Jake Juggles Zodiac and Brokeback Commitments
Jake Gyllenhaal has got to be relieved to be nearing the end of “Zodiac” production. The “Brokeback Mountain” Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominee has been juggling awards season appearances with shooting on the feature, in which he plays writer Robert Graysmith on the trail of San Francisco’s horrendous Zodiac serial killer of the 1960s and ’70s.
“Zodiac” has been accommodating his overcrowded schedule by making it possible for the 25-year-old movie star to catch up on shooting scenes he’s missed due to “Brokeback” commitments — which has meant no time off at all. The pace has been so grueling, he’s been fighting a nasty cold. That hasn’t, however, prevented Gyllenhaal from savoring the moment as far as “Brokeback’s” Oscar nods.
He was delighted to be at this week’s Academy Awards Nominees’ Luncheon and cheer on fellow nominees, including Best Actor contender Heath Ledger, and he planned to head to England for the BAFTA Awards on Sunday (2/19).
The personable Gyllenhaal recalled his family’s thrill when his mother, screenwriter Naomi Foner, was up for 1989 Golden Globe and Oscar honors for penning “Running On Empty.” As a 9-year-old, Jake says he watched the Globes clutching a pillow until his mom’s name was called as the winner. When the Academy Awards came around, he was stationed in front of the tube again, clutching the same pillow, but when her name wasn’t called, he said with a laugh, he threw it across the floor.
Jake told us at the luncheon he’s going to give his Academy Award Nominee memento sweatshirt to his mom. And you’d better believe the people at the table said “Awwww” to that.
