Tom Hardy is considered one of the most talented actors of his generation and has also become an icon as Bane in "The Dark Knight Rises" and Mad Max in the upcoming film.

However, the actor who first started in independent film is having the year of his life with "Locke" and "The Drop." Both films were critical darlings but were met with reservations from audiences. However his performances in these films, particularly in "Locke" are exceptional and award-worthy.

"Locke" was released back in April and registered $1.4 million at the box office after a small marketing campaign from A24. The film was critically acclaimed and scored an 88 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes with many raving about Hardy's performance.

"Locke" is a one-man film which takes place in a car. When one considers the constraints and lack of movement, it is an achievement for Hardy.

While it is definitely a longshot in the Best Picture category because of its experimental scale and its indie roots, the Academy could consider this film in two major categories. It may have come out in April but a good awards campaign could enliven the film's awards chances.

The fact that he is able to carry a film on his own is a testament to the work and one that should be considered in the category of Best Actor. Last year Sandra Bullock was nominated for "Gravity" and she carried the film on her own. Robert Redford, may not have received an Oscar nomination for his work in "All is Lost," but he scored numerous awards nominations and was on many pundit's radars.

Currently Hardy should be on the radar especially since his performance has already been nominated for the British Independent Film Awards. Additionally when the film premiered in 2013 at the Venice Film Festival, it became the standout film in the festival and also one that many companies fought to acquire.

The actor is also considered overdue since his breakout in the film "Bronson." Film after film, he has demonstrated that he is diverse and he has been seen in a number of award-winning films in which he steals scenes. His best performances have been in "Inception," "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," and "Warrior."

Back in April, A24 had begun campaigning Hardy on the film's banners. The banners would read "for your consideration Tom Hardy" and would be followed by a press blurb. However, after the film flopped the campaign faded. Since the company is only planning on campaigning "A Most Violent Year," it should have a backup plan. Hardy is the safest bet in the best actor race especially since it is such a tricky category. The race is currently led by Steve Carell ("Foxcatcher"), Michael Keaton ("Birdman"), Eddie Redmayne ("The Theory of Everything") and Benedict Cumberbatch ("The Imitation Game"). However, the fifth spot is still opened as there is no secure nominee. Hardy could definitely be a great candidate to fill that spot.

"Locke" is also a good candidate to win Best Screenplay for Steve Knight. Knight received an Oscar nomination for his work on "Dirty Pretty Things" back in 2002 but since then he was snubbed for his work on "Eastern Promises," which was a critical darling. Knight's script for "Locke" won the BIFA awards last fall and garnered acclaim for his simplicity but also for the fact that he was able to contain the movie in one location and show how one night could change people's lives.

The Academy will announce the Oscar nominees in January and will hand out the awards on Feb. 22, 2015.

Related