In 2009, the Academy Awards committed one of their greatest sins of all time and failed to nominate The Dark Knight in the Best Picture category. Fortunately, they didn’t overlook Heath Ledger for his riveting portrayal of The Joker in The Dark Knight, and his posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor proved to be one of the Oscar’s greatest moments ever.Now on the day of the 84th Annual Academy Awards, there is not a comic book movie in site among the Oscar nominations. However, the long shadow of the Batman still casts itself over the awards in the presence of both nominees and presenters. Apart from the antics of Sacha Baron Cohen, the biggest storyline of the 2012 Academy Awards might very well be if veteran actor Gary Oldman can snag the Oscar for Best Actor.Among comic book fans, Gary Oldman is best known for his role of Commissioner Gordon in Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises. And while most actors from Christopher Nolan’s Batman films tend to be notoriously tight-lipped, Gary Oldman is beloved among fans for his willingness to talk about the movies and occasionally drop a spoiler or two.While many are predicting that either George Clooney or Jean Dujardin will ultimately take home the Best Actor Oscar, it will be a very special moment if Gary Oldman is able to pull off the upset. After thirty years in the business, Gary Oldman’s nomination for his role in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is surprisingly his first ever Oscar nomination. If he does manage to take the stage, it will be interesting to see if he gives a shout out to any of his Dark Knight Rises’ cohorts, whom he often praises in interviews.Among the presenters, there are at least two actors from Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. Both Christian Bale, who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in The Fighter, and Morgan Freeman, who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Million Dollar Baby, have been announced as presenters. In the current series of Batman films, Christian Bale of course plays the title character, while Morgan Freeman plays Wayne Enterprises CEO Lucius Fox.With all the current and former Oscar winners and nominees that play a role in the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises, it will be interesting to see if the Academy chooses to overlook the film in 2013 if it does become the box office smash and critical acclaimed movie that many are predicting it will be in the summer of 2012. While The Dark Knight Rises at the 2012 Academy Awards merely by the presence of members of its exceptionally talented cast, perhaps at the 2013 Academy Awards, The Dark Knight Rises will capture a Best Picture nomination and bring Christopher Nolan the recognition that he so rightfully deserves for his magnificent work on the Batman franchise.
