Tom Hanks woke up to beautiful news Monday. His portrayal of Fred Rogers in “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” was nominated for an Academy Award for best actor in a supporting role.
The movie, with some scenes filmed in Pittsburgh, also stars Matthew Rhys as Lloyd Vogel, the fictional version of journalist Tom Junod, who is not quite ready to buy into the Mister Rogers legend as he is profiling him for Esquire. Junod’s 1998 story formed the basis for the movie.
A red carpet gala and special screening of “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” took place in November at the SouthSide Works Cinema in Pittsburgh with Rogers’ widow, Joanne Rogers, in attendance.
The Oscar nod is the 25th time Hanks has been nominated for this role as everyone’s favorite neighbor.
Among the others: Golden Globes, BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Awards, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Satellite Awards. Only once did he take home the prize — from the North Texas Film Critics Association.
While most of Hanks’ nominations have been in the supporting actor category, the MovieGuide Awards nominated him for the Most Inspiring Performance in Movies. Those awards will be handed out Jan. 24.
Hanks previously won Oscars for Best Actor for “Philadelphia” and “Forrest Gump.” He also received Best Actor nominations for “Big,” “Saving Private Ryan” and “Castaway.”
The Oscars air Feb. 9 on ABC.
