Could Mel Gibson win an Oscar?

Hollywood buzz says the tirade-prone star gives an award-worthy performance in 'The Beaver.' But has he disqualified himself with his bad behavior?

Mel Gibson vs. himself. The actor will battle his own bad reputation for a chance to win Oscar's honor.
(Image credit: Getty)

When recordings of Mel Gibson's alarming phone conversations with his ex-girlfriend and baby mama Oksana Grigorieva went public this summer, it seemed that Hollywood would excommunicate the apparently unstable actor (already notorious for his drunken anti-Semetic rants in 2006) for good. But now there's talk of an Oscar nod for his starring role in The Beaver, and the upcoming film's director, Jodie Foster, has voiced her support: "Mel is an undeniably gifted actor and director...a true and loyal friend. I hope I can help him get through this dark moment." Still, an Academy Award?

Gibson reportedly gives an Oscar-caliber performance: At Deadline, Pete Hammond quotes multiple anonymous sources close to the film who say Gibson is absolutely "extraordinary" in the role of a father who talks to a beaver hand-puppet. And Summit Entertainment, the studio behind The Beaver, was "a savvy campaigner last year" with The Hurt Locker, which won Best Picture in a shocking upset over Avatar. Maybe this year, Gibson will be their surprise winner.

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