Mickey Rourke. Photo / AP
Mickey Rourke is nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in
The Wrestler
. He plays Randy, a lonely, hard-luck wrestler and the film follows him as he resolves to change his life after a serious injury. Rourke won a BAFTA and Golden Globe for the role and was nominated for a Critics Choice, Satellite and Screen Actors Guild award.
As well as his acting career (he has appeared in a number of action, drama and thriller films) Rourke enjoyed a stint as a pro fighter. He took up boxing from an early age from 1968 to 1972, he compiled an amateur record of 20-6, with 17 knockouts. In 1991 he turned professional and retired undefeated in 1995, but without the world title he craved.
to read the
Guardian
's review of
The Wrestler.
Show sets new record after winning nine gongs.