Johnny Depp Receiving Oscar Buzz For "Black Mass"

Johnny Depp in Black Mass (2015).

Johnny Depp is back in view of the golden statuette!  With the world premiere at the Venice Film Festival of his new movie Black Mass, as well as its North American premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado, he’s now being considered as a sure fire bet for a best actor nomination this Oscar season!

As the Boston mobster James “Whitey” Bulger or “Jimmy” as those close refer to him as, Depp brings a quality to the screen where it feels as if he could flip at anytime.  The kind of character one doesn’t want to double cross.  Earning Jimmy the reputation as America’s Most Notorious Mob Boss.  Director Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart, Out of the Furnace) stated he didn’t really have an interest in making a film about criminals who just happen to be humans, but humans who just happen to be criminals.  Crazy Heart (2009) earned Jeff Bridges an Oscar that year as the top guy.  

Co-Star Joel Edgerton (Warrior, The Gift, Animal Kingdom) is turning heads as well with his recent surge of success in Hollywood having a directorial debut with The Gift a film he also wrote receiving great reviews, is now a good bet for a supporting actor nom come next Oscars for Mass.  Edgerton plays an FBI agent who grew up with Jimmy and convinces him to turn into an informant thus discovering what it’s like to be in the business with the great Whitey Bulger. 

Black Mass’ plush and giant ensemble includes Kevin Bacon, Peter Sarsgaard, Corey Stoll, Rory Cochrane, Julianne Nicholson, Jesse Plemons, Dakota Johnson, Juno Temple, & Benedict Cumberbatch.  It’s released in theaters September 18.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter