Chat with Film Critic Keith Van Sickle about Oscar nominations for best actor.
February 9, 2007
And the nominees for Actor in a Leading Role are: Leonardo DiCaprio for Blood Diamond, Ryan Gosling for Half Nelson, Peter O’Toole for Venus, Will Smith for The Pursuit of Happyness and Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland.
49abcnews.com has scheduled the following chats with Keith leading up to the Oscars’ live broadcast February 25.
- February 9 – Chat about best actor nominations
- February 16 – Chat about best actress nominations
- February 23 – Chat about best picture
Submit your question to Keith, and then log on for a discussion about the roles and films that have earned high acclaim in Hollywood.
And on February 25, watch the Oscars to find out if your favorites have won. The Oscars’ live broadcast will be aired on Channel 49, your local ABC affiliate.
Keith Van Sickle appears each Friday on Good Morning Kansas when he reviews movies opening in theaters.
Moderator: Hi. This is Lisa Coble-Krings, Web edtior for 49 News. I'll be your moderator for this chat. We welcome Keith Van Sickle, film critic and regular guest on 49's Good Morning Kansas, to the station. Keith will discuss the upcoming Oscars and nominations for best actor in a leading role, but we can also take your questions on all movies earning high acclaim in Hollywood. Let's begin this chat.
DTrain: If you were voting who would you pick as the best actor?
Keith Van Sickle: I would vote for Ryan Gossling for the great and little-seen movie Half Nelson.
oread: Do you think Peter O'Toole's nomination is more a nod for his long career achievement, or does he generally deserve a nomination for his turn in Venus?
Keith Van Sickle: He is terrific in Venus, another movie that few have seen. And since he's already won an honorary Oscar, it's hard to tell. The Academy likes those sympathy nominations for bodies of work.
Steph: Do you think people still associate Leonardo DiCaprio with his role in "Titanic"? or do you think he's grown as an actor?
Keith Van Sickle: I think he, more than Kate Winslett, has suffered from the amazing success of Titanic. He's done his best to escape that -- and with success breeds jealously and contempt.
tnasuperfan: True or false, you believe that Martin Lawrence deserved a best actor award for "Big Momma's House 2"
Keith Van Sickle: No, but he deserves a Razzie. He's a funny guy who's more concerned with just picking up a paycheck no matter what the material is.
oread: Actors who have portrayed real, historical characters such as Ray Charles, Truman Capote and Catharine Hepburn, have had Oscar success recently. Do you think Forest Whitaker will continue that trend?
Keith Van Sickle: I believe that Whitaker will win the Oscar and continue the tradition. Yes the Academy does enjoy rewarding actor's or actresses who portray real historical figures. If you haven't seen Whitaker's performance in The Last King Of Scottland it is amazing.
Moderator: Obviously, the Academy missed out on the cinematic tour de force that is Will Ferrell in Stranger than Fiction. Why do Oscar voters continue to snub the funny man when it comes to best actor? Other examples, Jim Carrey in the Truman Show and Ben Stiller in Zoolander.
Keith Van Sickle: For some reason the Academy looks down upon comedic roles. Heck it took them forever to honor Charlie Chaplin, and he was so sick and frail when it happened. The Truman Show, by the way, is my favorite performance given by Jim Carrey.
Moderator: Following up on the first question in this chat. Here's a question from jbear9610. jbear asks, What was great about Ryan Gosling in Half Nelson? Did that movie play in Topeka?
Keith Van Sickle: No, it hasn't, and I don't see it happening. It is such a small, independent movie that there isn't audience for it here in Topeka. I don't agree with that, but the movie compaines, not Wallace Theaters, make that decision.
DTrain: Would you vote Steve Carel as one of the best actors?
Keith Van Sickle: Yes, he should have gotten a best supporting nomination for his part in Little Miss Sunshine. It goes back to the Academy not wanting to recognize comedy. Besides that, he is excellent in the film, as is Greg Kinnear.
batman: Hi Keith. Don't you feel that at least the oscars got it right this time with these nominees. They are all deserving but I am rooting for Peter O' Toole
Keith Van Sickle: Hi Batman and yes there is alot of people who are rooting for O'Toole and with good reason. He is one of the last legends we have left from one of the Golden Ages of Hollywood. If you have a chance however to see Venus you will see that he still has it as an actor.
Steph: You mentioned your pick would be Ryan Gossling. What other movies has he been in?
Keith Van Sickle: He was in the movie The Notebook, and that's when audiences first noticed him. The future for this actor is a bright one, and this won't be his first nomination when it's all said and done in his career.
shoobes132006: Did you like Happy Feet?
Keith Van Sickle: I liked Happy Feet, and its one of the few times that Robin Willliams wasn't totally annoying in a movie.
Moderator: Keith, was this movie nominated for an Oscar?
Keith Van Sickle: Yes, it is in the animation category. My pick for that one is the terrific Monster House. However, Cars will most likely take home the golden statue.
tnasuperfan: What is your favorite movie this year?
Keith Van Sickle: The Departed, with Little Miss Sunshine and Pan's Labyrinth close behind.
Steph: Hi Keith, So, do you think Leonardo DiCaprio has grown a lot as an actor since "Titanic"?
Keith Van Sickle: Yes, because anytime you have the respect of a director like Martin Scorsese and you are involved in quality movies like The Departed and Blood Diamond (even though it's overated), you have shed the Titanic shadow and evolved as an actor. This guy's had talent for sometime, just watch What's Eating Gilbert Grape for proof on that.
shoobes132006: What did you think of The Queen?
Keith Van Sickle: I think it's one of the best films of without a doubt. A great insight into the very private side of the British family and just how cold they were during such a tragic time. Helen Miren is getting so much attention, and she should be. But, Michael Sheen should be getting much more attention for his role as Tony Blair.
Moderator: That's all the time we have for this chat with Keith Van Sickle. Thanks for joining us. And, thanks to Keith for his time. If you didn't get your question answered, don't worry. Keith will be back on 49abcnews.com for another chat about the Oscars and Hollywood's stars on the following dates: February 9 – Chat about best actor nominations February 16 – Chat about best actress nominations February 23 – Chat about best picture Join us then. And you can always see Keith Fridays on Good Morning Kansas during his weekly movie review feature.
Comments
Note: 49abcnews.com does not necessarily condone the comments here, nor vouch for the factual claims made therein. Nor do we review every post.
Feb. 14, 2007 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)shoobes132006 (anonymous)
Hey Keith what role do you think Hayden Christensen would be best in?
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