Given that he "retired" from acting a few years ago, Jared Leto's recent Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination (and probable eventual win, given all the signs and the fact that he's won at virtually every other awards ceremony) is doubly unexpected. But, prior to 2014, Leto never had much luck in the acting world. The occasional attention-worthy performance aside - see Requiem for a Dream - the 42-year-old (WHAT?!) Leto remained relatively obscure to moviegoers. In fact, he was more in danger of finding fame with band 30 Seconds to Mars. After taking his own health for granted (he got gout) to play John Lennon's killer in 2007's unloved Chapter 27, Leto understandably disappeared from acting until last year, presumably to spend some vacation time in the Fountain of Youth. But with Dallas Buyer's Club, in which he plays an AIDS-afflicted transvestite, Leto has gathered awards momentum as if from nowhere, and is on course for an Academy Award as well as a rejuvenated Hollywood career.
Lover of film, writer of words, pretentious beyond belief. Thinks Scorsese and Kubrick are the kings of cinema, but PT Anderson and David Fincher are the dashing young princes. Follow Brogan on twitter if you can take shameless self-promotion: @BroganMorris1
