Oscars Best Actor - Viggo Mortensen

20-02-2008 09:16

Age:49

Role:

Nikolai Luzhin in Eastern Promises

Character:

The mysterious and charismatic Russian-born Nikolai Luzhin (Mr. Mortensen) is a driver for one of London’s most notorious organized crime families of Eastern European origin.The family itself is part of the Vory V Zakone criminal brotherhood.But Nikolai’s carefully maintained existence is jarred once he crosses paths at Christmastime with Anna Khitrova (Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts), a midwife at a North London hospital.

Anna is deeply affected by the desperate situation of a young teenager who dies while giving birth to a baby. Anna resolves to try to trace the baby’s lineage and relatives.

The girl’s personal diary also survives her; it is written in Russian, and Anna seeks answers in it.

Previous Oscar Wins:

None

Previous Oscar Nominations:

None

Critics:

‘In Eastern Promises, David Cronenberg's hellacious new Russian mob movie, Viggo Mortensen finally comes of age as an actor and a movie star.’ Boston Globe

‘Viggo Mortensen lends a moral complexity to Eastern Promises that makes it much more than just a very accomplished action thriller.’ New York Post

‘Thanks to its compelling story and a powerful performance by Mortensen.’ Total Film

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw

Other Best Actor nominations

Johnny Depp

Tommy Lee Jones

George Clooney

Daniel Day Lewis