With two critically-acclaimed lead acting performances and another scene-stealing, comedic supporting role, many felt this was the year Ryan Gosling solidified his standing at the absolute top of the acting ladder.
Unfortunately, the Academy voters did not think so–neither his performance in “Drive” nor “The Ides of March” earned an Oscar nomination.
Gosling had been viewed as a virtual shoo-in for a nomination, if not an outright win, which would have made for his first nod since 2006’s “Half Nelson.” The lack of such recognition, combined with the somewhat disappointing box office returns on the two films (his collaboration with Steve Carell and Emma Stone in “Crazy Stupid Love” was more successful), makes the year seem far less significant for Gosling than many felt it was.
“Shame” star Michael Fassbender, who is in the midst of his own breakout, also failed to land a nomination.
Not all fan favorites were snubbed, however. “Moneyball” co-star Jonah Hill is in the mix for the Supporting Actor Oscar, a victory that probably makes the failure of his animated sitcom “Allen Gregory” much easier to swallow.
The acting nominations for the 84th Academy Awards are below:
LEAD ACTOR
Demián Bichir, A Better Life
George Clooney, The Descendants
Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Gary Oldman, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt, Moneyball
LEAD ACTRESS
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis, The Help
Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn
SUPPORTING ACTOR
Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn
Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Nick Nolte, Warrior
Christopher Plummer, Beginners
Max Von Sydow, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Bérénice Bejo, The Artist
Jessica Chastain, The Help
Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer, The Help