The Golden Globes honor the best actors and actresses in film and television every year. This year, actor Steve Buscemi of "Boardwalk Empire" should take home the award for best actor in a television drama. Here is a look at why Buscemi is deserving of recognition.
An Unconventional Leading Man
Steve Buscemi has traditionally been a character actor who appeared in mostly independent films until recently. Though he has landed roles on shows like "The Sopranos," he has never fit the mold for a leading man. He is a bit older than most, and his looks are a bit unconventional. In "Boardwalk Empire," he plays the ultimate leading role; a womanizing gangster who runs an underground empire. Buscemi wasn't the first choice for the creators and producers of the show; Alec Baldwin almost got the role of Enoch "Nucky" Thompson. While Baldwin might have been a more traditional choice, Buscemi's skillful acting makes him a believable and memorable leading man.
A Unique Character on Television
Buscemi has accomplished an amazing feat with his character on "Boardwalk Empire." He has managed to craft a believable fictional character who fits seamlessly into a world of real historic figures. Nucky Thompson may have never had any interactions with the real Al Capone, but Buscemi sells the fantasy to viewers. The character is based on the real-life Nucky Johnson, but Buscemi has made his character unique, and even more authentic than the original Nucky. There is no other actor on television right now that has created such a complex persona within a historical context.
Passed Over Last Year
"Boss" star Kelsey Grammer took home the Golden Globe last year and beat out Buscemi and several other strong competitors. While "Boss" is critically acclaimed, "Boardwalk Empire" has a more talented leading actor. Buscemi did take home the Golden Globe in 2011, but his continued work on the show is worthy of another award. His character has grown more complex over the show's three seasons, and Buscemi's acting has risen to the occasion.
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