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More Fresh Faces and Fewer Commonplaces Score 2007 Oscar Nominations

Forrest Whitaker could be the "King" of the Ceremony
Academy says hunks like Gosling, DiCaprio and Wahlberg aren't just pretty faces

By Amy Kaufman for Hollywood Today

Maybe - just maybe - the Academy actually got it right this time.

Hollywood, CA(rushprnews) 01/24/2007 - The notoriously ageing Oscar voting body has managed to fit in just enough cool factor for the young movie-going public this year while still managing to recognize the renowned veterans.

Ryan Gosling leads the hip parade, scoring a nod for best actor for his much-talked about performance in indie-flick "Half Nelson." The 27-year-old portrays an inner-city school teacher struggling to overcome a fierce drug addiction. Gosling has oft slid under the radar with strong but often less-notorious performances in films like "The United States of Leland" - where he played a juvenile delinquent - and "The Believer," in which he shined as a young neo-Nazi.

Still a teen idol at 33, Leonardo DiCaprio erased any doubt he's more star than actor with notoriety this year for his roles in "Blood Diamond" and "The Departed." Given this is his third nomination (The Aviator," "What's Eating Gilbert Grape") it just may have been his year if it weren't for Forest Whitaker. Leo's nomination is for "Diamond," in which he dons an impressive South African accent and aggressively hunts for the country's most precious rose-colored diamond.

Young papa Will Smith is also in their company - earning a nomination for the hard-working dad struggling to get a prestigious job in the feel-good "Pursuit of Happiness." It seems the Academy has recognized Smith is a long way from "Gettin' Jiggy With It," as the first-timer will face off against heavyweight Peter O'Toole ("Venus") and of course, Whitaker ("The Last King of Scotland") for the title.

DiCaprio's castmate in the Scorsese film "The Departed" Mark Wahlberg was recognized as well - the former Marky Mark is up for best actor in a supporting role as a snarky South Boston cop. Wahlberg is certainly the underdog here - heading up steep competition such as the talented Djimon Hounsou ("Blood Diamond") and Golden Globe winner Eddie Murphy ("Dreamgirls").

Modern teen angst, while not likely understood by all the older voters, was at least acknowledged. The awkward, needy and sexually-repressed deaf hipster portrayed by Rinko Kikuchi in "Babel" was stunning, though she is up against America's favorite, Jennifer Hudson, in the supporting actress category. Silent teen angst, perhaps the way Academy voters prefer it, was also a key element in best picture nominee "Little Miss Sunshine."

The youngest nominee is Abigail Breslin - that wide-eyed wonder-kid from "Little Miss Sunshine." Breslin is a part to the Best Supporting Actress category, which may well be the most diverse category on the list this season.

And who can forget Hudson - who came up through the more non-traditional ranks of television stardom to co-star with legends in "Dreamgirls." Hudson beats out the well-established Beyoncé Knowles, who didn't heed nearly as much attention as the former "American Idol" contestant did.

But it wasn't just the young actors who were acknowledged. Sacha Baron Cohen - better known as Borat - may well see a win for Best Adapted Screenplay for his quite uncommon comical masterpiece.

Best Picture nominees include surprisingly progressive titles this year. After "Crash" took the prize last year, the category has been shaken up with a pool of eclectic choices. The socially conscious "Babel" seems most similar to last year's victor in its telling of various life stories, while "Little Miss Sunshine" helps to bring further respect to independent films. "The Departed" is a young film with an aging director, proving that even less-serious fare can fare well in the Academy's favor. "The Queen" and "Letters from Iwo Jima," though more historical and perhaps classical choices - readily earn their spots at the top.

According to this year's Oscar picks, it seems the Academy is putting its critics on notice -- you don't have to be twenty-something to be cool.

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