Poll: What are Gabby Sidibe's chances of having a long film career?

A lot of talk has been going on this week about Gabourey Sidibe, the charming new actress starring in Precious. Lots of debate has gone on about whether or not her talent will outshine her obviously atypical looks (in cinema, anyway) and ensure a successful acting career in coming years. Let me know what you think in the sidebar poll.

(POLL RESULTS: In the wake of the trailer premiere for Clint Eastwood's Invictus, we talked about his best films so far this decade. Mystic River was the winner, with 55% of the vote, while Million Dollar Baby took second with 33%. 11% professed admiration for his latest, Gran Torino. Thanks for voting!)

Poll: What's the best Clint Eastwood film of the decade?

With the Invictus trailer finally hitting the web yesterday, a lot of discussion has been going on about Eastwood and his latest film. Since we've got over a month until we'll have a chance to catch Invictus in theaters, let's talk about the Eastwood efforts we have seen this decade. Which is his best? Tell me why in the comments section.


(POLL RESULTS: Last week we talked about the films that would have been in the Best Picture race had there been 10 spots last year. Voters picked 5 out of 16 films listed. The Dark Knight, Doubt, The Wrestler, WALL-E and Revolutionary Road were the top titles, so I guess those are the movies most think would fill out the race. Thanks again for voting!)

GRAN TORINO

Screenplay by Nick Schenk
Directed by Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood
Christopher Carley
Bee Vang
Ahney Her

Premiere date: December 9, 2008
R for language throughout, and some violence.

Walt Kowalski is an unabashed bigot who never heard a racial insult he didn't love. Bitter, haunted, and full of pride, Walt refuses to abandon the neighborhood he's lived in for decades despite its changing demographics as he clings desperately to a mindset long since out of step with the times. When his Hmong neighbor Thao tries to steal his prized muscle car as part of a gang initiation, Walt is forced to grapple with the world around him.

National Board of Review
Best Actor - Clint Eastwood
Best Original Screenplay

MILLION DOLLAR BABY

Based on short stories by F.X. Toole
Screenplay by Paul Haggis
Directed by Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood
Hilary Swank
Morgan Freeman

Premiere date: December 15, 2004
PG-13 for violence, some disturbing images, thematic material and language.

Frankie Dunn has trained and managed some incredible fighters during a lifetime spent in the ring. The most important lesson he teaches his boxers is the one that rules his life: above all, always protect yourself. In the wake of a painful estrangement from his daughter, Frankie has been unwilling to let himself get close to anyone for a very long time. His only friend is Scrap, an ex-boxer who looks after Frankie's gym and knows that beneath his gruff exterior is a man who has attended Mass almost every day for the past 23 years, seeking the forgiveness that somehow continues to elude him.

Then Maggie Fitzgerald walks into his gym.

In turns exasperating and inspiring each other, Frankie and Maggie come to discover that they share a common spirit that transcends the pain and loss of their pasts, and find in each other a sense of family they lost long ago. What they don't know is that soon they will both face a battle that's going to demand more heart and courage than any they've ever known.

National Board of Review
Special Achievement Award - Clint Eastwood
xxx
7 Academy Award Nominations, 4 Wins
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor - Clint Eastwood
Best Actress - Hilary Swank
Best Supporting Actor - Morgan Freeman
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Film Editing