Biutiful

After a long vacation, he's now returning to his Spanish roots in "Biutiful," directed by one of Mexico (and Hollywood's) Big Three, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.

Javier Bardem is Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s ‘Biutiful’ Man » MTV Movies Blog 2008

"Biutiful" - Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu has always driven headlong into gritty depictions of pain and tragedy.

Yahoo! News: Business - Opinion 2010

Javier Bardem, a possible (key word: possible) Oscar contender in "Biutiful."

Oscars 2011: With three months until nomination day, who's got buzz? Jen Chaney 2010

"Biutiful" -- Playing at AMC Loews Georgetown 14, AMC Loews Shirlington 7, Bethesda Row Cinema in Bethesda, Cinema Arts Theatre

See Oscar winners and nominated flicks 2011

"Biutiful" -- Playing at AMC Loews Georgetown 14, AMC Loews Shirlington 7, Bethesda Row Cinema in Bethesda, Cinema Arts Theatre

See Oscar winners and nominated flicks 2011

Javier Bardem for best actor: This looked like a distinct possibility given the support behind his work in "Biutiful," but for casual movie fans who may not have heard of this bleak drama, it surely counted as one of the day's surprises.

Oscar nominations: The snubs and surprises Jen Chaney 2011

Biutiful R "Watching Javier Bardem occupy, embrace and ultimately own a multifaceted role like the one he plays in "Biutiful" is a rare treat, and an absolute joy."

On screen this week: 'Biutiful,''Barney's Version,''The Mechanic' Anne Kenderdine 2011

Javier Bardem lives up to the Oscar buzz in "Biutiful," while "The Mechanic" has a sputter here and there but otherwise seems to be running just fine.

Weekend update: D.C. trivia Alex Baldinger 2011

Javier Bardem, "Biutiful": Competition is tight for that last spot.

Oscars 2011: Predicting the lead actor and actress nominees Jen Chaney 2011

The morning's semi-surprises included Javier Bardem's nod in the lead actor category for his role as an ailing father in "Biutiful," Michelle Williams's nomination in the Best Actress category as one half of a struggling married couple in "Blue Valentine" and a Supporting Actor bid for John Hawkes, a veteran character actor who earned his first nomination as a menacing meth addict in "Winter's Bone."

The Oscar goes to : Sanity Jen Chaney 2011