The Debate: Was Brad Pitt's Oscar for 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' a Make-up or Merit?

The highly anticipated Oscars ceremony in 2019 saw Brad Pitt win the Best Supporting Actor award for his memorable portrayal as Cliff Booth in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. This victory sparked a debate among critics and audiences. Was this win a long overdue acknowledgment for his numerous nominations, or was it a recognition for his exceptional performance in that specific film?

Was It Compensation for Past Nominations?

The question of whether Pitt's Oscar win for 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' was compensation for his past nominations is subjective, yet intriguing. Many believe that the Academy often recognizes actors for their entire body of work rather than just a single performance. This viewpoint suggests that a win for one performance can be seen as a nod to the actor's overall career, potentially compensating for previous overlooked performances.

Notable Performances Before 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'

Several of Pitt's earlier performances have received widespread critical acclaim, and one could argue that they deserved an Oscar nomination or even a win. Here are some of the standout roles:

Fight Club (1999)

In this groundbreaking film, Pitt played Tyler Durden, an iconic role that demonstrated his range and charisma. The character's complexity and impact on the narrative made it a memorable performance.

Se7en (1995)

Pitt's gripping performance as Detective David Mills in this dark thriller left a lasting impression. His portrayal added depth and intensity to the film, making it a standout performance.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Pitt received a nomination for this role and many felt it was a strong contender for a win. His portrayal of a man aging in reverse was both innovative and emotionally compelling.

Moneyball (2011)

His portrayal of Billy Beane earned him another nomination, highlighting his ability to bring depth to complex characters. Pitt's performance was both subtle and powerful, portraying the character's determination and strategic brilliance.

12 Years a Slave (2013)

Although Pitt had a supporting role, both his work as a producer and his performance were critically acclaimed. His involvement in this powerful film added to his growing list of commendable roles.

Personal Views on the Debate

Some observers feel that Pitt's Oscar win for 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' could be seen as makeup for previous nominations. However, his performance in the film was undoubtedly exceptional. He showcased the complexities of Cliff Booth's character with subtlety and depth, blending charm, wit, and a touch of mystery throughout the film.

A reader's comment: 'Don't really care "what" he should have gotten award for but it should “NOT” have been for that one. Dicaprio should have gotten that award... I feel that so much so that it bothered me that Pitt didn’t ever really recognize him... He is suckage in my book, period. Dicaprio did more acting by far.'

While these views express a personal stance, they also highlight the longstanding relationship between Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio in the film industry. Both actors have been part of numerous award-nominated films, and discussions about their individual achievements continue to evolve.

In summary, while Pitt's win for 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' may touch on past nominations, it also reflects the merit of his performance in that specific film. The Academy's recognition of his work can be seen as both a celebration of his talent and a nod to his impressive career overall.