March 10, 2003. Copyright, 2003, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Oscars promise close-fought race
By Mark Samms

LONDON, March 10, Graphic News:  The best of the old goes head to head with the pick of the new at the Oscars this year, and representatives from each generation have emerged as favourites to walk away with the coveted awards. 

In the Best Actor category Jack Nicholson is tipped to win a fourth statuette for his deft and touching performance in About Schmidt. For once the natural twinkle in the eye is dulled and the shark-smile suppressed as he conveys the desperation of a recently-retired man who realises too late what a vacuous and pointless existence he has led. 

His main rival was initially thought to be fellow senior citizen Michael Caine, whose more discriminating role selection late in his career continues to pay dividends. 

However, his admirable interpretation of the central character in Graham GreeneÕs The Quiet American may be swept aside by the burgeoning support for fellow Brit Daniel Day-Lewis. He returned to the big screen after an absence of five years in Martin ScorseseÕs long-awaited Gangs of New York and turned in such a towering performance -- collecting both BAFTA and Screen Actors Guild awards -- that co-star Leonardo de Caprio did not even warrant a mention in the Oscars shortlist. 

The purists would like to see the Oscar go to Adrien Brody for his exquisite performance in Roman PolanskiÕs comeback movie The Pianist, which took Best Film at the BAFTAs, but they are likely to be disappointed. 

Competition is just as intense among the women, where Nicole Kidman is emerging from the pack as favourite to win the Best Actress category for her portrayal of novelist Virginia Woolf in The Hours. 

However, there is a growing body of support for the under-rated Julianne Moore whose consistent level of performance is becoming a byword in the industry.  Her searing interpretation of the model fifties housewife whose ordered life spins out of control in Far From Heaven makes her one of KidmanÕs main threats for the Best Actress award. 

Moore has also been nominated as Best Supporting Actress -- ironically, for her contribution to The Hours -- in which she appears on screen far longer than Nicole Kidman and in the opinion of many steals the picture from under the starÕs much publicised prosthetic nose.  Many within the industry are baffled as to why Moore warranted only a supporting nomination for her efforts, and there is certain to be enormous disappointment if she fails to pick up at least one honour. 

Her chief rivals are the stars of Chicago, Renee Zellweger (Best Actress) and Catherine Zeta-Jones (Best Supporting Actress). Both have legitimate claims and ZellwegerÕs triumph at the Screen Actors Guild, and Zeta-JonesÕ dual awards at BAFTA and SAG, may be a precursor of what is to come at the Kodak Theatre on March 23. 

However, it would be foolish to ignore the challenge of Meryl Streep, who overhauled Katharine Hepburn and made it a record 13 nominations when she was shortlisted for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Spike JonzeÕs surreal and complicated movie Adaptation. 

The only definite winner will be Peter OÕToole. He initially declined an honorary Oscar, and then changed his mind. His award is the only sure thing on what promises to be a fascinating night.
/ENDS