SubscribeHarrison Ford still hunting for elusive Oscar gold
While portraying a treasure hunter in a popcorn pic like "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull", Harrison Ford may not catch up with the Oscar gold that's eluded him so far throughout his career, but his next two movie roles may be more in line with the academy's taste.
And academy voters may well think it time to reward this 65-year-old movie icon, who lost his only Oscar bid — for "Witness"
in 1985 — to William Hurt ("The Kiss of the Spider Woman").
In "Crossing Over," due out Aug. 22, Ford plays a by-the-book officer caught up in the whirl of illegal immigrants in Los Angeles. The film, written and directed by Wayne Kramer ("The Cooler"), is said to evoke themes similar to those of "Crash," the 2005 best picture winner. Remember, it was Matt Dillon as a conflicted cop who scored that movie's only Oscar acting nod.
And as per Variety, Ford has just signed to star in "Crowley" as a scientist searching for the cure to a rare genetic disorder. Based on a true story, the film will follow the quest of parents hoping to save their children with the help of just one man. This role of medical mentor used to be surefire Oscar bait.
In 1936, Paul Muni won for "The Story of Louis Pasteur;" in 1938 Robert Donat got a nod as a do-good doctor in "The Citadel"; in 1943, Walter Pidgeon was nommed for playing the scientist-husband of "Madame Curie"; and in 1948, Lew Ayres was up for his role as a kindly doc in "Johnny Belinda."
In more recent years, Oscar voters have preferred roles of people being treated by doctors (winner Tom Hanks in "Philadelphia," nominee Russell Crowe in "A Beautiful Mind"), but at least a few docs discovered the right prescription for victory in the supporting slot: Michael Caine in "The Cider House Rules" and Robin Williams in "Good Will Hunting. "
Photo: Weinstein Co.
