There’s no denying that Gary Oldman is one of finest working actors at the moment, but you might be surprised to learn he’s only been nominated for an Oscar once, for 2012’s “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.” But next year could be his time, as Oldman is taking on one of Britain’s greatest leaders, and is completely transforming for the part.
The first look at Oldman as Winston Churchill in Joe Wright‘s “Darkest Hour” has arrived. With a screenplay by Anthony McCarten (“The Theory Of Everything“), the drama kicks off within days of Churchill becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain, as he must face one of his most turbulent and defining trials: exploring a negotiated peace treaty with Nazi Germany, or standing firm to fight for the ideals, liberty and freedom of a nation. As the unstoppable Nazi forces roll across Western Europe and the threat of invasion is imminent, and with an unprepared public, a skeptical King, and his own party plotting against him, Churchill must withstand his darkest hour, rally a nation, and attempt to change the course of world history.
Damn, that sounds like a great lead role, and Oldman will have a terrific supporting cast around him with Lily James as Churchill’s personal secretary, Ben Mendelsohn as King George VI, and Kristin Scott Thomas as Churchill’s wife, Clementine.
Mark your calendars, because this is already set to open in the heart of the awards season on November 24, 2017. [Daily Mail]
