When Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne accepted their respective roles for the biggest biopics in 2014, spectators automatically thought of the British actors as professional rivals. There works for "The Imitation Game" and "The Theory Of Everything," respectively, earned them accolades from practically every award giving body this year.
Redmayne won the Best Actor distinction at the Golden Globes but Cumberbatch still has the BAFTAs as well as the Oscars to conquer. Who do you think bring home the trophies from those award giving bodies.
Despite the seemingly tough rivalry between the two, they are actually "good" friends.
Redmayne told Entertainment Weekly that, although he and "The Hobbit" star haven't spoken in person yet, they have sent text messages to each other with "many an exclamation mark being used."
"We've come up together and Ben is a good friend, and such an amazing actor," he said.
He added, "Benedict is so extraordinary in 'Imitation Game.' It is a genuine honor to be amongst that group of actors."
The said actor, meanwhile, shared his reaction to the Oscars announcement to Entertainment Weekly.
"It's wonderful to be included by the Academy in this exceptional year of performances," Cumberbatch said. "To ring my parents who are both actors and tell them that their only son has been nominated for an Oscar is one of the proudest moments of my life."
Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne are up against other formidable performers as well. Michael Keaton is also nominated for "Birdman" as well as Steve Carell for "Foxcatcher" and Bradley Cooper for "American Sniper."
Meanwhile, British actresses Rosamond Pike ("Gone Girl") and Felicity Jones ("The Theory Of Everything") received nods for Best Actress. Cumberbatch's co-star Keira Knightley is also nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
Both English gentlemen have a lot in common aside from being two of the country's best actors. Redmayne got married recently. On the other hand, the "Sherlock" star is already expecting his first child with his fiancé.
Do you think Benedict Cumberbatch or Eddie Redmayne will bring home the Academy Award for Best Actor?
