Over the weekend you heard Anne and I discuss Matt Damon’s Oscar prospects this year for his two films, Clint Eastwood’s “Invictus” (where he’ll be looking to land a supporting actor nomination) and Steven Soderbergh’s “The Informant!” (lead). Anne isn’t in the minority when she says the latter has faded somewhat from the canvas and that Damon is looking less likely for a notice there, but I remain fairly certain that he’ll be remembered for what is, many will agree, his finest work to date.
Of the year’s potential double-dippers, Damon has perhaps remained the most likely to see two nominations, and he’ll be right back on the scene a week after the Oscarcast when Paul Greengrass’s “Green Zone” hits theaters nationwide. The guy is busy, as always, and what makes him special is he is incredibly consistent.
So it’s not that surprising that the Grey Lady would dedicate a lengthy piece to the actor and his place in modern Hollywood, having forged a career as what the editors and/or writer Dennis Lim are cleverly dubbing an “A-list character actor.”
It’s exciting times in my house these days, what with “Entourage” hitting the small screen for season number six Sunday night. The series makes for my weekly dose of Hollywood escapism, paradoxically right here at ground zero. The obsession is, of course, owed in no small part to Jeremy Piven’s Emmy-winning portrayal of super agent Ari Gold, a composite sketch of real life player Ari Emanuel.