Viggo Mortensen has been nominated for Oscars 2019 for his performance in the movie Green Book. The movie, directed by Peter Farrelly, released in November 2018 and received critical acclaim. The biographical comedy-drama was also a box-office hit earning more than $120 million against a budget of $23 million, as per reports. Viggo Mortensen, who is 60 years old, essays the role of Frank "Tony Lip" Vallelonga in Green Book. Tony, before becoming an actor and an author, was the bodyguard of African-American classical pianist Don Shirley through 1960's. Green Book tells the story of a road trip that Don and Tony took together across the Deep South in the US. Green Book Movie Review: Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali Drive Through Racial Biases in This Endearing Road Trip Dramedy.

Viggo Mortensen has been nominated in the Best Actor category at the 91st Academy Awards. This will be the actor's third Oscar nomination. Back in 2008, Viggo was nominated for his performance in Eastern Promises. He was nominated again in 2017 for his stellar performance in Captain Fantastic. Last two times, Viggo did not win the award. This time around as well his chances of winning are pretty low as the competition is extremely tough with names like Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, William Dafoe, Rami Malek in the running.

Watch the trailer of Green Book here:

Viggo is more eager about seeing Green Book director Peter Farrelly win the Oscar than himself. He said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, "I fervently hope to see Peter Farrelly onstage giving an acceptance speech."

Viggo landed in a racism row while promoting his film, Green Book. He had to apologise for using the N-word while making a case against racism. He promised, "I will not utter it again”.

Viggo will be making his directorial debut soon. He has been wanting to direct a movie since the mid-'90s when he almost landed a chance to do it. His directorial debut will be called Falling, which he has developed. The movie is crowdfunded. Viggo will also play the main lead aside from directing the film.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 19, 2019 04:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).