Age: 39
Character: Francois Pienaar in Invictus
Film: The film tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team, Francois Pienaar, to help unite their country.
Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid.
Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa’s underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.
Previous Golden Globe Wins: Damon has one previous Oscar win for best Screenplay for Good Will Hunting back in 1997.
Previous Golden Globe Nominations: He also two other nominations: Best Actor for The Talented Mr Ripley back in 1999 and Best Actor this year for his role in The Informant!
Award/Nominations for role: Damon has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Critics: “Those looking for a more in-depth, probing account of Mandela's complicated life might wish to look elsewhere. Invictus is an absorbing, jubilant tale about the healing power of sport.” - Hollywood.com
“It’s an exciting sports movie, an inspiring tale of prejudice overcome and, above all, a fascinating study of political leadership.” - New York Times
“Depicts an unlikely intersection of sports and leadership in ways that manage to be inspiring and insightful without ever becoming schmaltzy or preachy.” - New York Post
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
Tagged in Golden Globes Matt Damon