 |
Photo By Steve Ramos
|
Kevin Spacey
|
The March 26 Oscars ceremony is just for starters. The real drama occurs at the competing after-show parties. So many invitations. So little time. Dash to the Miramax shindig for a quick snuggle with Gwyneth. Then make a beeline for the DreamWorks bash. After a few cocktails, Spielberg will probably flash his surgery scar.
You'll be looking like a whiz kid, thanks to CityBeat's Oscar scorecard. Talking in advance with so many of the nominees put our Oscar predictions on-target. Just don't forget to take a CityBeat with you. You'll need something to read after the fire marshals clear the Vanity Fair party for overcrowding.
Best Actor: Kevin Spacey in American Beauty
His story: Playing white-suburban-man-in-crisis Lester Burnham has taken Spacey's career to new heights. Never have one man's frustrations felt so lifelike, or so familiar.
Bio: A lot has happened since Spacey played opposite future-actress Mare Winningham in a high-school production of The Sound of Music. A steady mix of stage and screen roles keeps audiences guessing. The one certainty is that Spacey's performances continue to surprise and challenge you.
Las Vegas Odds: 2-1
CityBeat Odds: In a just world, Spacey would lead an American Beauty sweep. But Oscar voters might be looking for something more sentimental.
Spacey on his early career: "My first paid job as an actor was Romeo and Juliet in a shopping mall. How do you know it wasn't fantastic? This was the best Shakespeare performed in a mall ever."
On his lifelong love for movies: "I used to sneak into studios. Universal was the easiest studio to break into. Warner Bros. is impossible. I only got in there by being employed."
On the future: "I'm always trying to do a lot of new things. Just sit back and watch me."
