January 24th, 2012
11:33 AM ET
Demián Bichir on Oscar nod: Hopefully, now you'll see the movieWhen Oscar season rolls around, the biggest debate often happens over who was snubbed by the Academy. But the annual round of nominations also offers something else: A mainstream spotlight for films you might've overlooked when they were released. Demián Bichir, who picked up an Oscar nod for best actor in Chris Weitz's "A Better Life," is hoping that's the case for their project.
"A Better Life," about an East L.A. gardener trying his hardest to set his son on the straight-and-narrow while seeking ways to offer him the titular "better life," opened in limited release in the States last June. Thanks to his recognition from the Academy, Bichir tells CNN that he hopes this will encourage others to learn more about the story. “I'm overwhelmed [to have] my name among those incredible actors," Bichir tells us in a statement. "This could have never happened if Chris Weitz had not been the head of this film. He is my brother and I thank him deeply." Bichir continues, "Hopefully more and more people will jump into iTunes and Netflix to see our film. That will be the biggest reward we could get. I dedicate this nomination to those 11 million human beings who make our lives easier and better in the US.” If you've seen "A Better Life," tell us what you thought of the film in the comments. |
  About this blog
Our daily cheat-sheet for breaking celebrity news, Hollywood buzz and your pop-culture obsessions.  |
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| 
It was a great movie that brought an understanding to the hardships of illegal immigrants and why they struggle.
Its a very subtle and minimalistic performance, I have never been a fan of his work, I used to think that his comedic performances were half assed and that his drama roles were pretentious and boring , but I have to be honest, this movie and his interpretation really really made an impact on me . He totally drowns himself in this character, the way he talks, the way he moves -tired, but not defeated-, the way he cant express his feelings with words, but with subtle emotions , the way he interacts with his son. I think is a great performance, and since I watched the film, back in September, I thought that he deserved a nomination, but the fact that he plays a such impenetrable mysterious soul, in such a small film , with an unpopular topic, I thought it would be too much of a stretch , luckily for Bichir, I was wrong.
I am a high school teacher. Most of my students are Latino. I had them see the movie and write a review. Many of them said it was the best movie they had ever seen. They came away from it with an appreciation for the sacrifices their families endure so they can have a better life. Thank you for such a beautiful movie and beautiful performance, Mr. Birchir.
Demian deserves this award! It is a fabulous movie and he was superb!
This was a well-deserved nomination. Birchir's performance was one of the finest I have ever seen. When I saw the movie, I told my wife that he deserved an Oscar nomination, but did not expect one for such a "niche" film.
He was poignant and striking. The film had me in tears of an all-too-common story. Congratulations to him! This movie is a must see!
Demián Birchir's nomination was a highlight of my morning. His performance was absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking. Certainly, "A Better Life" was one of those movies that took me by surprise – it was real, authentic, touching, and personal. I do hope that more people watch it. Because if they do, it is a movie that stays with you. Congrats Birchir!!
I saw the movie and I loved it. Damien was great and his nomination is so deserving. I feel so happy for him. Best wishes to him, I hope he wins!
Beautifull subtle perfomance, left me in tears, SEE IT.
CONTRATS DEMIAN!
Completely agree!!!
He was great in Che, loved him in Weeds and superb in this movie – so happy he got the nomination. Also very easy on the eye lol
Reblogged this on THREADerati and commented:
a film from a fabulous producer...Laura Greenlee
Bichir's performance was heartbreakibng. His nomination was well deserved. He didn't 'take anyone's spot". The nomination was well deserved and certainly a better performance than George Clooney's standard performance that seems to be getting all the buzz because of his intense campaigning.