Julia Roberts pitches Javier Bardem for ‘Biutiful’ Oscar

[HMG Celebrity News] – Javier Bardem’s intense and emotionally raw performance in the new movie ‘Biutiful’ captured a lot of attention, but so far no awards. And that’s rather upset his close friend Julia Roberts.

Last night in LA the 43-year old actress – who won an Oscar herself for ‘Erin Brockovich’ back in 2000 – hosted a screening of the movie for several industry types and was keen for Javier to get his own statuette.

Reporters from E-Weekly asked what is was about Javier’s role that made her so eager he should win an award?

“He’s so raw and open to sharing every emotion this character has,” she gushed. “I had to keep stopping and saying, ‘Okay, this is not actually happening to Javier.’ I think it’s unexpected for a man to expose himself so deeply. I just have a great appreciation for what he did. I know it had to hurt.”

Asked how it was that, if her opinion was right, he had not received one award, Julia was quite clear;

“I think the movie hasn’t had exposure. It’s like this hidden little jewel,” she mused. “People don’t hunt for things. They just take what you throw in their face.”

On being told that at least Oscar voter is known to have tried to watch ‘Biutiful’ but gave up after half-an-hour because it’s so bleak, Julie was incredulous;

“I don’t know how you couldn’t want to know what happens. I hope that person is haunted until the end of time wanting to know what happened.”

She and Javier recently worked together on ‘Eat, Pray, Love.’ So if she wants an Oscar for him, how about her other co-star, James Franco?

“Oh God, don’t put me in that position!” she says fearfully. “It’s apples and oranges. He’s hosting the Oscars, so he might have an edge.”

With ‘Eat, Pray…’ now on DVD, Julia’s next movie is ‘August: Osage County’ with fellow Oscar winner, Meryl Streep. [1979 for 'Kramer vs. Kramer' and 1982 for 'Sophie's Choice'] Does she think this could be enough for another trip to the Oscars?

“I think that will just be my trip to heaven to be with Meryl in that scenario. It’s a dream come true.” is the fawning reply.

So, Julia thinks Javier needs an Oscar. Do you agree? If you’ve see ‘Biutiful’ or ‘Eat, Pray…’ let’s get your votes – who deserves the award?