Alternate Best Actor 1982: Results

5. Albert Finney in Shoot the Moon - Although Finney can't escape some of the film's problems he still gives an effective portrait of a man facing a midlife crisis.

Best Scene: George connects with his eldest daughter.

4. Mel Gibson in The Year of Living Dangerously - Mel Gibson gives a charming leading turn that carries his film nicely well bringing the needed dramatic weight to some pivotal scenes.

Best Scene: After the execution.

3. Kurt Russell in The Thing - Russell is appropriately bad ass in the role but also still gives an effective depiction of the fears and paranoia of a man facing such a threat.

Best Scene: Making the tape.

2. Robert De Niro in The King of Comedy - De Niro creates an appropriately off putting yet fascinating depiction of a man desperate to live his dream as a celebrity.

Best Scene: Getting his audition tape back.

1. Richard Farnsworth in The Grey Fox - Good Prediction koook160. Richard Farnsworth once again brings such a effortless charm, perfectly fitting to the gentleman bandit, but here also effectively creates a striking darker edge to the character.

Best Scene: His farewell to Kate. 

Overall Rank:

1. Paul Newman in The Verdict
2. Richard Farnsworth in The Grey Fox
3. Robert De Niro in The King of Comedy
4. Ben Kingsley in Gandhi 
5. Jeremy Irons in Moonlighting
6. Kurt Russell in The Thing
7. John Hurt in The Plague Dogs
8. Christopher Benjamin in The Plague Dogs
9. Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie
10. Mel Gibson in The Year of Living Dangerously
11. Harrison Ford in Blade Runner
12. Peter O'Toole in My Favorite Year
13. Sylvester Stallone in First Blood 
14. Peter Ustinov in Evil Under the Sun
15. Henry Thomas in E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial  
16. Albert Finney in Shoot the Moon
17. Eddie Murphy in 48 Hours
18. Robin Williams in The World According to Garp
19. Jack Lemmon in Missing
20. Nick Nolte in 48 Hours
21. Jeff Bridges in Tron
22. William Shatner in Star Trek II: The Wraith of Khan
23. Henry Winkler in Night Shift
24. Robert Preston in Victor Victoria 
25. Charles Bronson in Death Wish II
26. Richard Gere in An Officer and A Gentleman
27. Tom Atkins in Halloween III: Season of the Witch
28. Albert Finney in Annie
29. Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III 
30. Robert Hays in Airplane II: The Sequel
31. Peter MacNicol in Sophie's Choice
32. Michael Caine in Deathtrap
33. Burt Reynolds in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
34. Arnold Schwarzenegger in Conan the Barbarian
35. Christopher Reeve in Deathtrap 
36. Mark Linn-Baker in My Favorite Year
37. Marc Singer in The Beastmaster
38. Maxwell Caulfield in Grease 2

Next Year: 1982 Supporting

Alternate Best Actor 1982: Richard Farnsworth in The Grey Fox

Richard Farnsworth did not receive an Oscar nomination, despite being nominated for a Golden Globe, for portraying Bill Miner in The Grey Fox.

The Grey Fox is an effective low key film about the exploits of a former stage coach robber after he has been released from prison.

In The Grey Fox we first meet Bill Miner, known as the gentleman bandit, as he is being released from a long prison sentence. In the opening of the film Miner is man out of time as he now finds himself in the 20th century. Richard Farnsworth is great in one of his earliest scenes where Miner speaks with a man who is telling Miner all about the new inventions and breakthroughs that have been created since his time in prison. Farnsworth is great by portraying the sense of detachment and confusion as Miner can't help but be taken aback by all the developments that have occurred while he was on the inside. Farnsworth ends the scene especially well with his dead pan delivery as Miner informs the man that his trade happens to be robbing stage coaches. Farnsworth is quite moving in portraying Miner as he reconnects with his sister and begins just to try to comprehend what this new world is like. Farnsworth suggests the lost time for Miner in simply the quiet way he just can't quite see how much the world has changed after prison, after all it would be almost impossible to find any stagecoaches even to rob.

Miner simply has to go off trying to make his way, as Farnsworth sadly shows the man unable to find any comfort in the opportunities that present themselves to him. When Miner tells his sister that he has no place in the jobs she found for him, Farnsworth manages to not make it sound like a selfish foolishness, but merely the honest sentiment of a who's just not made for this new world. Things change suddenly for Miner though when he watches a film "The Great Train Robbery". Farnsworth is terrific in the scene by portraying the excitement in Miner as he watches the film, that seems more than just being simply interested in the film. There is something extra as in his eyes there is a strong overpowering sense of nostalgia as he seems to remembering his own days as a robber, as well as seems to know what it is he should do next. Miner proceeds to buy a pistol, one proper size fitting for an old time outlaw, and his return to his old life begins. As Miner enters this life Farnsworth is outstanding as he begins to reveal some of the man Miner was in the past, and he makes the transition out of his confused state a natural one.

Miner is not your typical bandit really as can be seen simply in his nickname the Gentleman Bandit. Well if you want someone to have an absolutely effortless charm look no further than Richard Farnsworth. I said it in my reviews of his two Oscar nominated performances, but it's worth saying again Farnsworth has such delightful and unique presence. This is perfectly fitting in creating the particular style of man that Miner is as well though. Farnsworth carries himself with such a natural grace that he just simply becomes the image of the well mannered outlaw. Farnsworth realizes the style so beautifully and when we see Miner in action Farnsworth shows Miner a man in his element. Any hint of confusion is gone as Farnsworth shows, even in the way he simply moves, that armed robbery simply is what Miner is good at. When he speaks about it Farnsworth is great by again being so blunt in the way that Miner treats it more of as his job than some sort of lark or even a get rich quick scheme. As he speaks about specialization is key to professionalism in robbery, Farnsworth speaks the words as an expert craftsman.

Farnsworth is always believable in the role and makes what could seem as a form of madness seem completely logical to the man that Bill Miner is. Farnsworth is just incredibly endearing here in portraying Miner as a man who refuses to be anything other than he is. He's a remarkable character to follow through his time as a robber, but also in the scenes where he's just living his life. During this time he encounters a passionate feminist photographer Katherine (Jackie Burroughs) who he begins a relationship with. The romance is played by both actors in a very reserved fashion yet there is such genuine sweetness involved with it. Their scenes together are not technically about the big romantic moments, but there is just such an honesty in the quiet comforts the two express for one another. When the law begins closing in on Miner he is forced to leave her for a time although he promises to try to meet up with her, I was a bit taken aback by just how hard the scene hit me because Farnsworth as well as Burroughs realize the unassuming love the two people have for each other.

Now saying Richard Farnsworth is likable in a role is pretty much a given, but what about the Bandit side of the Gentleman Bandit. Well Farnsworth is surprisingly good in infusing a darker side to the character of Bill Miner, after all he is an armed robber. There's a relatively early scene where Miner beats down a man, who was attempting to rob him, that is brilliantly performed by Farnsworth as he shows that even though he is a genial man in nature, Miner is still quite capable of the violence you might expect from a man in such a profession. This is also important in the robbery scenes where Farnsworth does play Miner as professional above all in the way he handles the "transaction" there still is the needed intensity in his manner. Although it is clear that Miner would rather not kill anyone, and perhaps he hasn't, but Farnsworth is excellent in still keeping the threat quite palatable. I particularly love the scene where he tries to dupe the local authorities, as again Farnsworth does not hold back in portraying the criminal side of Miner. In the way his eyes follow the man invetigating him every step, and you see him trying to calculate a way out of his situation. This complexity in Miner is never lost in this facet of Farnsworth nor in any aspect of the character. This is a charming, moving, funny, and even sometimes imposing depiction of Bill Miner by Richard Farnsworth. Richard Farnsworth gives a great performance by being absolutely convincing as well consistently fascinating in his portrait of this most unusual man.

Alternate Best Actor 1982

And the Nominees Were Not:

Richard Farnsworth in The Grey Fox

Robert De Niro in The King of Comedy

Kurt Russell in The Thing

Mel Gibson in The Year of Living Dangerously

Albert Finney in Shoot the Moon

Best Supporting Actor 1978: Results

5. Jack Warden in Heaven Can Wait- Warden has a rather small role but he gives a nice humorous as well as warm performance that supports leading man Warren Beatty rather well

4. Bruce Dern in Coming Home- Dern is fine for most of the film and does have a few effective scenes, but he can never fully make up for the weaknesses in the writing for his character.

3. John Hurt in Midnight Express- Hurt gives an interesting portrait of a man wasted away by prison unfortunately the film is uses his character for atmosphere more than anything limiting Hurt's potential.

2. Richard Farnsworth in Comes A Horseman- Just like Hurt and Dern his film seems oddly unconcerned with his character. Farnsworth though still is a delight every time he is on screen, and is absolutely heartbreaking when he is finally given the chance to do more.

1. Christopher Walken in The Deer Hunter- Good prediction Eddie. Walken easily wins this year giving an outstanding performance that is unforgettable. He creates a remarkable portrait of a solider who loses his mind over the trauma faced during the war.

Deserving Performances:
Gene Hackman in Superman
John Savage in The Deer Hunter
John Cazale in The Deer Hunter

Best Supporting Actor 1978: Richard Farnsworth in Comes a Horseman

Richard Farnsworth received his first Oscar nomination for portraying Dodger in Comes A Horseman.

Comes a Horseman tells the story of two ranchers (Jane Fonda, James Caan) who fight economic hardship as well as well as the aggressive behavior of a land baron (Jason Robards).

Richard Farnsworth although was in many films in various bit parts from the 30's he rarely ever played more than just a nameless role. Farnsworth though after being nominated for Best Supporting Actor for this role never again portrayed a part that was not properly named. Richard Farnsworth is one actor that I can say easily that I have like him in everything that I have ever seen him in as he has such a simple charm, and low key charisma that is just wonderful. Farnsworth entirely unique screen presence certainly works well for the role of Dodger the longtime ranch hand who helps the ranchers.

Farnsworth is absolutely perfect for the role of the ranch hand Dodger as there is never a question of Farnsworth credibility in the role as he shows the history of Dodger without visible effort. He simply has the history of the man within his face, and the way he goes about everything that he does. Farnsworth is able to bring to life the old pasts that is underlying within entire film just by simple having Dodger be an old past himself. When Farnsworth talks about the old times and the long troubles around the land he is able to convey it a lived in history that Dodger went through.

Farnsworth is always a simple delight in any film and his presence is always welcome in every scene he appears in the film. He turns Dodger into a warm very likable old hand that we can't help but sympathize for. My only real problem with the character of Dodger is just how little he is used in the film. One would think he would appear in more scenes with Caan and Fonda but he instead he only comes in from time to time almost like the film did not have the budget for him to be there all the time even though it would make sense for him to be. Farnsworth though is a delight every moment he does appear, only ever making me want more of him actually.

Farnsworth though does have a pivotal scene after Dodger is injured from falling off his horse and no longer can be of help anymore. Farnsworth is completely heartbreaking in the scene as he shows the quiet pain Dodger is going through over no longer being able to do what he can, but Farnsworth never makes it a depressive moment though as his warmth still pulls through. He leaves with encouraging words to both Caan's and Fonda's characters that are genuinely moving as Farnsworth only every brings honest emotion to the scene. It is a terrific final scene as he he leaves on a very sad but also heartwarming moment that could not have been performed better. My only wish though was Farnsworth had been less wasted in the film which never spent enough time with him.

Best Supporting Actor 1978

And the Nominees Were:

Richard Farnsworth in Comes A Horseman

Bruce Dern in Coming Home

Christopher Walken in The Deer Hunter

Jack Warden in Heaven Can Wait

John Hurt in Midnight Express 

Best Actor 1999: Results

5. Sean Penn in Sweet and Lowdown- Although I did not really see anything wrong with the performance precisely, it just never amounts to anything particularly compelling either.

3.Kevin Spacey in American Beauty- Although I like some of what Spacey does in the role, particularly in the setup of the character, I find he generally overacts, and seems unnatural, where realism would have served his character best.

3. Denzel Washington in The Hurricane -  Washington gives a compelling portrayal of his character, though I do think the writing limits him.

2. Russell Crowe in The Insider- Crowe gives a restrained and effective performance, that never takes the easy route and to be too expressive, instead remaining properly with the nature of the character.

1. Richard Farnsworth in The Straight Story- A very very easy win to give to Richard Farnsworth, as none other performance come close to Farnsworth's powerful performance. Farnsworth gives a completely natural, and authentic performance, that is one of the most moving and poignant portraits of a man ever given in a film.

Deserving Performances:
Jim Carrey in Man on the Moon

Best Actor 1999: Richard Farnsworth in The Straight Story

Richard Farnsworth received his second and last nomination for portraying Alvin Straight in The Straight Story.

The Straight Story details the story of the elderly Alvin Straight's journey across America on a lawn mower to see his estranged brother who suffered a stroke.

Richard Farnsworth is an actor I can't say that I have seen all of his work, but I can say when I see him usually as a character actor I usually think he adds something nicely to the film. Farnsworth has this certain simple charm that is just wonderful. He always has a certain degree of life in his performance, and there is just something about him that make him both unique and interesting as an actor. This charm, and his unique quality as a performer certianly comes out and shines spectacularly well in this lead performance that I am certainly glad that he got before he died. This simple charm fits perfectly with the role of Alvin Straight. It is an interesting way Farnsworth has, and it fits for Straight perfectly, because he is nice and charming in possibly a simple rural fashion, but Farnsworth never seems to be a simple man.

It could have been an easy task of making Alvin Straight an overly perfect old man, but Farnsworth, nor the film ever portray him in that simple of a fashion. They always show that although he certainly is a nice old man, that is not all he is. Farnsworth always properly suggests that it was a long history and a long life with many mistakes that got Alvin Straight to this point, he certainly was not always this way. Farnsworth is simply wonderful in every moment of this performance, because he never seems for a moment that he is actor in this performance. There is not a single scene that I felt I saw an actor going on this journey, instead I really honestly felt I saw a man going on this journey. Farnsworth performance only has honesty an conviction throughout, every small moment feels as real as possible, Farnsworth is that good here.

Each little moment in this performance is wonderfully handled by Farnsworth. Early in the film there is not a great deal said by Farnsworth about Straight. He insists on going on his journey, that is about here early on, yet he creates an undeniable man early on here through the smallest of reactions, whether it is toward his heath report to the doctors, or to his daughter's concern over his health, Farnsworth always brings out genuine emotion within Alvin Straight. On the journey Farnsworth gets a little more to say, through his many small and large scenes of interacting with the various people that he comes across. There are perhaps two types of meeting one where he shows his knowledge, and wisdom, and the others were he tells of his own history although they certainly intersect.

His scenes of wisdom are just about perfect in every instance whether it is convincing a runaway about the importance of family, or just using his knowledge and ability to reduce a bill for repairing his tractor Farnsworth always has the perfect manner that is always natural, he is not trying to be wise, he just is as that is who Alvin Straight is. I will say Farnsworth's scenes of wisdom and knowledge are perfect in their suggesting how Straight has gotten to this point in his life, but were those scenes are perfect his scenes of Alvin's history are somehow on an even greater level. Every single moment where he talks about his past, and his mistakes are truly outstanding. Every moment is filled with a true honest poignancy.

All of these scenes are amazing, but I will particularly note his long speech about his time in World War II. The screen focuses on Farnsworth as he slowly reflects on his experience and what he did in the war. Farnsworth is utterly heartbreaking here, because he shows the true experiences of a man who has gone through this, it always feels like the true confession of the man, never for a moment is it less, which is a great achievement. Farnsworth performance is an incredible performance, and one of the most moving performances every nominated. I think his performance can really be best summed by his final scene where he finally sees his brother (Harry Dean Stanton who is also amazing in a very very short role) they barely even talk, but both actors due to their completely honest reactions to one another, absolutely suggest the whole long history of the brothers in such a short moment. This scene shows the nature of Farnsworth performance, a quiet but brilliant performance, every moment is true, and honest, and he makes the journey of Alvin Straight one of the most powerful and poignant journeys ever put on film.

Best Actor 1999

And the Nominees Were:

Russell Crowe in The Insider

Denzel Washington in The Hurricane

Kevin Spacey in American Beauty

Richard Farnsworth in The Straight Story

Sean Penn in Sweet and Lowdown