These are some new photos of Colin Firth and Gary Oldman out to dinner at Babbo in London over the weekend. It’s odd (to me) that these two are friendly enough to dine together – seemingly without their wives? Just two Englishman, out for dinner, discussing…? What, exactly? Granted, they’re both in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, and both have gotten critical acclaim for their respective roles. Tinker is in limited release currently, so perhaps these photos are just a way to promote the film? Or perhaps Colin and Gary just had dinner as an excuse to bitch about the promotion of the film?
You see, the film is a critical favorite. But it’s being released concurrently with all of the other, bigger awards favorites, and it’s being overlooked. A month ago, everyone thought Gary was a lock for a Best Actor Oscar nomination, but as the awards nominations have come out, Gary has been ignored, and so has the film. Is it possible that our reigning Best Actor winner (Colin Firth) is trying to drum up some support and love for an actor he thinks should be getting Academy love?
I’ve read this a few different times, but I’m not sure if it’s true – I think Colin Firth was the one who really made Tinker happen, and Colin really wanted to be part of an old-fashioned spy film, and an ensemble, and he pushed for Gary to take the lead. I don’t know if that’s what went down, but it might make sense. It is weird to me that Gary Oldman has never even been NOMINATED for an Oscar, and I will love Colin Firth even more if he’s trying to make it happen for his colleague.
PS… A few weeks ago, Vanity Fair had a lovely interview with Gary – go here to read it. He used to be such a temperamental hellraiser, it’s nice to see him as “the establishment” these days. Plus, he name-checks Michael Fassbender!
Photos courtesy of Fame.
I have sooo much affection for Gary. How the hell did he not get nominated for Immortal Beloved??? I love Brad , I love Fassy, I like George & Leo but c’mon Academy give that sexy old man an Oscar already.
Absolutely! He’s amazing and he should totally have an Oscar already. Or at least been nominated a dozen times.
Also, Colin Firth trying to get Gary Oldman noticed by the Academy is just one more thing to adore about him (Colin).
Yes and yes.
I couldn’t agree more. I was really angry when he didn’t get his Golden Globe nomination and I hope Academy won’t make that mistake again. One little thing – how is he an old man (or in other comments – grandpa, papa or the-one-that-shouldn’t-be-a-sex-object-cause-he’s-so-ancient), while Viggo Mortensen, who is exactly the same age (53) as him, is still called sexy dong/hunk, hot piece etc, the same as only slightly younger Clooney or Firth?
Gary Oldman has evolved beyond needing an Oscar, but still – Gwynnie? Tom Hanks for Forest Gump? Sandra Bullock? George Clooney? Marisa Tomei?!!
The World has gone loopy!
Agreed. It is incredibly weird that Gary Oldman has never even been nominated. I could totally see Colin Firth trying to do him a solid and help.
Let’s not forget the amzing Peter O’Toole who never won either. The one’s you mentioned are among those that to me make Oscars irrelevent, based solely on aggressive campaigns and being Hollywood players with strong publicists.
Yes, Jenny. I was just going to mention Peter O’Toole, but you beat me to it. 8 nominations and no wins. One of the great actors of our time. And when I think of who does have an Oscar, my blood boils.
Hope Oldman gets the gold statue.
I agree with everything except the Tom Hanks part.
Maybe Gary might never win an Oscar, but hey, there’s always the Lifetime Achievement Award!
P.S Kaiser, I’m really amazed with your ability to name drop Fassbender in any article that’s not at all related to him whatsoever!
The Oscars are all about campaigning and ratings. They reward the ones who kiss ass the most or have the connections and ambition to win.
Those grumpy farts didn’t have the cojones to give Brokeback the award it deserved. From then on I knew it’s all a sham. Oh and when I discovered that Swank won best actress over Benning. TWICE! Now I don’t believe you can really “outact” somebody but in some cases such as the Swank one, you definitely can. What’s an Oscar or Globe worth these days?!
I think the Best/Supprorting Actor/Actress awards are mostly a joke now. In recent times, Heath Ledger won only because of the pity votes and Natalie Portman’s performance in Black Swan is not Oscar-worthy whatsoever. Jamie Foxx’s win was also laughable.
The Best Picture category is one of the few ones left that I think people still take very seriously.
Heath Ledger should have won for Brokeback Mountain but his performance as the Joker was also incredible imo. I agree that the Oscars these days are mostly a joke and yes, the Academy did honor him posthumously as his time was never going to come again but calling it a pity vote devalues Heath’s very real talent.
Portman I agree with, but Ledger really was the best supporting actor that year. Look at who he was up against and their performances. The only one I could get behind was RDJ in tropic thunder. Jaime Fox was a popularity contest winner.
Heath was totally robbed for Brokeback Mountain. I read the book (short story, really) that was based on, and he had *nothing* from the author on which to base his character. Every nuance was Ledger’s. And it was brilliant. One of the most poignant, real performances I have ever seen on screen.
While he was thrilling and amazing as the Joker, what sent him over the edge for getting the Oscar for that was because he was dead by then, and the world realized there would never be another chance for a very deserving actor with a seeming lifetime of great roles ahead of him to now get the chance to be recognized. It wasn’t pity.
It was similar to Denzel being overlooked for his many roles over the years that were certainly Oscar worthy and instead getting it for Training Day, which was NOT his best work. It was just his time. Ditto with Heath.
I have a feeling the winner of oscar this year is gonna be one of those 3 hollywood pretty actor (Pitt, Clooney,Dicaprio). I think actor like Fassbender,Dujardin,Gary Oldman deserves more.
Meryl Streep should have won for I’m Julie/Julia. She was, as always amazing.
Tom Hanks totally deseved that Oscar. I mean it’s Forest Gump! Agree about Sandy, but I like her an I like her.
Gary is such a chameleon. I remember freaking out at how uncanny the resemblance was between him and Lee Harvey Oswald when he did JFK. He was amazing! And also Immortal Beloved was such a great film. How could he not have won for that? I like him as an actor?\.
I agree Victoria–Gary gave his ALL in such a small role as Oswald. Definitely should have been nominated as supporting actor for that.
And “Immortal Beloved” broke my heart. I have had such a crush on Oldman since then!
Hey there, Gary Oldman…lemme help you with that zipper.
two men that i would just love to meet ugh!
both are amazing in whatever roles they play
Wait in a world where Gwyneth Paltrow has an Oscar, you’re telling me that Gary has never been even been nominated? Talk about a travesty.
Gary Oldman has been amazing on screen for years and deserves to be recognized. I hope Colin’s efforts on his behalf pay off.
Damn, Colin Firth is looking good in these pics. I wonder who the lucky waiter was that got to serve them dinner.
I love Gary Oldman so much, he’s one of my favorite actors. I still haven’t seen Tinker, Tailor yet but I was really surprised he didn’t get any nominations last week considering the initial buzz. I can’t think of anyone with a film out who I’d rather see win an Oscar.
Oldman deserves to be nominated!!
oh my God gary doesnt need any help of anybody.
gary oldman is definitely one of the best actors of our time. and who really cares about oscars?? there are so many not so great actors that have one, so an oscar doesnt mean anything
and colin firth looks amazing
I know people get all in a huff about Firthy’s appeal because he does a lot of Firthy roles and by Firthy I mean Darcyesqyue. But, seriously, the man is just the bee knees. If I were to have a love affair with a middle aged man, it would be someone like him.
The best part of that crap sequel to Bridget Jones was when he said, “I happen to like all you wobbly bits.” Sigh. And then he smiled all bookwormish sexy like and I melted.
And there is always going to be P&P. And he just appeals to all women across the board.
Also check him out in the excellent film with Nia Long called “The Srecret Laughter of Women.” A very small independent film set in France, it’s a great movie.
I never knew Gary hadn’t even been NOMINATED. How can this happen? He’s probably the finest character actor around (give or take the odd one or two)
I agree that he doesn’t exactly need one but come on!
It is a travesty that that hot piece Oldman (yes I know he’s a pepaw but I still would) has never gotten a nomination. I mean his work aside, his performance in Leon was amazing. I’m glad he’s back to working but he should have won one by now.
And a lifetime achievement would not suffice. I hope he gets better than that. LA is like saying not one of your performances stood out but here’s one anyway.
“Now I know I’m pretty, but I ain’t as pretty as a couple of
t!tt!es…best.line.ever
Gary Oldman is the most excellent actor, truly a professional in every way. Yet, he hasn’t got an oscar. Why? Because oscar is not about skills, it’s politics and backstabbing like anything in this world.
I could’ve sworn he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in “The Contender” with Joan Allen. But that was Jeff Bridges.
My family refers to Oldman as “The greatest over actor in the world.” He’s a character actor, and they’re not always as well recognized by H’wood.
To me the Oscars are no longer about cinematic quality but an opportunity to see some pretty dresses.
Oldman is an amazing actor and Tinker an amazing film. Def go see it, a great film,the way films used to be great.
Oh Gary you used to be above all this crap. Now you’re just another fame whore. I think that role in Batman was where it all began to go wrong. 🙁
Awww bless the famewhores. What would we have to bitch about without them? I know you’re joking, but please make 2012 the year Gary Oldman becomes a famewhore. I would love to see him in headlines every day.
without the beard, I would submit him to http://menwholooklikeoldlesbians.blogspot.com/
I like him but was startled at another photo.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is an outstanding espionage film and also a smart adaptation from the le Carre novel. Loved how the film’s production design and cinematography both create an enigmatic atmosphere and portray the equally enigmatic character of George Smiley. Gary Oldman’s turn as the anti-Bond is superb. It’s a slow burn and the pacing’s deliberate, but once you actively engage yourself in the story, this film will stick with you for a while. It’s plot-driven, but more importantly it’s a great character study both of Smiley and of the other agents, and rich in themes like ideology and self-interest, loyalty and betrayal. Great, great film.
Fingers crossed Oldman gets an Oscar nomination. My other favorites were Mark Strong and Colin Firth.
wahwahwah, I never knew Gary was never ever nominated. I always thought he was a yearly shoo-in nominee. Maybe he never really campaigned and wasn’t really interested in stardom? I rarely recognize him in his movies, like it was his intention to become “invisible”. He did a good job playing Sid Vicious and looking at those pics, I’m guessing he’s shooting a Bill Nighy biopic.
that’s nice of him. why wasn’t gary nominated again? oh yeah he was in a few blockbusters -before- he got the nomination and that seems to be the kiss of death. i really doubt he cares about it much.
To blanket the Oscars as hype and a popularity contest is true certain years. Colin deserved that statuette for his performance in TKS and in my opinion should have garnered it for A Single Man the year before. But Jeff Bridges (who I like) was ‘due’ and there was no denying the Hollywood heavyweight.
There are certain years where the academy just doesn’t know what to do with themselves. And ignoring a nom for a well-deserved Gary Oldman proves it.
And why can’t 2 friends go out and have dinner with one other without the paps making up some ludicrous ulterior motive like maybe Colin is trying to help Gary get a nom! sheesh.
And Colin Firth IS a hottie! 🙂
To blanket the Oscars as hype and a popularity contest is true certain years. Colin deserved that statuette for his performance in TKS and in my opinion should have garnered it for A Single Man the year before. But Jeff Bridges (who I like) was ‘due’ and there was no denying the Hollywood heavyweight.
There are certain years where the academy just doesn’t know what to do with themselves. And ignoring a nom for a well-deserved Gary Oldman proves it.
And Colin Firth IS a hottie! 🙂