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There has been, of course, much excitement and anticipation engulfing the JDOCD community recently which was replaced with much wringing of hands, beating of breasts and gnashing of teeth with just three little words. Daniel Day Lewis. Yes, Johny Depp, up for his third ‘best actor’ Oscar, was overlooked again. For those who may not remember, and that is probably the majority and everyone not suffering from JDOCD, he was nominated for the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, (2004), Finding Neverland (2005) and this year for Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Now let me say this: I have huge admiration for Depp as an actor. He also seems like a very nice guy. I don’t have any desire to sleep with him and I don’t believe that twenty minutes in his company will sort out all my problems and change my world. But if I stumbled across him in the local pub sipping a quiet beer I am sure I could enjoy a simple conversation. So, back to the Oscars.
It seemed to me that he never really was in with a chance, especially this year. The likelihood of the Academy giving it’s most prestigious prize to a black comedy musical – despite Depp putting in a decent enough singing performance to what was, let’s face it, a lousy score – was slim at best. Especially when you can give it to Daniel Day Lewis who seems to be able to shout louder than anyone else. The same really goes for his first outing as Jack Sparrow – most certainly not Oscar material. His best hope was with his perfect performance as James Barrie which lost out to Jamie Foxx’s Ray Charles.
Depp is, without doubt, the most versatile leading actor working in film today and quite possibly the best at his craft. He will almost surely receive future nominations and may, one day, actually win one. But it would not surprise me if the Hollywood establishment, which he shuns, continue to pass him over – a little like they did for years to Martin Scorsese.
I can see Depp having to wait his turn for another ten years or so when the Academy members, so embarrassed by their omission, will hand him a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award and that would, in most respects, be far more fitting.
I sense that working with Michael Mann opposite Christian Bale in Public Enemies will be a great help for him to get that golden cabinet ornament.
I agree. I doubted that his nomination had any chance of winning and expected DDL to get it. I did have high hopes for Sweeney gaining a BAFTA in a category or two but it appeared to be passed over completely. I haven’t seen Daniel’s performance but I assume he did Mr. mad, bad, loud and nasty as in ‘Gangs of New York’ (A performance I found quite ridiculous and should have been saved for a Xmas Panto-’boo, he’s behind you!’)
No sour grapes here though. I think that Depp’s potential forthcoming project – Shantaram- may be more to ‘Oscar’s’ taste so I wait in hope of that but I also doubt he’ll get anything until he’s a lot older and they feel they cannot get away with ignoring him any longer. Depp’s whole body of work says far more about the sensitive versatility he brings to the table than any one single role.
Don’t even get me started, Andy…..
Indeed, it’s a crime that such a talent is overlooked so often. Perhaps because he doesn’t cater to the Academy and Hollywood, as many other actors do.
Hi Andy!
Thanks for putting all the Oscar hoopla in it’s place. As an active member of the JDOCD club, it is hard to be objective sometimes…so my hat’s off to you. Although, I think the Sweeney score is marvelous! I just wanted to add that if for even a nanosecond Mr. Depp put aside his steadfast commitment to do it his way for a golden statue, he wouldn’t be the fine actor which we love! It’s because of his choices that he continues to put out superb work. I say, thanks Johnny for continuing to be true to yourself!
Waves from Minnesota!
Karenh: Ah yes. The lady from the cold place….
Hi Andy – I must admit… I LOVE the score for Sweeney (the show MUCH more than the movie…)
jeannine
Jeannine » I wont say a word….
I think it is quite sad that it might take for him to work next to Bale to get an Oscar.I have been a fan of Johnny Depp since 1988 (21 JS) but have been affected with JDOCD for years,not as long as others but quite some time.
I really think Hollywood needs to look past the the blockbuster boys and big ticket wins and look at talent.Cause seriously some of the leading men are horrible.Depp doesn’t make his movies cause of how much money they can make,he makes them based on his liking and what he can bring to them,which is how they come about to be so awesome.
But regardless he is an awesome person,actor,father,partner,and I imagine friend.
And sir let me say,you are awesome to allow your wife her indulgences.My hubby has been a great sport in letting me cut in his computer time to watch 21JS on youtube.You are wonderful.
I think he is perhas destined for one of those ‘lifetime acheivement’ awards…