Osment proved he was more than a cute sitcom actor in "Bogus" (1996), playing a newly orphaned boy who communicates with the titular imaginary character (Gerard Depardieu). In a role that could have devolved into cloying cuteness, he kept it real and believable, proving an effective scene partner for both Depardieu and Whoopi Goldberg (as his new guardian). Osment went on to deliver a sterling turn as a troubled youngster who seemingly possesses psychic abilities in the thriller "The Sixth Sense" (1999). Even those critics who had problems with the film praised the youngster's performance and he was rewarded with an Oscar nomination as Best Supporting Actor.
Osment's young career blew up after his stellar perfromance in "Sixth Sense" and he immediately took leading roles in the 2000's "Pay it Forward" and 2001's "Artificial Intelligence: AI." Both lofty projects fell way short of expectations, but Osment continued to receive positive reviews for his acting ability. He also made a departure from the blockbuster scene with the dramatic WWII film "Edges of the Lord" (2001), playing a young Jewish boy who hides from the Nazis with a group of priests. While the film has not yet been released in the U.S., it has been well received by international audiences and hailed as a triumph for the young actor.