Robert De Niro Page 6

Robert De Niro was honoured with a special lifetime achievement award this week, and with it he took the opportunity to slam President Donald Trump for the government's budget proposals regarding cutting funding for the arts on stage at the David Koch Theater at the Lincoln Center.

Robert De Niro at an anti-Trump rally

With news that the US government is planning to make dramatic cuts to the arts, 'The Comedian' star Robert De Niro made his opinions on the subject quite clear as he received the coveted Chaplin Award at the 44th annual Film Society of Lincoln Center honours last night (May 8th 2017).

Continue reading: Robert De Niro Blasts Donald Trump's 'Draconian' Cuts To The Arts

De Niro felt that the time was right for a movie about a comic. "I thought it was such a great idea to do a comedian," he says. "That has never really been done before. Maybe The Entertainer [the 1960 drama starring Laurence Olivier]. But not like this. And a comedian can do things that are more outrageous, even if it's not my personal taste. That was my attraction."

Robert De Niro as Jackie Burke in The Comedian

He also relished the challenge of learning to actually do a stand-up comedy routine. "It's hard," he admits. "You have to have the right material. I worked on this material, but it wasn't like I worked on it for years and had it all there. I don't know how to deal with a heckler. That takes a lot of experience! I did OK, but you just have to get through it. Even though my audience was extras, you can feel like you're dying out there if they don't laugh. You want a reaction."

Continue reading: Robert De Niro Challenged Himself With The Comedian

Robert De Niro has said he feels like he did after 9/11, following the election of Donald Trump.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor, who has been a vocal opponent of Trump, said now he has been elected we’ll have to ‘see what happens’.

Robert De Niro feels like he did after 9/11 following Trump’s election

Continue reading: Robert De Niro: 'I Feel Like I Did After 9/11' Following Trump Victory

Award-winning acting legend Robert De Niro has unleashed a furious rant about Donald Trump, saying he’d like to “punch him in the face”, while taking part in a star-laden video encouraging people to vote ahead of the presidential election in November.

The 73 year old actor, renowned for such cinema classics as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and Goodfellas, spouted off about his feelings on the Republican candidate in a clip produced by Anonymous Content for their VoteYourFuture campaign – but it wasn’t actually used in the final edit.

Robert De Niro made the remarks in an used clip from a VoteYourFuture campaign

Continue reading: Leaked Robert De Niro Clip Savages Donald Trump

Noel Gallagher has admitted that Hollywood legend Robert De Niro didn’t have a clue who he was when the pair ended up having lunch together in the South of France. Gallagher set next to the Taxi Driver star during what became a marathon eight-hour lunch session last month, but afterwards Gallagher said De Niro was still none the wiser about Oasis.

Continue reading: Noel Gallagher Admits Robert De Niro Had Never Heard Of Oasis After Eight Hour Lunch

Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro has been given the go-ahead to build an 83-room boutique hotel in London’s Covent Garden. Westminster City Council granted the actor permission to develop the Wellington Hotel earlier this week, with building work expected to begin next year.

Robert De Niro has been granted permission to build a boutique hotel in London

Announcing his plans in May, De Niro said: “London is one of the most exciting and cosmopolitan cities in the world. It makes perfect sense to develop a hotel that represents all of that in the heart of this city in Covent Garden.”

Continue reading: Robert De Niro To Open Boutique Hotel In London's Covent Garden

Oscar winner Robert De Niro has made his feelings about presidential candidate Donald Trump very clear. Speaking at the opening of the Sarajevo Film Festival on Friday, De Niro compared Trump to his character Travis Bickle from the 1976 film Taxi Driver.

Robert De Niro has compared Donald Trump to his Taxi Driver character Travis Bickle

During a Q&A session before presenting a restored version of the film, De Niro was asked about Bickle's mental illness and his thoughts immediately turned to Trump. "What he has been saying is totally crazy, ridiculous, stuff that shouldn't be even...he is totally nuts," De Niro said.

Continue reading: Robert De Niro Compares Donald Trump To 'Taxi Driver' Character: "He's Totally Nuts"

Jodie Foster has revealed that she was too scared of her co-star Anthony Hopkins to speak to him on the Silence Of The Lambs set. Appearing on ‘The Graham Norton Show’, Foster said that after seeing Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter during the first day read through, the actor had scared her so much that she didn't want to talk to him again.

Jodie Foster has revealed she was terrified of Silence of the Lambs co-star Anthony Hopkins.

“I never spoke to him because he was so scary,” Foster told Norton. “The first day we had a read through and by the end of it I never wanted to talk to him again – I was petrified.”

Continue reading: Jodie Foster Says Anthony Hopkins Was Too Scary To Speak To On 'Silence Of The Lambs' Set

Robert De Niro has once again re-stated his reasons for including a controversial anti-vaccination movie on the schedule for his Tribeca Film Festival this year – even though he has already taken the decision to remove it from the bill following an online outcry.

The 72 year old actor, whose 18 year old son suffers from autism, appeared on the ‘Today’ show on NBC on Wednesday (April 13th) to re-state his belief that Vaxxed, a documentary about the widely discredited medical theory linking childhood vaccinations to autism, should have been shown at the annual film festival he curates.

Robert De Niro and his wife Grace Hightower, whose 18 year old son suffers from autism

Continue reading: Robert De Niro Defends His Support For Anti-Vaccination Movie

The 15th year of Tribeca Film Festival is coming to New York with no less than 77 movie premieres and a total of 101 films altogether. Co-founder Robert De Niro will also be celebrating the 40th anniversary of his iconic film 'Taxi Driver' with a special screening co-hosted by Martin Scorsese and Jodie Foster.

Tribeca Film Festival 2016 opens today!

The screening will take place at the Upper West Side's Beacon Theatre on April 21st 2016 and is not worth missing if you're a fan of the old classics. If you're not, well, there's a whole host of stuff that festival goers ought to check in on as the TFF arrives today (April 13th 2016).

Continue reading: Tribeca Film Festival 2016: Tom Hanks Opens And 'Taxi Driver' Celebrates 40 Years

A controversial film about vaccination has been removed from the bill at Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Film Festival this year, after the actor found “concerns with certain things in this film” having taken advice from the scientific community.

As the co-founder of the NY film festival and as the father of an autistic child, the legendary actor had found himself in a quandary as to how to proceed with the documentary movie Vaxxed: from Cover-Up to Catastrophe. He had at first defended his decision to screen the film, but has now reversed his position having sought advice from experts.

Repeated studies have discredited the persistent theory that there’s a link between childhood vaccinations and autism, but a small and vocal minority of activists has for years sought to uncover a conspiracy in the medical profession.

Continue reading: Robert De Niro Pulls Anti-Vaccination Movie From Tribeca Film Festival Schedule

Zac Efron seems genuinely dazzled by the fact that he's now made a film in which he appears alongside with one of cinema's finest actors. "Robert De Niro is the cool dude of all cool dudes," Efron enthuses about his Dirty Grandpa costar. "He's never seen a single one of my films, guaranteed!"

Efron plays the grandson of De Niro's character

He says that he was so nervous about meeting him that it felt like going on a first date. "Do I come on really strong or do I play it cool, as if it's every day that you meet someone like Robert De Niro?" he laughs. "We had to find out each other's vibe and the way we worked. And then halfway through the movie we sort of just clicked. Basically if you talk to him about anything other than acting, he's an open book. He loves talking."

Continue reading: On Dirty Grandpa, Zac Efron Bonded With Idol Robert De Niro

After starring together in Silver Linings Playbook, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro have reunited for Joy, the true story of inventor Joy Mangano. This time De Niro is playing Lawrence’s father and thanks to their close bond, the actress couldn’t think of anyone more suited to play her on-screen dad.

Jennifer Lawrence in Joy

“Bob is so paternal and lovely to me,” Lawrence said. “He's just always been so nice to me, so it felt really natural that he would play my father, because in some ways he was this paternal figure that I had, raising me through this certain element of my life, through movies and fame.”

Continue reading: Jennifer Lawrence Talks Working With Her 'Theatrical Father' Robert De Niro In 'Joy'

The 68th Cannes Film Festival kicked off on the French Riviera this week with acting icon Catherine Deneuve, who stars in the opening night film Standing Tall. She was joined on the red carpet by a glamorous line-up including Lupita Nyong'o, Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, Sienna Miller and Jane Seymour.

Catherine Deneuve at Cannes Film Festival

More: See pictures from Cannes Film Festival

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Cannes Kicks Off, Tomorrowland Premieres, Cameras Roll In Miami And Trailers Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Meryl Streep And Anne Hathaway

Actor Robert De Niro has been opening up about his artist father ahead of his HBO documentary, 'Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro, Sr.' Apart from being the father of a Hollywood icon, De Niro Sr was a talented painter, who also happened to be openly gay. But beyond his sexuality and famous son, there's still plenty to know about the artist, whose work continues to be remembered over 20 years after his death.

Artistic family: Robert De Niro's father was a painter

Robert De Niro Sr. was born in Syracuse, New York in 1922 to an Italian American father and an Irish American mother. After showing early artistic promise, Robert went to study at the Black Mountain College under the famed artist Josef Albers from 1939 to 1940. He then moved on to study under the expressionist Hans Hofmann, whose tutelage helped him develop and mature as a painter.

Continue reading: As Robert De Niro Remembers His Father, We Look Back At The Artist's Life And Legacy

Robert De Niro is known to be very discreet when it comes to his private life, but in a rare occasion he recalled past memories of his late father.

The 70 year-old iconic actor is currently involved in a project which depicts the life of his father, who was openly gay, called 'Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro Sr.'

De Niro Sr., who died in 1993 from prostate cancer (71), was an abstract expressionist painter, whose work was part of the movement in the post WWII art scene.

Continue reading: Robert De Niro Talks About His Late Openly Gay Father, Ahead Of HBO Documentary Release

The ongoing lawsuit, filed by Paula Petrella, daughter of deceased screenwriter Frank Petrella, was granted another shot at fighting the film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc over the 1980 Martin Scorsese-directed movie, 'Raging Bull', which she alleges unlawfully infringed upon the copyright of her father's screenplay, written in 1963.

De Niro starred as Jake LaMotta in 'Raging Bull'

The decision was made on Monday (May 19th) at the US Supreme Court, after the justices were held to a 6-3 vote to let Paula fight for her father's script, who collaborated with legendary boxer Jake LaMotta on a book and two screenplays that inspired the movie, Reuters reports.

Continue reading: 'Raging Bull' Screenplay Copyright Lawsuit Given Second Chance In Court

Michelle Pfeiffer admitted to being in a cult when she was younger. The 55-year-old actress discussed her involvement with an unusual couple which led to her involvement into a cult called breatharianism. This involved abstaining from drinking or eating as they believe it food and drink are not necessary to live.

Michelle Pfeiffer discussed her cult-like lifestyle in a magazine article promoting her latest film, The Family.

The Batman actress spoke to The Sunday Telegraph's Stella magazine (published on 3rd November) about her youthful involvement in the cult. Pfieffer described how, after leaving home at the age of 20, she became involved with a "very controlling" couple when she arrived in Los Angeles. She described the couple as "kind of personal trainers" who placed her on an extreme diet, breatharianism, which "nobody can adhere to."

Continue reading: Michelle Pfeiffer Led Cult-Like Lifestyle As Young Actress In L.A.

We've been spoiled by great films all year and this first week of November is no different with a cornucopia of cinematic excitement headed towards US shores.

'Last Vegas' - Out 1st Nov.

Arguably the most entertaining release of the week will be Jon Turteltaub's new comedy, Last Vegas. The movie has assembled a sterling cast of older actors, including Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline. To call the movie the grandpa's version of The Hangover would not be giving the film credit for its compelling premise which makes for a hugely watchable film with a driving force of solid acting talent.

Continue reading: The Movies Beckon This Weekend: 'Last Vegas', 'Enders Game,' 'Dallas Buyers Club' [Trailers]

The stars of Thor: The Dark World descended on London for the world premiere in Leicester Square this week. Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and Natalie Portman posed for the paparazzi and greeted screaming fans before the screening. The film has had terrific word of mouth in advance of its opening in the UK next week and in America the week after. Browse through our photos from the 'Thor: The Dark World' world premiere held at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. Or click here to watch the trailer.

The big news this week is the casting of another UK actor, Jamie Dornan, as Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey, the kinky romance costarring Dakota Johnson. Best known for TV series like Once Upon a Time and The Fall, Dornan replaced Charlie Hunnam (Pacific Rim) in the role. If you're asking yourself 'Who Is Jamie Dornan?' Check out our cheat sheet for 'Fifty Shades of Grey's' Christian.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Thor 2 Premieres In London, Casting Choices Surprise Fans, Veteran Stars Talk About Their New Films

The temptation to place classic performances, films and music on a pedestal and never let your mind’s eye topple them is strong. We hold a robust affection for culture gone by, and often struggle to let modern talent permeate the pantheon of classic big-screen behemoths.

McAvoy in Welcome to The Punch

'Tosh,' says Irvine Welsh, who asserts that James McAvoy’s performance in Filth is better than that of Robert De Niro’s in Taxi Driver – a turn that would forever ensure him legendary status.

Continue reading: James McAvoy In 'Filth' > Robert De Niro In 'Taxi Driver'? Big Claim

It's one of those silly hypothetical pop culture questions isn't it? Who'd win in a fight between Rocky and Jake LaMotta? Sylvester Stallone's Philadelphia brawler, or Robert De Niro's swashbuckling middleweight? The Italian Stallion or The Bronx Bull? Well, we get to find out. Sort of. 

Sylvester Stallone [L], Alan Arkin, Kevin Hart and Robert De Niro [R] In 'Grudge Match'

Peter Segal's new movie Grudge Match follows the story of Henry 'Razor' Sharp and Billy 'The Kid' McDonnen, two former boxers who were at the top of their profession. Both Pittsburgh residents, Henry and Bill met in the ring on a number of occasions and had beaten each other an equal amount of times. In other words, everyone's ready for a decider.

Continue reading: Grudge Match: Robert De Niro Versus Sly Stallone - But Who Wins? [Trailer]

Thinking of heading to the theater this weekend to catch a new release? Well, as the major studios prepare their premium Oscar-bait for the November and December release dates, there isn't a whole lot to choose from. Still, Luc Besson's new comedy The Family - starring Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer and executive produced by Martin Scorsese - should satisfy family crowds not keen on seeing another Insidious movie.

Robert De Niro Means Business In 'The Family'

The off-beat movie follows a mafia boss and his family who relocate to a sleepy town in France under the witness protection program after snitching on the mob. Despite the best efforts of Tommy Lee Jones's Agent Stansfield, the family can't help but revert to its old ways and eventually get tracked down by a couple of former mafia cronies. Of course, chaos ensues in the most unlikely of settings.

Continue reading: 'The Family': Who Says Robert De Niro Doesn't Make Good Movies Anymore?

Twenty years since their last movie role together, Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep - two giants of Hollywood - are to reunite for an adaptation of Ann Leary's novel The Good House.

The darkly comic tale is told through the eyes of Hildy Good (Streep), a New York realtor and recovering alcoholic whose life begins to fall apart when she forms a new friendship with Rebecca McCallister. 

As Rebecca becomes the subject of town gossip, Hildy rekindles her friendship with old flame Frank Getchell (De Niro) a straight talking Yankee who tries to uncomplicated her life.

Continue reading: After 20 Years, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep Reunite For 'The Good House'

Sacha Baron Cohen has left the movie biopic of iconic Queen frontman Freddie Mercury after a disagreement over the direction of the project. Cohen - who bears a dramatic resemblance to the singer - had wanted to make a gritty R-rated drama about the star's life, enlisting David Fincher and Tom Hooper to develop the project.

However - as is always the case with approval of Queen projects - the remaining members of the band were concerned about the movie's potential effect on Mercury's legacy and seemingly wanted to make a sugar-coated PG movie. 

According to Deadline.com, the living members of Queen, including Brian May, rejected British writer Peter Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon) as the writer, as well as both Fincher (The Social Network) and Hooper (The King's Speech) as directors. 

Continue reading: Sacha Baron Cohen Leaves Freddie Mercury Movie As Attention Turns To Depp

John D'Leo, Michelle Pfeiffer and Dianna Agron in 'The Family'

From director Luc Besson (Taken, Léon) comes a new gangster movieThe Family- only this time Besson has made a black comedy. The Family stars Hollywood heavyweights Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer as a husband and wife duo. The pair co-starred together in 2007's Stardust but hadn't actually 'performed' together until now.

The plot follows the Manzoni family, led by patriarchal Giovanni (De Niro), who are placed under witness protection after snitching on the mafia. After the mafia turn on him, wanting him dead, Giovanni's family are moved en masse from Brooklyn to Normandy in France reinventing themselves as 'the Blakes' but encounter difficulties when trying to fit in.

Continue reading: Robert De Niro Stars In Mobster-Comedy 'The Family' [Trailer And Pictures]

Robert De Niro has a new film coming out called The Family, in which the acting great plays the head of a notorious mafia clan who is relocated with his family to the north of France under the witness protection program, with hilarious consequences. Today (June 5) the trailer for the film was released online, which you can watch below.

From Taken director Luc Besson, and based on the Tonino Benacquista novel Malavita (with Besson and Michael Caleo handling the screenplay), the film follows the Manzoni family as they are relocated to Normandy, France, by the witness relocation program. Whilst there, the family struggle to cope with such a slowed-down pace of life, and soon their old ways become too hard to hide anymore, with the family reverting to their old ways and the mob soon proving to be a threat once again as they try effortlessly to track down the family in their new surroundings. The film see's Michelle Pfeiffer star as De Niro's trophy wife and Glee's Dianna Agron as their daughter and The Wrestler's John D'leo as their son, with Tommy Lee Jones, Vincent Pastore and Jon Freda also staring in the fish-out-of-water action comedy.

Continue reading: Robert De Niro's The Family Gets It's First Official Trailer [Video]

Silver Linings Playbook has been out a few months, racked up some fine box office figures and is heading towards the Oscars with a chance of glory – but Robert De Niro still gets teary-eyed thinking about its content matter.

De Niro was with director David O Russell and co-star Bradley Cooper on Katie Couric’s show Katie, to talk about the Oscar-nominated film, which deals with issues of bipolar disorder. O Russell’s son suffers from bipolar, and De Niro was asked if he felt a greater responsibility in the film because of that. "Of course, I um –- I understand," replied De Niro said while becoming dewy-eyed. "I don't like to get emotional," the usually stoic actor said, while getting choked up. "But I know exactly what he goes through."

Russell stepped in and confirmed that this wasn’t the first time De Niro had gotten emotional thinking about the subject matter. "When I first was in his apartment and I was talking about the screenplay this what happened," the 54 year-old commented. "And I thought he was having Hay Fever and I realized he was having an emotional reaction. I sat there and I watched Robert De Niro cry for 10 minutes. And I said, Wow, he's really connecting with this material and this could be a beautiful thing if it worked out." And you have to admit that it really has. But to what extent? We’ll find out on Oscars night, February 24.

Continue reading: Robert De Niro Tears Up Discussing Bipolar Disorder On Katie

When Katie Couric invited Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper and David O. Russell on to her chat show to talk about the Oscar nominated Silver Linings Playbook, she probably did not expect to be passing a hanky to a crying Robert De Niro. That’s exactly what did happen though, on the show, which aired yesterday. After listening to David speaking about his experiences of having a son with bipolar disorder, DeNiro was unable to answer Couric’s next question, as he was too emotional.

Choking back tears, DeNiro didn’t explain much about his own experiences, but said “I don't like to get emotional, but I know exactly what [Russell] goes through.” Bradley Cooper, sat next to him on the sofa, leant over and patted his co-star on the back to comfort him and appeared to get tearful himself. The movie’s director, David O. Russell picked up the answer, sensing that DeNiro was unable to end the silence himself. “When I first was in (Robert DeNiro’s) apartment and I was talking to him about the screenplay, this is what happened. “I thought he was having hay fever, then I realized he was having an emotional reaction and I sat there and watched Robert De Niro cry for 10 minutes and I said, 'Wow he's really connecting with this material and this would be beautiful thing if it could work out, because I think his heart would be there' and it is there.”

Silver Linings Playbook, which also stars Jennifer Lawrence, has been nominated for eight Academy Awards. The awards ceremony is held on February 24, 2013. 

Continue reading: What Made Robert De Niro Cry On Katie Couric Show?

The Screen Actors Guild Awards is tonight (Jan 27) and it looks like it could be a close one. What's more, the SAG Awards usually offer a good indication of who will win what at the 'big one' that is the Academy Awards in February. So who'll win what? Here's our prediction of who may emerge victorious at tonight's ceremony.

Best Actor: Ok, this is a bit of a no-brainer. With a Golden Globe and just about every other award under the sun already in his possession, Daniel Day-Lewis looks like the clear favourite to take home the top award. With Cannes winner Joaquin Phoenix not even on the shortlist, it looks like Golden Globe winner Hugh Jackman might be his only competition for the award, but it probably wont be much of a contest.

Best Actress: Again, this one might be a bit of a predetermination, but Jennifer Lawrence is looking like the favourite to take home the top acting prize for the ladies. Even though she's battling pneumonia at the moment, it is believed that she'll show up anyway and with that kind of determination then frankly she deserves the award.

Continue reading: SAG Awards Tonight: Who'll Win What?

In the run-up to the Oscars, the movie industry pays special attention to the smaller awards nominations, for indicators as to what to expect at the big event. So far, it’s looking good for Lincoln, the new Steven Spielberg biopic about President Abraham Lincoln. With the title role played by Daniel Day Lewis and a supporting cast featuring Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon Levitt and James Spader, there has been an ‘Oscars-buzz’ around this movie for some time now. And that buzz just got a little more deafening with the release of the Screen Actors’ Guild Awards nominations.

Unsurprisingly, Daniel Day Lewis is up for best actor, reports Los Angeles Times, with Sally Field getting the nod for best supporting actress and best supporting actor for Tommy Lee Jones. Lincoln is joined by Silver Linings Playbook (starring Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro and Jennifer Lawrence) and Les Miserables, which gets a tips for best ensemble, with Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman leading the cast, there.

Dame Maggie Smith is the real star of this year’s announcement, though, landing more nominations than any other actor. She’s been acknowledged not only for her cinematic appearance in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel but also for her small screen work on Downton Abbey, the British series that has really made waves in the USA. 

Continue reading: That Oscars Buzz Just Got Louder – Lincoln Leads Screen Actors Guild Awards Nominations

As entertainers from stage and screen were recognized for their contributions to the arts and American culture at the Kennedy Center Honors, it seemed as though a competition was forming: who could grab the most laughs with a witty address. Reuters had the scoop. 

"I worked with the speechwriters - there is no smooth transition from ballet to Led Zeppelin," joked President Barack Obama in deadpan while introducing the honorees at a ceremony in the White House East Room. And while Obama is one charismatic cat, we're pretty sure Robert De Niro can outgun him. "Dustin Hoffman is a pain the ass," said the former honoree, introducing the film star. "And he inspired me to be a bit of a pain in the ass too," De Niro continued with a big smile. "It's most incredible because it looks like I lived two lives," Natalia Makarova told reporters before the event. "I've come a long way, baby, no? That's the way someone said it for me." We're not sure we get that one.

Here's comedian Tina Fey, who was honoured with the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2010, on Letterman: "David Letterman is a professor emeritus at the 'Here's Some More Rope Institute,'" while the man himself decided to save the quips for his show. "I was full of trepidation, but now I am full of nothing but gratitude," he said. "I don't believe this, but it's been nice for my family." So who wins? We're going to plump for The President of The United States. 

David O'Russell's new movie Silver Linings Playbook, starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, appears to have a one-way ticket to the Oscars ceremony in February. Strong reviews for the movie with an all-star cast means it's likely to be competing for the major prizes in 2013. Lawrence is the massive favorite to win best actress, Cooper will battle Daniel Day-Lewis and Joaquin Phoenix for best actor, though could Robert De Niro win his first Academy Award since 1981? (Raging Bull)

De Niro plays the father of Pat Solitano, a former school teacher who loses everything - his house, his job and his wife. Living back home with his parents, (mother played by Jacki Weaver), Pat attempts to rebuild his life and meets the mysterious Tiffany, played by Lawrence. De Niro is superb throughout, and is likely to be nominated for best supporting Actor, though can he go all the way? There's an interesting group of contenders this year, with Philip Seymour Hoffman a shoo-in for a nomination. His L. Ron Hubbard style character in The Master won fierce praise from critics, and the 45-year-old is a favorite of the Academy for sure. Ben Affleck could win best director for Argo, while the movie is the frontrunner for best picture, though it also has a couple of supporting performances worth a shout. Bryan Cranston plays a CIA officer in the political drama and has made a huge name for himself in Hollywood for his performances as Walter White in Breaking Bad - easily one of the finest characters in television drama for years. In the same movie, Alan Arkin also turns in a fine comedic performance with Jon Goodman and, of course, the Little Miss Sunshine actor has had his hands on the supporting actor gong before. Tommy Lee Jones is likely to get a nomination for Lincoln, while Leonardo DiCaprio will be disappointed to not make the shortlist for his turn as the evil Calvin Candie in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. 

Outsiders for a shot at the statuette include Javier Bardem for Skyfall, Russell Crowe for Les Miserables and William H Macy for The Sessions. Let's be clear, Philip Seymour Hoffman will take all the beating here, though De Niro's performance will not be ignored by the Academy. His co-star Bradley Cooper said it would be "insane" should he win Best Actor for Silver Linings Playbook and it certainly would be unthinkable for Daniel Day-Lewis not to walk away with that award come February, but best supporting actor? That's not so clear cut.

Continue reading: Has Silver Linings Playbook Got Robert De Niro Back Into Oscars Contention?