Javier Bardem Wins Oscar for His Role in "No Country for Old Men"

On February 24, Javier Bardem won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his brilliant work in "No Country for Old Men". Bardem is probably very happy that he won. But if any actor could possibly feel that such an accolade is a double-edged sword, it would be Javier.

Javier Bardem is truly a rare gem in a Hollywood full of tarnished rocks. He has steadfastly refused to bow to the pressures of Hollywood; he has avoided following the conventional path of Hollywood stardom. Despite great praise for his work from moviegoers and critics alike, and scores of offers to appear in big-budget flicks, he has remained true to himself. He carefully selects the roles that he plays, selecting them not on their potential to profit at the box office, but on how the character appeals to him and how it would make him a more complete actor.

Bardem first became a highly sought-after performer after his appearance in 2000's "Before Night Falls". He amazed everyone - producers, directors, peers, movie watchers - with his complete transformation into the character of Reinaldo Arenas, who was a Cuban poet and author. He spent countless hours preparing for the role, even changing his diet and going to Cuba to speak to people who knew Arenas.

His work in "Before Night Falls" caught the eye of the Hollywood establishment, and the high-profile offers began pouring in. He was offered a role in the James Bond blockbuster "The World is Not Enough", but, amazingly, he turned it down. Instead, he took on more varied and challenging roles in smaller films such as "The Dancer Upstairs" and "Mondays in the Sun".

His portrayal of a sadistic murderer in "No Country for Old Men" followed, and earned him his greatest praise yet (not to mention the Oscar). But for someone like Bardem, who insists on playing characters that expand his repertoire, such an achievement may bring some annoyance. He is sure to receive more blockbuster offers, and, assuming he remains true to himself yet again, he is sure to turn them down.

For now, though, I'm sure he's just enjoying the recognition that he has received.