Golden Globes 2014 Predictions: Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie [Poll]
This year, there are five actors nominated for the 2014 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a miniseries or TV movie. The nominees range from veteran American actors of the stage and screen to illustrious British actors. Each actor delivered a performance that is worthy of the coveted award, but only one can claim the trophy.
The nominees for the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie are:
Matt Damon, "Behind the Candelabra"- Damon is nominated for his incredible performance playing Scott Thorson, the "assistant" and lover of flamboyant singing legend Liberace. Scott, who is many years Liberace's junior, moves in with Liberace, but it soon becomes clear that Liberace is trying to mold Scott into a younger version of himself; Liberace even requests that his plastic surgeon transform Scott's face to more closely resemble his own. Damon expertly portrays Scott's anger and frustration with Liberace's domineering ways and philandering with other young men, which leads to Scott's drug use.
Michael Douglas, "Behind the Candelabra" - Douglas is superb as the eccentric and deeply flawed Liberace. Douglas is excellent at portraying Liberace's megalomania, as well as his dominance over Scott and his obsession to hide their romance at any cost. Liberace's visitations of gay pornographic theaters and his sex with other young men drives a rift between him and Scott, which ultimately leads to Scott suing Liberace. Douglas also affectingly portrays Liberace's last days as he is dying from what is later revealed to be AIDS.
Chiwetel Ejiofor, "Dancing on the Edge"- The breakout English star is getting numerous accolades for his incredible performance in "12 Years a Slave," in addition to his performance in the hit British miniseries "Dancing on the Edge." In the drama, he plays Louis Lester, the leader of a black jazz band in the 1930s. The British public are quickly taken with the band, and they soon perform for the likes of the Prince of Wales. His incredible performance touches upon the underlying themes of the series, such as the continuous struggles of a black band in a world with institutionalized prejudice.
Idris Elba, "Luther"- Elba is excellent as the larger-than-life cop who uses his genius and physical strength to take down London perpetrators. Elba perfectly portrays the dichotomy of Luther's strength and weakness. Although he is a pro at capturing the bad guys, he is a troubled character who feels a palpable sense of isolation. In season three, Elba's besieged Luther is the subject of an internal-affairs investigation, spurred by his old nemesis.
Al Pacino, "Phil Spector"- Al Pacino, "Phil Spector" (HBO)- Pacino embodies the eccentric record producer and songwriter who is now also known as "murderer". He plays Spector during his trial for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson, who was found dead in his mansion in 2003 with a fatal gunshot to her head. He portrays Spector's relationship with defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden (Helen Mirren), although the movie is somewhat fictionalized. Spector was convicted for the murder in 2009, and is serving a prison sentence of 19 years to life.
Prediction: Michael Douglas, Liberace, "Behind the Candelabra"
While every actor embodies his character with virtuosity, Douglas' portrayal of the man behind the sequins and flash was especially entertaining and equally complex. He portrays the realities of who he was, which is a deeply flawed man who was an undiagnosed sex addict and obsessed with keeping his homosexuality a secret. Douglas is the favorite to win in this category, and will most likely take home the award.