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Thursday morning Springfield native Brad Pitt received his second Oscar nomination for playing the lead role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. KSMU’s Nathan McVay talked with Brad’s brother, Doug, after the nomination was announced.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button led all films with 13 Oscar nominations, but one nomination holds special significance to the Springfield area.

Brad Pitt was nominated in the category of Best Actor. His brother, Doug Pitt was very excited to hear about the nomination, but wouldn’t say whether he was surprised.

“Let’s just say we were hopeful. But again, it’s a nice pat on the back. The movie stands on its own. But, what a great honor, for he, and Angie both,” he said.

That's Angie, as in Angelina Jolie who was nominated as well for her performance in Changeling. Doug Pitt says he is very happy to see them both receive the praise they deserve.

“We are excited for both of them. I think they are both great at what they do. Great people, and I am just glad they got the recognition,” he said.

I asked Pitt if his brother wins the Oscar, will he come back to Springfield and show it around town?

“Ha, no, I think he will turn around and get back to work,” he said.

Pitt was nominated in 1996 for Best Supporting Actor in 12 Monkeys but lost out to Kevin Spacey for his performance in The Usual Suspects.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is an unusual portrait of a man whose mind ages normally but whose body ages backwards. For KSMU News, I’m Nathan McVay.

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