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TONY GILROY Michael Clayton
Best Director Oscar Nomination:
Age 51
Oscar History First nomination.
Learning Curve Before making his directing debut with Clayton, Gilroy co-wrote the Bourne movies and worked “shoulder-to-shoulder” with Taylor Hackford on three films in an informal apprenticeship. “He couldn’t have been more inclusive,” Gilroy says. “I was involved in everything.” Who Needs Netflix? Clayton is heavily influenced by the 1970s-era movies that both Gilroy and star George Clooney love. For inspiration, “we watched Klute a lot,” says Gilroy. “And we screened two films we couldn’t get on DVD, The Friends of Eddie Coyle and Prince of the City.” Up Next In March, Gilroy is set to direct Julia Roberts and Clive Owen in the corporate thriller Duplicity, which he also wrote.
George Clooney on Michael Clayton
GEORGE CLOONEY Michael Clayton
Age 46 Role See title, above. Oscar History He won Best Supporting Actor two years ago for Syriana and was nominated the same year for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Good Night, and Good Luck. Cutting-Room Floor Clooney’s divorced “fixer” character originally had a girlfriend. “We shot it with Jennifer Ehleshe gave a wonderful performance,” says Clooney. “And the more we did it, we realized you have to isolate this character more. And having a girlfriend, he’s not in as much trouble.” Clooney wrote Ehle a note to apologize for the excision: “I didn’t cut it, but I still felt bad about it.” Up Next He stars in his third directorial effort, the football comedy Leatherheads (out April 4). He’s also wrapped the Coen brothers caper Burn After Reading with Brad Pitt and Clayton costar Tilda Swinton, and has lent his voice to Wes Anderson’s upcoming animated film The Fantastic Mr. Fox.