Johnny Depp for “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”
First nomination
– Role details: Flamboyant pirate Captain Jack Sparrow tries to reclaim his ship, taken by mutineer Barbossa.
A blacksmith joins forces with Sparrow when Barbossa kidnaps the girl he loves.
– Critic quote: “Depp, like Marlon Brando in ‘The Missouri Breaks’ or Crispin Glover in anything, barely seems to acknowledge other actors or designers; he’s in his own universe.”–LAWRENCE TOPPMAN, CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
– Hidden gem: Depp dropped out of school in hopes of becoming a musician and fronted a series of garage bands, including The Kids, which once opened for Iggy Pop. He played slide guitar on Oasis’ “Fade In-Out” because the band’s lead guitarist was too drunk to perform it himself.
– Not his best work: He appeared with Beverly D’Angelo and Eric Roberts in the 1986 TV movie “Slow Burn,” a run-of-the-mill made-for-TV flick promising mystery and intrigue and delivering none.
– In the works: “Pirates of the Caribbean 2” (2005); “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005); “The Rum Diary” (2004); “The Libertine” (2004)
– Extra nugget: Depp had his dentist implant real gold teeth in his mouth to portray Sparrow, but producer Jerry Bruckheimer thought there were too many and asked him to remove all but a few.
Ben Kingsley for “House of Sand and Fog”
Best actor for “Gandhi” (1982); two additional nominations
– Role details: Proud ex-colonel and Iranian immigrant hopes that the house he has bought will provide his family with a better life in America.
– Critic quote: “Kingsley is just as much a force as he was as the foul-mouthed mobster in ‘Sexy Beast.’ His Behrani is the definition of stiff-backed, his temper explosive, like a lion who protects and sometimes frightens his family.”–MARK CARO, TRIBUNE
– Hidden gem: Born Krishna Bhanji, his stage name is derived from his grandfather’s nickname “Clove King.” His grandfather was a spice trader in Zanzibar.
– Not his best work: He played the title role in the 1986 TV movie “Moses.” Let’s face it, those are tough shoes to fill.
– In the works: “Valiant” (2004); “A Sound of Thunder” (2004); Thunderbirds” (2004); “Suspect Zero” (2004)
– Extra nugget: Kingsley was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in the New Year’s Eve Honors List 2001.
Jude Law for “Cold Mountain”
One previous nomination
– Role details: Inman is a disillusioned Confederate soldier who deserts after he is wounded and begins a long journey home to the woman he loves.
– Critic quote: “Falling in love is a common occurrence on screen, but rarely is it so palpable, so razor-sharp. Law’s performance, embodied in that moment, sustains us throughout the movie.”–MOIRA MACDONALD, SEATTLE TIMES
– Hidden gem: He kept the shirts his characters in “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” and “Gattaca” wore in the scenes when they were killed.
– Not his best work: What is it with hot actors and vampire roles? In “The Wisdom of Crocodiles,” Law’s vampire is redeemed when he falls in love with a potential victim.
– In the works: “Closer” (2004); “The Aviator” (2004); “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” (2004)
– Extra nugget: Although he didn’t take home an Oscar when he was nominated for “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” he now takes home more money because of it. For “Cold Mountain,” he earned $10 million, up from the $745,000 he earned for “Ripley.”
Bill Murray for “Lost in Translation”
First nomination
– Role details: Bob Harris, a washed-up American actor shooting a TV commercial in Tokyo, connects with a neglected and lonely young wife.
– Critic quote: “This is Murray’s homecoming. There have been hints before, in ‘Groundhog Day’ and ‘Rushmore,’ of the melancholy that lies behind his lazy mockery, but ‘Translation’ marks the first time he has explored it.”–TY BURR, BOSTON GLOBE
– Hidden gem: The Wilmette native and Second City alum is the fifth of nine children. He’s a die-hard Mets fan, but we’ll try to overlook it.
– Not his best work: It might be a fan favorite, but it’s not surprising that Academy voters ignored his portrayal of Tripper Harrison in “Meatballs.”
– In the works: “The Squid and the Whale” (2004); “The Life Aquatic” (2004); “Garfield: The Movie” (2004)
– Extra nugget: He was hit by the groundhog twice on the “Groundhog Day” set. Now that’s embarrassing.
Sean Penn for “Mystic River”
Three previous nominations
– Role details: Jimmy Markum is a man with a criminal past who clashes with two of his childhood friends over the murder of his daughter.
– Critic quote: “The sheer brilliance of Penn’s performance anchors the film. … Do you want to see screen acting at its riskiest and most riveting? Watch Penn.”–PETER TRAVERS, ROLLING STONE
– Hidden gem: For “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” Penn was asked to read for the part of Brad (which went to Judge Reinhold) and Jeff.
– Not his best work: He co-starred with then-wife Madonna in “Shanghai Surprise.” Madonna was in the movie. Enough said.
– In the works: “The Assassination of Richard Nixon” (2004); “The Interpreter” (2004)
– Extra nugget: His son with Robin Wright Penn, Hopper Jack, is named after two family friends, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson.
