Does 'Life of Pi' have stealth Oscar support in actors branch?

Despite its 11 Oscar nominations, second only to "Lincoln," the Ang Lee-directed "Life of Pi" has been a relative afterthought in an Oscar discussion more enraptured by the Steven Spielberg epic, Ben Affleck's "Argo," David O. Russell's "Silver Linings Playbook" and Tom Hooper's "Les Miserables," among others.

One theory for this is that because "Life of Pi" lacks onscreen star power — though no slight should be taken at BAFTA Rising Star nominee Suraj Sharma or the always superb Irrfan Khan — it simply doesn't capture the media's attention the way the other films do.

But there's a danger in overlooking "Pi," which could follow in the 4-year-old footsteps of "Slumdog Millionaire" and win the best picture honor. In addition to its strongly Indian cast, "Slumdog" was the last film to win best picture at the Oscars without an acting nomination (though it did win the Screen Actors Guild Awards ensemble prize).

To underscore this point, the "Pi" public relations team has collected tweets and quotes about "Pi" from actors raving about the film. It's anecdotal — every film could come up with a similar list — but it serves as a reminder that in such an uncertain year at the Oscars, "Pi" remains a player.

Russell Crowe @russellcrowe

By the way, Life of Pi is amazing. Such a beautiful film.

 

Anne Hathaway (via WSJ interview)

I’m so grateful to him for “Life of Pi.” It’s easily one of my favorite films of all time. He’s astonishing.

 

Mark Wahlberg (mentioned via a satellite interview)

Mentioned that the film was one of his favorite films of the year.

 

Jason Alexander @ljasonalexander

I was blown away by Life of Pi tonite. Gorgeous, moving film. Ang Lee paints on film and he is a master. Cast was sublime. This is a winner!

Can't get over Life of Pi. Maybe most beautiful film I've seen in a decade. I'm going again. Take someone you love and go.

 

Ewan McGregor @mcgregor

I saw 'The Life of Pi' last night. It's absolutely wonderful. I want to see it again and again.

 

Susan Sarandon @SusanSarandon

I loved #Life of Pi. Magical. Lyrical technology jason alexander ?

 

Mia Farrow @MiaFarrow

Saw Life of Pi - it's stunning! Also, as someone who wrestles with faith and doubt, it was so meaningful to me

 

Tom HiddlestonVerified @twhiddleston

LIFE OF PI is absolutely beautiful. By turns wild, colourful, fun, poetic, inspiring, expansive, mysterious and deep. Like the sea.

 

Ellen Page @EllenPage

Life of cry, I mean Pi just destroyed me. Amazing.

 

Rob Lowe @RobLowe

Best Supporting actor of 2012: Richard Parker, Life Of Pi.

 

LeVar Burton @levarburton

Oh… I forgot to tell you, Life of Pi is a visual feast!!! #2thumbsup

 

Marg Helgenberger @MargHelgen

Just watched "Life of Pi". Bravo to Ang Lee and company. A beautiful and inspired piece of filmmaking.

 

Kevin Smith @ThatKevinSmith

Holy shit... I loved LIFE OF PI so much! Ang Lee is a cinematic Jedi! If you haven't seen PI yet, get eyes on it. It's simply beautiful.

 

Jenna Dewan-Tatum @jennaldewan

Life of Pi. Omg go see it. Run. Now. Amazing

 

Ricky Martin @ricky_martin

A movie that you will never forget "Life of Pi" Outstanding! I see many Oscars #MagicalRealism

 

Clifton Collins Jr. @ccollinsjr

Hard to not get Indian food after watching Life of Pi such an amazing film, leaves one thinking, food aside

 

Harry Shum Jr @iharryshum

Life of Pi was amazing! Worthwhile 3D movie. Which story do you prefer?

 

Betty Buckley @BettyBuckley

Last weekend I saw "Life of Pi" in 3D. Absolutely loved it! Now I have to read the book. #LifeofPi Brooke Burke Just saw Life Of Pi. Amazing! Beautiful!!

 

Tony Parker @tp9network

Life of PI was a good movie....

 

Chris Mintz-Plasse @MintzPlasse

Life of Pi was such a beautiful piece of film.

 

Janel Parrish @JMeilanixo

Life of Pi stole my heart.

Yessss Life of Pi was stunning.

 

Keke Palmer @KekePalmer

PLEASE GO SEE LIFE OF PI.