In a recent feature I tried to define the qualities that constitute an A-lister, stating simply that helping your film gross gobs of money or getting an award nomination doesn’t open the door to that coveted clique. A true A-lister is bigger than the story they’re telling, even if the story is sweeping, compelling and complete. Case and point: Brad Pitt, the unofficial ambassador of all things cool. The four-time Oscar nominee turned in one of his best performances to date in Moneyball, director Bennett Miller’s account of Billy Beane’s effort to rebuild the Oakland Athletics baseball club a decade ago following the loss of its celebrated star players. It’s a superb picture, but his portrayal of the quintessentially human Beane is its piece de resistance and actually transcends it, which is why I’m making a case for his long-overdue Oscar win today.

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: this role is not the most complex Pitt’s taken on in his storied career. His turns as Jeffrey Goines in 12 Monkeys, Rory Devaney in The Devil’s Own and Tyler Durden in Fight Club all required more extensive chameleon-like transformations and preparation. Compared to those troublesome tricksters Beane is a rather conventional character, but that’s what makes the performance so impressive. He takes an ordinary guy and makes him larger than life with confidence, swagger and an uncanny understanding of America’s favorite pastime, but grounds him by tapping into his fears and insecurities to paint a well-rounded, detailed portrait of the struggling GM and devoted father. Two sides of the same guy – both intriguing to watch.

Pitt must also be commended for keeping himself composed as the fast-talking Beane. While watching the film I thought about how he could’ve delivered a showier depiction of the analytical, energetic expert (think Tom Hulce in Amadeus or Robert Downey, Jr., in Chaplin – both specialists in their respective fields like Beane). That would’ve been interesting to see in a different film, but since Moneyball is an underdog story through and through he plays him reserved and humble, just like the team he’s assembled. It’s also a generous act that allowed his co-stars to leave their own mark on the movie.

I’ve always said that acting is all about interaction, and how a leading male converses with the rest of his cast is a deciding factor in any awards race (especially when another member of the ensemble is also nominated). Working alongside Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright and Chris Pratt – a team that could only be more diverse if Jean Dujardin were a part of it – Pitt selflessly adapts to their individual styles to highlight their own strengths and make every scene sync. Of particular note are the various sequences he shares with Hill, a modern master of witty delivery who plays it straight as Peter Brandt. Pitt is more the jokester in Moneyball (though I wouldn’t call it comedic by any stretch of the imagination), which gave Hill an opportunity to explore another side of his talent and prove that there’s more to him than the gags he’s famous for.

There’s steep competition in this year’s pool of Best Actor contenders. George Clooney was excellent in The Descendants. Demian Bichir delivered a heartrending turn in A Better Life. America was introduced to the phenomenal aforementioned Dujardin in The Artist. Then there’s Brad Pitt – arguably the world’s most adored star – playing a likable everyman who's fun, introspective and easy to root for. It’s a close call, but I’m hopeful that the Academy will finally recognize him for his honest and enjoyable work in this outstanding film.

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