Ill. native up against Brad Pitt for Oscar

DEKALB -- The list of movie stars nominated for an Academy Award includes north central Illinois native Richard Jenkins.

The 61-year-old Jenkins is going up against the likes of Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Frank Lengella, and Mickey Rourke for the best actor Oscar. His first nomination comes for his role as a lonely widower in an independent film called "The Visitor."

The actor says he was floored by the surprise announcement.

Jenkins grew up in DeKalb and attended Illinois Wesleyan University. A part in the 1985 film "Silverado" led to other roles. "The Visitor" was his first turn at leading man.

Jenkins says he hasn't returned to DeKalb in years, but has fond memories of growing up there.