Who Should Win an Oscar for the Best Actor in 2020?

When it comes to who should win the Oscar for Best Actor in 2020, the choice is clear: Joaquin Phoenix. However, his win sent ripples through the industry, with many questioning whether his performance as Arthur Fleck in Joker was truly the best in that year.

Austere Excellence: Joaquin Phoenix and Joker

In 2020, the Academy Award for Best Actor was won by Joaquin Phoenix, who delivered a hauntingly intense performance in Joker. Phoenix's portrayal of Arthur Fleck, a troubled individual whose descent into madness and the iconic villainy of the Joker, garnered widespread acclaim. His performance was recognized for its emotional range and the complexity of the role, cementing his place as a viable candidate for the highest honor in the film industry.

Notable Nominees and Rival Performances

The competition for the 2020 Best Actor Oscar was fierce, with several standout performances. Other notable nominees included Adam Driver from Marriage Story, Antonio Banderas for his role in Pain and Glory, Leonardo DiCaprio for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Jonathan Pryce for The Two Popes. Each of these actors brought remarkable depth and authenticity to their characters, making it a truly challenging selection process for the Academy.

Phoenix's Deserving Win

While other performances were worthy contenders, Phoenix's portrayal of Arthur Fleck was widely regarded as exceptional. His emotional Range and the complexity of the role made his win a fitting tribute to his talent and dedication. Many felt that Phoenix's performance was more than just a contribution to Joker; he transformed the character, bringing a new level of depth and nuance to the dark and troubled soul of Arthur Fleck.

Jonathan Pryce: The Best Performance Among Nominees

While Phoenix's win can be argued as the most significant and well-deserved, looking strictly at the nominees, Jonathan Pryce gave the most compelling performance. Pryce's portrayal in The Two Popes showcased a remarkable level of subtlety and intensity, making him a strong candidate for the award. His nuanced portrayal of a complex character, one of the most challenging roles in the film, set him apart as a standout among the nominees.

The Unseen Brilliancy of Willem Dafoe

However, the real gem of the year in terms of acting was arguably Willem Dafoe's role in The Lighthouse. Dafoe's performance was so extraordinary that it was even overlooked in the nomination process by the Academy. His portrayal of a lighthouse keeper in early 20th-century England was a tour de force, demonstrating a level of skill and emotion that warranted an Academy Award nomination. The performances of both Dafoe and Gary Oldman (who also starred in the film) were brilliant, yet Dafoe's role may have been overshadowed by the film's classification as a drama rather than an Oscars contender.

The Oscar System and Nomination Limits

It's worth noting that actors typically have a limited number of nominations. In the Best Actor category, only one nomination is possible. Consequently, actors participating in multiple films cannot split their nominations across films. For instance, actors like Al Pacino or Robert De Niro, who have significant roles in different movies, can only be nominated for one of their performances, regardless of how compelling both roles might be.

The structure of the Oscar nominations limits the visibility and recognition of outstanding performances. It's not uncommon for standout performances to go unnoticed, as seen in the case of Willem Dafoe. Even a film that receives multiple nominations might not include all the performances that deserve recognition. Hence, the debate over who should have won the Best Actor Oscar in 2020 isn't just about the nominees but also extends to the system's limitations in acknowledging exceptional talent.

Overall, while Joaquin Phoenix's win was undoubtedly a triumph, it is important to recognize the excellence of other nominees and performances that went unacknowledged by the Academy. The world of acting remains a rich and diverse field, where talent and passion continually drive the industry.