Even so, here at Memorable Movie Quotes & Scenes, we are not so sure. Having seen both Training Day and A Beautiful Mind, the conclusion here is that Russell Crowe actually did the better job -- at least in comparison to Denzel.
The reasons? It seems the role of a tough cop is one that almost any actor has historically fallen into with a fair amount of ease and success. On the other hand, playing a person who really exists -- who also happens to have a mental disease -- seems like a little more of a challenge. Especially for a man who last won an Oscar for portraying a gladiator.
And when it really comes down to it, Sean Penn was just as worthy (if not more) than either of the two candidates who received the most pre-Oscar buzz. It would almost seem that just because the movie itself did not gain the attention or critic success that the other two films did, the actor too was overlooked.
Another Look
By taking a look at the other winners, it becomes even more clear that things are not always as they seem.
With the best picture, best supporting actress and best director awards going to A Beautiful Mind, it causes reason to pause and consider how a film could garner so much praise without a strong leading actor. The bottom line - it can't.
While there is also the consideration of the honor (and rarity) of two back to back Oscars going to Russell Crowe, the fact of the matter is that the Academy Awards should be above the politics of such "issues" and should reflect the truest talent among the nominees.
Let your voice be heard. Email clivingston@suite101.com with your comments on the Oscars and the winners.
Speaking of the winners (in case you didn't know)...
LEADING ACTOR -- Denzel Washington for Training Day
SUPPORTING ACTOR -- Jim Broadbent for Iris
LEADING ACTRESS -- Halle Berry for Mosters Ball
SUPPORTING ACTRESS -- Jennifer Connelly for A Beautiful Mind
DIRECTING -- Ron Howard for A Beautiful Mind
BEST PICTURE -- A Beautiful Mind Brian Grazer and Ron Howard
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM -- SHREK
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