RI author in running for Academy Award

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - The movie 'Crazy Heart,' based on a book by a Rhode Island author, could take home an Academy Award this year.

His name is Thomas Cobb, and not only is he an author, but he's an English professor at Rhode Island College.

Cobb is the mastermind behind the movie, 'Crazy Heart.' It features several award-winning actors and actresses, including Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Bridges' has been nominated for best actor for his performance as a down-and-out country singer and Gyllenhaal is nominated for best supporting actress in the flick. For Cobb, it's an honor for his work to be recognized on the big screen.

"It feels great, it's really nice that it's getting that kind of recognition, I expected Jeff to get an Academy Award nominiation. I was really please that Maggie Gyllenhaal got one," said Cobb.

In 'Crazy Heart,' Bridges plays the role of bad Blake, a drunken singer who continues to play the guitar for his fans and looks for work.

A newspaper reporter, named Jean Craddock, played by Gyllenhaal enters Blake's life. From there she becomes an integral part of his life.

Cobb said, "Maggie is a very complicated woman, she is one of the those people that is making a big mistake she understands how good bad is but ....and he keeps drinking."

Cobb, who wrote the 1987 book said the true inspiration for 'Crazy Heart' is part the story of one man Donald Barthlemay.

"An aging genius who was being consumed by alcohol and cigarettes whose life was incredibly complicated," said Cobb.

The 82nd Academy Awards ceremony will air in February.