Christian Bale has been nominated for the Best Actor Category for this year’s Oscars for his stellar performance in the film Vice. In the 2018 biographical film, Bale portrays Dick Cheney, the former US Vice President. The British-born actor has been gathering accolades for his performance ever since the film’s release in December 2018. Writer-director Adam McKay has offered glowing praises for the actor, revealing in an interview that he only had Bale in mind when he thought of Cheney’s character.

Born in 1974, Christian Bale is known for his intense method of acting, often getting into the skin of the character. He first appeared as a child actor in the film Empire of the Sun in 1987, going on to perform in movies like Little Women. It was his portrayal of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho in 2000 that put him on the map. He has also played Batman in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Vice Trailer: Christian Bale Deserves a Round of Applause for His Brilliant Transformation Into Dick Cheney.

Previously, he has undergone rigorous physical transformations to fulfil various role requirements. From dropping 120 pounds to playing a factor working in The Machinist to gaining weight for American Hustle, Bale is no stranger hard work. Even in Vice, the actor piled on pounds to portray not one but Cheney in two different times of his life.

Here's the trailer of Vice:

This year, at the 91st Academy Awards, Bale is up against Bradley Cooper in A Star is Born, Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody, Willem Dafoe in At Eternity's Gate and Viggo Mortensen in Green Book. He's a  very strong contender for the Best Actor category this year and is also a jury favourite. However, he's up against tough competitors such as Rami Malek and Bradley Cooper who also stand a good chance at winning.  Christian Bale Thanks Satan For Inspiration, Satan Church Responds Saying 'Hail Christian! Hail Satan!'

Bale is no stranger to Academy Awards since he has previously won an Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for The Fighter. He also has numerous Golden Globes awards and other nominations under his belt, making him a formidable competitor for this year’s Best Actor category.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 13, 2019 07:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).