Anthony Hopkins: 4th Lead Actor Oscar in 2010?

I've recently discussed Johnny Depp, Russell Crowe, and Denzel Washington's chances of scoring their 4th lead actor nomination in 2010.

An Actor that owned the Oscar scene in the 90s that didn't make a dent this past decade was Anthony Hopkins. For some reason, his performances were limited, largely were supporting or genre films (Beowulf, Hannibal) and other films (Hearts in Atlantis, The World's Fastest Indian, Proof) never gained traction.

His awards were limited to lifetime achievement awards. Has Hopkins who has impressed audiences and critics with his three lead nominations (Nixon, The Remains of the Day, The Silence of the Lambs) departed the award scene?

The Wolfman
In 2010, the first time we will see Anthony Hopkins is in the remake of The Wolfman staring Benicio Del Toro (pictured above with Hopkins). The February release date makes me want to write off this role entirely, not to mention it's supporting (I should mention though, that Silence of The Lambs was a February release...but this seems like special effects gimmickry, not thrilling drama).

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
Hopkins has another supporting role in Woody Allen's upcoming feature You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger, but in addition to the role being supporting, Woody Allen roles tend to win nominations for the women not the men. Hopkins will be acting alongside Antonio Bandera, Naomi Watts, Josh Brolin, and Freida Pinto of Slumdog Millionaire fame.

Hemingway & Fuentes
If there is a role that will bring Hopkins back into the Award spotlight, I am watching reception and release of the film Hemingway & Fuentes tentatively scheduled for a 2010 release date. This film feature Hopkins in the biopic role of Hemingway alongside Andy Garcia, who's directing the film.

Hemingway and Fuentes tells the story of Ernest Hemingway and his friendship with Gregorio Fuentes, a boat captain who inspires the story of The Old Man and The Sea.

I must say, Hopkins has the look (Hemingway pictured, right does not look too far off from Hopkins in The Wolfman pictured above), and the interest in Christopher Plummer's Leo Tolstoy role in The Last Station suggests that Hollywood is interested in honoring these types of performances.

Shoot the Messenger
Hopkins' final chances for 2010 lie in a rumored role in Ted Griffin's film Shoot The Messenger, based on the novel by Stanford Psychiatry professor Irvin D. Yalom called Lying on the Couch: A Novel.

This film tells the story a woman trying to kill the career of a psychologist who told her husband to file divorce. Hopkins is rumored to play the psychotherapist (Ernest Lash) while Emily Blunt is rumored to play the part of the woman (Carolyn).

Hopkins in 2010?

Hopkins in 2010? Maybe...I would limit his chances to Andy Garcia's Hemingway project though. I would certainly like to see Hopkins get the right roles to impress us again.