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Dr. Oscar's Predictions: Best Actor

By Tariq Khan , Fox News
Published | Updated
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The competition is definitely between Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke, Dr. Oscar says. (AP)

Nominees:

Richard Jenkins, The Visitor

Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon

Sean Penn, Milk

Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

Prediction: Sean Penn

Chance of winning: 75%

There’s no question that the race is between Penn and Rourke.

Penn just won five years ago (for Mystic River) and the bar is always higher for a second win, though he seems to be passing that hurdle. He’s won rave reviews, including a large collection of critics’ awards and the SAG trophy. He plays a real-life person. It’s a dramatic performance and a sympathetic, heroic character.

The well-liked Milk earned an impressive eight nominations, and this is the logical place to reward it.

The gay-rights subject matter makes the film and role feel important, especially in the wake of the recent California Proposition 8 hoopla.

So what could stop Penn? Rourke has also earned a good deal of critical acclaim in a meaty, knock-out performance. He’s defeated Penn at both the Golden Globe and BAFTA ceremonies. The comeback story seems awfully tempting to voters who might be more in the mood for a heartfelt speech by him than a political one by Penn.

Unfortunately, the gritty nature of The Wrestler and Rourke’s bad boy reputation (not to mention bizarre appearance) are probably too much of a turn-off for most Academy members. They simply won’t want to reward the film or him, no matter how good he is in it.

I wouldn’t call Penn a lock, but he has a clear advantage in this boxing ring.

RELATED: Click here for links to all the predictions.

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