Oscars 2018: 10 Best Actor Candidates You Need To Know

Skarsgard's chilling interpretation of the red-nosed villain may appear to be an unlikely Oscar role but he's the clear people's choice for 2018. Over the past few months, media outlets have contended that Skarsgard deserves a rightful place on the ballot.

The Academy isn't adverse to honoring horror movies. William Friedkin's The Exorcist secured eight nominations including one for scene-stealer Linda Blair. If the cinematic adaptation of King's novel creates enough hysteria, the scene-stealer of It will be showered with applause for Pennywise on Oscar night.

Skarsgard wouldn't be the first actor to be lauded for a Stephen King picture. Kathy Bates reigned supreme in the Best Actress category for Misery. The Green Mile's Michael Clarke Duncan earned a nominaton even as a relative newcomer. Their performances prove that a nod for Skarsgard isn't a dead issue.

Several sources maintain that ignoring Skarsgard would be a mistake in light of It's financial victory and cultural impact. Salon compared his portrayal to Heath Ledger's in The Dark Knight and Anthony Hopkins' Silence of The Lambs. Oscars barometer Goldderby insists that he's a worthy candidate due to numerous examples of critical love. Prognosticators often include him on their top ten lists now as momentum for Skarsgard grows.

Since the film's premiere, fans have jumped on the bandwagon and added Skarsgard to their Oscar picks. They're not kidding around thanks to the overpowering support from many sources.

The likelihood of the Academy selecting Skarsgard seems amusing but history could favor the sinister clown.