Casey Affleck has virtually swept the awards season and the only thing that could make it sweeter for the youngest Affleck would be an Academy Award. The Manchester by the Sea star excelled at playing Lee Chandler, an introverted janitor who has walled himself off from happiness due to his own guilt-ridden conscience.
Affleck’s performance was subtle and reflected the inner battles one can deal with while attempting to surpass one’s limitations.
However, if there is one actor who can supplant Affleck, it is Denzel Washington for his performance in Fences. Washington, who also directed and produced the film, did an excellent job allowing the words to reign supreme in his performance, which allowed the guilt and shame of main character Troy Maxson to shine through.
It does hurt that Washington was not even nominated for this category at the BAFTAs, but that does not necessarily mean that he has no chance for the Oscar. There is a real possibility that the mixture of Washington’s excellent performance and the committee's reaction to the #OscarsSoWhite controversy could see the veteran nominee win his second Academy Award for best actor.