Yes, you read that right. While musical actors do get nominated in the Actor in a Leading Role category at the Oscars, a win hasn't come their way for 55 years. (per Variety). According to Variety columnist Clayton Davis, musicals provide a fraught prospect when it comes to awards, but a perfect cast and crew can make them a compelling choice for the Academy voters. Miranda's "Tick, Tick... Boom!" was a moving portrayal of Larson's journey as he sought to compose his best work, while navigating relationships and racing against time. Garfield's nomination, then, comes as no surprise.
This Oscar nomination, however, puts Garfield in league with acclaimed theater actors like Hugh Jackman, who was nominated for his role in "Les Misérables" in 2013. Jackman, despite winning the Golden Globe in the same category as Garfield, did not win the Oscar. Before him, Johnny Depp, who was nominated for his role in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," also did not win.
The last actor nominated for his role in a musical who actually won the award was Rex Harrison for his role in "My Fair Lady" in 1964. If Garfield manages a win here, it would be historic. But, with the likes of Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Javier Bardem in the running, he will face a strong competition.
The Academy Awards are set to take place on March 27.
