Which ‘Love Actually’ cast member will be next to earn an Oscar nomination?

December 2003. Twenty years ago. It was a special time for moviegoers. That’s because it was the first holiday season in which “Love Actually” could actually be part of one’s Christmas time festivities. (Richard Curtis‘ ensemble romantic comedy was still playing to healthy crowds in cinemas.)

While the film would not figure into that year’s Academy Awards race, the cast did feature a handful of past Oscar contenders — and a few winners. Sho which “Love Actually” cast member will be next to earn an Oscar nomination?

More from GoldDerby

• Ray Richmond: The brilliant Tommy Smothers was the kind of hero they simply don't make anymore [WATCH]

• 'The Color Purple' rave reviews: 'One of the best film ensembles of the year,' Fantasia Barrino 'nails every moment'

• Will 'Maestro' be the first film in 26 years to win both lead acting Oscars?

The most noticeable of those winners was Emma Thompson, 1992’s Best Actress for “Howards End.” She tried (unsuccessfully) for acting awards three more times, including for 1995’s “Sense and Sensibility.” For penning that script, she accepted the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for superbly adapting the classic novel by Jane Austen.

The other “Love Actually” cast member with an Oscar in their possession was Billy Bob Thornton, who had what was effectively a cameo role in the movie. Thornton had accepted the Best Adapted Screenplay award for 1996’s “Sling Blade.” He also competed for Best Actor for that film, and later for Best Supporting Actor for 1998’s “A Simple Plan.”

SEEAlan Rickman movies: 10 greatest films ranked from worst to best

Two other “Love Actually” actors had Oscar nominations on their resumes. Liam Neeson had been cited for Best Actor for 1993’s Best Picture “Schindler’s List.” And Laura Linney had made the Best Actress shortlist for 2000’s “You Can Count on Me.” Linney would receive a Best Supporting Actress nom for playing Neeson’s wife in 2004’s “Kinsey.” And she had another shot at Best Actress for 2007’s “The Savages.”

In the years since the release of “Love Actually,” several more of its stars have gone on to compete for Academy Awards.

Keira Knightley was a proud Best Actress nominee for 2005’s “Pride and Prejudice.” Almost a decade later, she was back in the game going for Best Supporting Actress for 2014’s “The Imitation Game.”

Colin Firth brought 2009’s “A Single Man” a single nomination — for Best Actor. He then ruled the derby the following year for “The King’s Speech,” delivering Best Actor acceptance speeches at virtually every awards show (including the Oscars). Colin really did become “King.”

Chiwetel Ejiofor became the next talent from the “Love Actually” roster to receive an Academy Awards invite, for his starring role in 2013’s Best Picture “12 Years a Slave.”

SEELaura Linney movies: 12 greatest films ranked worst to best

And just last year, Bill Nighy became the latest “Love” legend to be singled out for Oscar recognition — as a Best Actor nominee for “Living.” Interestingly enough, Nighy’s BAFTA-winning performance might have made him the “Love Actually” thespian who actually came closest to getting an Oscar nom. (Let’s face it, he would have been a much cooler choice than Alec Baldwin in “The Cooler.”)

But let’s hope that Nighy won’t be the last “Love Actually” alumnus to advance to Oscar-nominated status. And assuming that he isn’t, who will be next?

If we’re thinking in terms of someone overdue, then Hugh Grant would logically make the most sense. He was overlooked for his roles in Best Picture contenders like 1994’s “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and 1995’s “Sense and Sensibility.” He appeared to be close to getting in for 2016’s “Florence Foster Jenkins,” but likely just missed.

Of course, it could be someone like Andrew Lincoln or Martin Freeman.

Or heck, it might end up being Thomas Brodie-Sangster. After all, his screen dad was the Oscar-nominated Neeson. (Like father, like son – right?)

Oscars or not, “Love Actually” deserves lots of love. Happy 20th anniversary.

PREDICT the 2024 Oscar nominees through January 23

Make your predictions at Gold Derby now. Download our free and easy app for Apple/iPhone devices or Android (Google Play) to compete against legions of other fans plus our experts and editors for best prediction accuracy scores. See our latest prediction champs. Can you top our esteemed leaderboards next? Always remember to keep your predictions updated because they impact our latest racetrack odds, which terrify Hollywood chiefs and stars. Don’t miss the fun. Speak up and share your huffy opinions in our famous forums where 5,000 showbiz leaders lurk every day to track latest awards buzz. Everybody wants to know: What do you think? Who do you predict and why?

SIGN UP for Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions

Best of GoldDerby

• Mark Ruffalo movies: 13 greatest films ranked worst to best

• Humphrey Bogart movies: 20 greatest films ranked worst to best

• Sissy Spacek movies: 15 greatest films ranked worst to best

Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.