Casey Affleck is now an Oscar winner, thanks to his performance in Manchester by the Sea. The newly-crowned best actor has long been the front-runner in this category, picking up numerous statuettes over the course of awards season for his work as a heartbroken man taking care of his nephew in a small Massachusetts town. And on Sunday night, his long awards circuit journey finally reached the glittering finish line. “This means so much to me, thank you,” he said at the start of his speech.
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Affleck was up against Denzel Washington (Fences), Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge), Ryan Gosling (La La Land), and Viggo Mortensen (Captain Fantastic). Washington, a two-time Oscar winner who starred in and directed Fences, was Affleck’s main competition throughout awards season, picking up a surprise Screen Actor’s Guild Awards that shook up predictors and had some believing he might be able to pull off a last-minute win. But in the end, Washington’s fierce performance wasn’t enough to sway voters who had their hearts set on Affleck.
In his acceptance speech, Affleck specifically mentioned Washington by name. “One of the first people who taught me how to act was Denzel Washington and I just met him tonight for the first time. Thank you.”
The camera then turned to Washington, who didn’t look particularly moved by Affleck’s nod.
Affleck continued by thanking writer/director Kenneth Lonergan, who picked up a best original screenplay award earlier in the night. “I’m only here really because of all the talents and goodwill of so many people that are impossible to name, but mostly Kenneth Lonergan who made this part . . . without his writing, I wouldn’t be here for sure.”
He also thanked the film’s producer and his longtime friend Matt Damon, as well as his father for “believing in me.”
This was Affleck’s second Oscar nomination. He was previously nominated in 2007 for best supporting actor for his role in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.
Throughout awards season, Manchester by the Sea has been lavished with praise by critics and voters alike. The film was nominated for six Oscars, including Affleck’s nod, as well as for best picture, best director, best original screenplay, best supporting actor (shining newcomer Lucas Hedges), and best supporting actress (Michelle Williams). Affleck has picked up the lion’s share of accolades over the past few months, despite the past sexual harassment lawsuits filed against him that threatened to derail his awards season ascent. The actor has been on a winning streak, picking up a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and now, his very first Oscar.
