Paul Giamatti

[slashgirl]

Whether he's funny, sad or somewhere in between, he's one of America's best character actors. And if the reviews for Cinderella Man are any indication, he might actually get at least an Oscar nomination next year.

Discuss Paul Giamatti here.

[roxpopuli]

I just think he's awesome. Funny enough, I thought he was great in Private Parts as Howard Stern's asshole boss.

I worry that because he's not Hollywood handsome, he will not get the recognition he truly deserves in the form of an Oscar.

[kostgard]

I thought he was great in Sideways and I can't believe that Thomas Haden Church got an Oscar nod and he didn't. They both played flawed characters, but Paul was greating at showing how Miles was aware of his flaws and hated himself for them.

He does have "character actor" looks and talent. The good news is character actors are usually the better actors and get to play far more interesting roles. The bad news is they hardly ever get the recognition they deserve - that almost always goes to the pretty lead players.

[dool]

After several failed attempts, I finally saw American Splendor and I just loved it. I thought the cast was superb - all of the characterisations were spot on. It would have been easy/lazy/obvious to portray Harvey, Toby and Joy as caricatures without any sort of depth or sensitivity. Giamatti really nailed Pekar - he captured all of his vunerabilities, awkwardness and dysfunction.

The only regret I have is waiting so damn long to see such a great film.

Must see Sideways next.

[gloworm]

Today's his birthday.

[slashgirl]

As strange as it may sound, Russell Crowe's, aka "Manboobs," phone-throwing hissyfit might end up helping PG. If the Cinderella Man reviews I've read/seen are any to be believed, PG not only steals the movie from RC, he could get an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Since Manboobs already has one Best Actor Oscar & practically pissed away his chance at another with "Phonegate," the MPAA might want to make amends for cheating PG out of an Oscar nomination for Sideways & giving him an Oscar for Cinderella Man would be the perfect way to do it.

Happy Belated Birthday, PG!

[zivvie]

Love him, love him. I wish I could be more literate, but "Love him" says it all.

[sjankis630]

Dude was robbed of a nomination for Sideways!
He will get his due someday though.

[snarkyfish]

sjankis630 said:

Dude was robbed of a nomination for Sideways!
He will get his due someday though.

ITA on both counts. I was fully expecting he'd get nominated and was really surprised he wasn't.

But you know how these things work. TPTB have probably realised in hindsight they made a mistake with that and will be looking to nominate him the next time round. Or at least I hope so.

[Mutagen]

This is why I love NPR -- here's a great interview with Giamatti from a few years back. He giggles like a little kid!
link