Praise For 2009’s Oscar Class In New York Times Magazine

As Hollywood prepares for the 81st Annual Academy Awards on February 22, some greats from the film and literary worlds have taken to the pages of The New York Times Magazine to sing the praises of 2009’s Oscar class.

Brad Pitt, who scored a Best Actor nomination for “The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button,” received high marks from novelist Siri Hustved in the February 8 issue.

Hustvedt refers to Brad as the “Adonis” of the David Fincher-directed film. She goes on to say viewers are exposed to moments “pure cinematic adoration,” while watching him play a man aging in reverse.

Hustvedt brings up others’ past comparisons of Pitt to “Gary Cooper and Marilyn Monroe,” as an indicator of his talent and potential career path.

Best Actress nominee Kate Winslet received similar accolades from author Tom Perrotta, who penned the novel “Little Children,” in which Kate starred in the film adaptation.

“She’s both the finest and the most uncompromising actress of her generation,” Perrotta wrote of Winslet, who has been nominated for six Oscars during her career.

Director Barry Levinson, who worked with Best Actor nominee Mickey Rourke, in 1982’s “Diner,” wrote that Mickey is able to “do things with great simplicity.” And that he “carries [‘The Wrestler’] with enormous grace.”

Penelope Cruz, who has nabbed a Best Supporting Actress nomination for “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” received enormous praise from Spanish director Pedro Almódovar, who directed the actress in 1999’s “All About My Mother” and 2006’s “Volver.”

Almódovar refers to Penelope as “one of the most versatile actresses with whom I’ve worked.”

Fans will find out if all the praise and adoration for these nominees translates into Oscar gold on Sunday, February 22, at the 81st Annual Academy Awards live on ABC at 5 PT / 8 ET.

To see amazing shots of Brad, Kate, Mickey and Penelope from The New York Times Magazine’s February 8 issue, CLICK HERE!