Could Sam Elliott’s new movie win him an Oscar?

Sam Elliot has had a long career on the big screen, with movies like Tombstone, Hulk, The Big Lebowski, Road House, Mask opposite Cher in 1985, back to Evel Knievel in 1974, and his debut film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in 1969. 

But his new movie The Hero has been described by reviewers as the role of his nearly half century career, and Oscar worthy.

The 72-year-old actor, known for his moustache as much as for his voice, has often been cast as a cowboy. In this new movie Elliot plays Lee Hayden, a fading cowboy star. Now mostly doing voice-over work it is when he receives a life achievement award his life changes, thanks to a video that goes viral. 

More than a moustache, Elliot’s hairy chest was a common sight in his early roles too. Remember those swimwear scenes in Lifeguard? But he showed more than that, with an infamous bare butt scene in the 1978 movie The Legacy. 

After playing roles in Mission: Impossible TV series in 1970 -1971, Elliot has also been appearing in new television series, such as Grace and Frankie. He was also the voice of Smokey Bear, since 2008.

After being first screen at the Sundance Film Festival in January,  The Hero is officially released in the US on June 9. No dates have yet been set for an Australian release, so keep a look out!

What do you remember Sam Elliott for the most?