win over that gut-wrenching, creative and haunting performance??!?!?!?! That movie, one I have only seen once and have no real desire to see again, stays with me as such a heart-breaking but true-sounding story. They should show that movie to every high school kid - yes, there's nudity, etc - but it will scare the CRUD out of them all about drug use.

Kyle Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 07:50 AM EST

Penn was decent in "Mystic" but the nomination he should have gotten that year should have been in this same category and for "21 Grams" (that did come out the same year no?) My vote still goes to Kingsley though...still can't believe Jennifer Connelly didn't even get a nom for that film!

Joel Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 07:25 AM EST

Would you want to see the performance again? That's my biggest question in determining how good a performance / movie is. As for the five noms above, the only one I own on DVD is "Lost in Translation," so I guess there's my answer.

George Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 07:03 AM EST

I agree, that year Sean Penn was the epitome of scenery chewing shtick, over the top melodrama. It should have done to Depp or Kinglsy, if you ask me.

Bostonian Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 06:46 AM EST

Although I agree that they were all deserving, I think Penn should have received the oscar. I also agree that he should have received one for Dead Man Walking and Bill Murray should have been nominated for Rushmore. I would like to have this debate for other oscar winner years. Say perhaps 2006 I believe when Jamie Foxx won for playing Ray Charles, brilliantly I might add, but nowhere near as layered or absorbing as Don Cheadle in Hotel Rowanda or Leonardo DiCapprio in The Aviator.

Anne Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 05:42 AM EST

If anyone had even seen the House of Sand and Fog, they would have voted for Ben Kingsley. His performance was soooooooo amazing. Love Sean Penn, but this particular performance was so over the top. He should have won for Dead Man Walking.

Celimene Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 04:20 AM EST

To be perfectly frank, "Mystic River" was good, but not that good. Admittedly, I didn't see "House of Sand and Fog" but I saw the rest of the films that year - as well as "American Splendor". In my mind, Penn was good, but finished third to Murray and Depp, in that order. The Academy - and many audiences - underestimate the power and skill that go into creating a good comedic role. I can't really think of any true comedic wins in recent times, and Depp surely would have been deserving. However, Bill Murray broke my heart in "Lost in Translation". He and Sofia Coppola kept the film from veering into traditional midlife crisis territory, and instead made a wonderful film about the price we pay for compromise, the joy in finding a connection with another person, and a helluva travelogue. The film's power is most certainly rooted in Murray's brave, uncompromising performance.

Nathan T. Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 02:52 AM EST

Sean Penn's performance in Clint Eastwood's masterful and haunting "Mystic River" was the best of the nominees. So wrenching, so powerful, so buried in the role was our Penn. It's easily his finest hour. The same goes for Bill Murray (who should've won for "Rushmore" five years earlier). Having gotten that out, everyone knows the best performance of that year wasn't even nominated (stupid! stupid! stupid!) and that was Paul Giamatti's scruffily sympathetic portrayal of Harvey Pekar in the gloriously innovative "American Splendor". How a merely adequate performance by Jude Law and a merely entertaining one by Depp kept Giamatti out of the running along with a superb turn from the reliably superb Russell Crowe in "Master and Commander" and Eugene Levy's brilliant part in "A Mighty Wind" is the stuff of Oscar shame.

Sharlin Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 12:53 AM EST

Johnny Depp was robbed. This is another example of the Oscars giving an award to someone who should have already had one years ago... (I Am Sam) and are trying to repair their "mistake." Poor Johnny will now get an Oscar for a role that he really didn't deserve it for as a my bad for not giving it to him for Pirates.

Carol Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 12:19 AM EST

Although Sean gave a great performance it was a typical Oscar type role played many times before. What Depp did was create a character that was so unique that no one could replicate such a brilliant performance. My Vote goes to Mr Depp.

llsee Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 11:28 PM EST

I also liked Lost in Translation, but it seems to me that Murray has been playing that same character since Rushmore. And, if we are looking at later films (as some have done with Depp), he played the same character in Broken Flowers, and almost the same in Life Aquatic! I'll take Penn's performance in Mystic. It was cold, chilling and memorable!

Raymond Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 11:08 PM EST

Remember that the Screen Actors Guild awarded the Best Actor "Actor" to Depp. Though SAG's choices have been a bit suspicious thus far, it shows there's never ONE performance that's THE definitive. Also, Penn may have one by one vote, so it's not like the Academy as one entity bestowed this honor. It just proves enough members bothered voting for that performance. In all honesty, this is one category in which I would have been happy with any of the five nominees winning.

(I just watched Wall Street the other night, and I'd like to recall not only Michael Douglas' Oscar, but both Charlie Sheen's and Daryl Hannah's careers.)

Fatima Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 11:02 PM EST

Travis- Eternal Sunshine was 2004, the next year, and the year Jamie Foxx won the Oscar.

XSEDrake Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 10:38 PM EST

Well-said, eltee. I have been in complete agreement for years, however I think the subject matter of Requiem sadly worked against Ellrn. Very sad, as it was a breathtaking performance.

Requiem For An OScar Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 10:27 PM EST

Eltee, i so agree with you... in my opinion that is the greatest upset not only in Oscar history but in the history of recognition of Actors and Actresses

eltee Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 09:47 PM EST

The 2001 Best Actress Oscar needs to be rewarded to Ellen Burstyn for Requiem for a Dream, the actual best performance by an actress that year, as opposed to Julia Roberts, winner for Erin Brockovich, which was the best performance of Roberts' career---there's a big difference.

G Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 09:46 PM EST

I realize I am in the minority here when I say that I am not exactly a huge Sean Penn fan - but I stand firmly in my belief that his performance in Mystic River is the epitome of scenery chewing shtick. It was so over the top bravado that it distracted from the performances that truly made that movie so effective and devestating - those belonged to the women of the film, Laura Liney and Marcia Gay Harden.

Joe Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 09:41 PM EST

Also, any actor that can make a movie that features Orlando Bloom in the leading role completely entertaining deserves a separate award just for that accomplishment.

Joe Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 09:38 PM EST

I think it's pretty unfair to dismiss Depp's performance based on the two lame sequels. He was nominated for the FIRST Pirates movie, and at the time there were no sequels. I would've voted for Depp, as Jack Sparrow will be a movie character that will probably still be instantly recognizable in 20 years. A lot of actors have played "grief-strick fathers", how many have played a hilarious, half-drunk, half-insane pirate? Without Depp, that movie is not successful.

NewFish Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 09:07 PM EST

It's hard to decide who had the best performance. All were so great. I've only seen Mystic, Pirates, and Translation. From those three, I think I would pick Jonny Depp, because doing comedy is harder than doing drama. Johnny Depp managed to create a three dimensional character that had so many nuances. Sean Penn is good, but I'd like to see what he could do with a Jack Sparrow type character

Lee Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:51 PM EST

Are you kidding me? Sean Penn's perf was a tour de force. Eat that Murray!

Dave Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:50 PM EST

This is pretty odd. When they gave out the Oscar, I would have loved to see Bill or Johnny walk away with the statue (I'm blanking on what it's called) But now, I actually think the Academy did the right thing giving the Oscar to Penn. Pirates was a huge critical hit, and Lost in Translation has become a cultural touchstone. Not that Mystic River hasn't aged as well, but it seems more like another part of Eastwood's recent directoral renassiance than a stand-alone film.

Val Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:33 PM EST

Don't forget that Sean Penn was actually in 2 strong performances that year - he also was one of the 3 leads in 21 Grams (hate the movie, but he was good). Challenge was that 21 Grams and Lost in Translation were both from Focus Features, which had to choose which actor to push, and chose Bill Murray.

Travis Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:28 PM EST

Of course, of the nominees listed, Sean Penn's heartbreaking work in 'Mystic River' is just the smallest of margins in front of Bill Murray's lonely and lost soul in 'Lost in Translation.'

However, if we're going back to that nominee year, there is one actor who in my humble opinion was heads and shoulders above the rest, as lonely and lost as Murray and as heartbreaking as Penn -- Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Such a shame the Academy black balls true talents and overlooks comedic performances. If comedy was so easy, why does DeNiro flounder three out of five times? It's not just the writing. It's also the acting.

Daniel Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:08 PM EST

Of course, Bill Murray. I'm still bitter about this, but not crazy. I just love Murray. I was born on Groundhog Day, so it's my favorite movie, and Lost in Translation is on my top ten list. Both of them are beautiful roles made greater by this actor. Johnny Depp was fun and made a weird premise work, but it doesn't beat Bill. Penn is a really good actor that I admire, but awards should focus on performance, not past. I know Oscars are very political. He'll probably get nommed for Milk, which will be cool, but it also makes me wish he had let Murray take home the Oscar he deserved and waited for another role.

Fatima Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:06 PM EST

I'm shocked Johnny Depp isn't winning. I in NO WAY want him to be winning, but considering the reputation his online fangirls and his tendency to taint any poll with his name in it, it's nice to see the best two winning. I'll stick with Sean Penn, but I also loved Bill Murray. I actually liked all 5 of these performances.

Rob Grizzly Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:05 PM EST

I still like Sean Penn in Mystic River. No problems with that. Bill Murray, though I love him, was a bore in Translation and Depp's Sparrow nomination was a nice honor, but didn't deserve to win.

Sam Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 07:36 PM EST

This should have been Bill Murray's, hands down. The movie is one of the best of the decade so far.

jesse Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 07:33 PM EST

bill murray wined to much when he lost the oscar, and sean penn had a bad attitude when j depp beat him at the sags, it's ok if your dissapointed but i hate when the egos take over and people are disrespectful, for those reasons i would give it to ben kingsley or j depp, judd laws performance just seemed by the book

Martha Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 06:54 PM EST

All the performances were strong in that category, but I'm partial to Bill Murray - such a strong, subtle performance. However, Oscar doesn't usually go for subtle or low-key, and Sean Penn's role was perfect Oscar meat.

Hunter Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 06:47 PM EST

Bill Murray should have been nominated (and won) for his best role: Groundhog Day
Johnny Depp took comedic acting (in the most entertaining blockbuster in years) to new heights and should have won!

gary Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 06:36 PM EST

While I really don't like Bill Murray,
he deserved the Oscar. Mr. Depp should
have had one by now, but not for Pirates. Penn's acting always shows how hard he is working. He never
"exists" naturally as fine actors do, i.e. Paul Newman, who should have won
five times over. Kingsly already had an Oscar he didn't deserve. His Jesus
like performance in Gandhi was a bore
and Gandhi should never have won for
Best Picture. Mr.Law should not have
been nominated; a very over-rated actor. Mr.Murray, you bet. However,
the actual "best" performance is one
frequently not nominated.
O

Eric Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 06:26 PM EST

the issue at hand, however, is not that depp's performance lost it's "luster" over the years due to the sequels .. when this oscar race was running there WERE no other sequels to deal with, therefore we have to take that into account while rethinking this situation.

so. this is me, pretending like there are no pirate sequels in the true spirit of 2003 as it were.
i would have definitely given it to depp. i would call depp the greatest actor of his generation before i would ever consider giving penn that title. what johnny depp does to his characters is amazing: he makes these eccentric characters come to life and leap off the screen. pirates would have been NOTHING without depp's character - he IS captain jack sparrow. his performance is so unbelievably thorough. easily the best performance of the year. followed by bill murray of course.. lost in translation is gold.

kim in kentucky Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 05:48 PM EST

I agree that Sean Penn was great in Mystic River, I would have like to seen Ben Kingsley win for House of Sand and Fog. EVERYONE in the movie was so great and the movie itself is sooo powerful.

Martin Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 05:40 PM EST

I think Sean Penn would still win today. And it's not a bad performance. I prefer Bill Murray in "Lost in Translation" myself. At the time, I was torn between Depp and Penn, but like it's been noted, Depp's performance isn't the same when viewed alongside the two boring sequels. One of the worst Best Actor wins ever has to be Rex Harrison in "My Fair Lady". Peter Sellers, Peter O'Toole, Richard Burton and Anthony Quinn were all passed over for a decent but not great performance, one that was overshadowed by a snubbed Audrey Hepburn. Sigh.

Rahul Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 05:34 PM EST

No recall is warranted. Yes it's true that the Academy does not always reward actors for their career best performance, and there is some "they're due" factor in Sean Penn's win, but his performance was the best of that year. His performance was the driving force of the picture.

Henry Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 04:22 PM EST

I admit that I'm torn here. Somehow, I knew this race would come up but as I read it just now, I still wonder if Penn deserved it or it should be given to Murray. For me, it came down to those two, with Kingsley in third and Depp and Law with distant chances. Kingsley already has his Oscar so that left Penn and Murray. After watching Lost in Translation (claiming bias since I love, love, love Lost in Translation) last week, I'm leaning Murray. It was a comedic performance to be sure, but it was much more subtle than a lot of Murray's work, which has been mostly sublime. His Bob Harris has this world weariness that Murray completely pulls off, but never really announces itself when it's onscreen. But again, do I pick between Murray's incomprehensible whisper to Scarlett at the end or Penn's Jimmy collapsing in anguish to the ground when he finds out it's his daughter who's been murdered. Mystic River was a heck of a movie, too, and showcased Penn at his best, but one could argue Murray also had his due (he basically gave up with the Academy after losing this award).

Stef Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

I was always so annoyed with Sean Penn's distracting performance. "Is that my dawwwtaaaahhh in theeeah??" I thought Bill Murray was robbed.

Heather Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 04:10 PM EST

I agree that Depp's performance lost some allure after two poor sequels. Generally all strong performances this year though personally I still vote for Penn in Mystic River.