Best Actor Alternatives

As all of us who have stepped out into the world in the last 2 weeks know, the Oscar nominees are out! (See further down the blog for a complete list, including which films we carry.) And everyone who's anyone is trying to catch up on all their Oscar films. But sometimes, there just aren't enough films to go around. (Trying to get your mitts on a copy of Winter's Bone on a Friday night? Godspeed.) But that doesn't mean you can't catch up on some of the nominees' other work. So, here's a list of other great performances by the Best Actor and Actress nominees that we think you should watch while waiting for the million people who checked out The Social Network before you did to return their copy.

All of these films are available to rent at our MacArthur store.

Best Actor
Javier Bardem (nominated for Biutiful): Try checking out No Country For Old Men or See Inside for other examples of Bardem's work
Jeff Bridges (nominated for True Grit): If you're a year behind in your movies, check out Crazy Heart, which snagged Bridges an Oscar last year. Other options: Tron (the original; the new one is still in theaters) or Starman
Jesse Eisenberg (nominated for The Social Network): Eisenberg doesn't have a whole lot of movies under his belt, but Adventureland is one of them, and a good sample of his acting chops.
Colin Firth (nominated for The King's Speech): Honestly, what HASN'T this guy been in? It was hard to narrow it down, but here's a list of good picks: to see him perform totally against type, try A Single Man, Girl With the Pearl Earring, or Dorian Gray. For some good old cheesy fall-in-love-with-him-every-time romance, try Pride & Prejudice, Love Actually, or Bridget Jones' Diary
James Franco (nominated for 127 Hours): He may be busy getting a PhD, but Franco's had the time to churn out a few classics. Try Spiderman or Pineapple Express

Best Actress
Annette Bening (nominated for The Kids Are All Right): She's got a list of great performances as long as your arm, but here's a sample: Bugsy, American Beauty, Valmont, American President, Being Julia
Nicole Kidman (nominated for Rabbit Hole): For such a wonderful actress, she certainly has some garbage on her resume. (Australia, anyone?) Fortunately, she's got some classics, too. For a good sampling of her many talents, check out Moulin Rouge, The Others, Cold Mountain, or Eyes Wide Shut.
Jennifer Lawrence (nominated for Winter's Bone): As a Hollywood newcomer, Lawrence doesn't have a whole lot of roles under her belt. But you can see her in a supporting role in The Burning Plain.
Nathalie Portman (nominated for Black Swan): Like Bening and Kidman, Portman is a bit of a living legend; her list of great films goes on for days. But we picked a few favorites: Where the Heart Is, The Professional, V For Vendetta, and Closer
Michelle Williams (nominated for Blue Valentine): Remember her way back in Dawson's Creek? Fortunately, she's blossomed since then. For a sampling of her work, take a look at Brokeback Mountain, Wendy and Lucy, or Dick.

-Posted by Colleen