Matthew McConaughey has really done a 180 on his career, spinning his public persona from a shirtless, rom-com beefcake to a quality contender in the Oscar race. The transformation from Failure to Launch McConaughey to Mud McConaughey has been a staggering one, with many saying that he deserved an Oscar nom last year for his ironic portrayal in the male-stripper drama Magic Mike. McConaughey’s latest, however, has him poised to receive his first nomination doubtlessly.

In Dallas Buyers Club, McConaughey fills the true-life shoes of Ron Woodroof, an average joe blindsided by with an HIV-positive diagnosis and given 30 days to live. While U.S. policy left those infected to essentially die, Ron sought out non-toxic alternative treatments from all over the world regardless of legality in a bid to save both his own life and those around him. While the government tried to stop him at every turn from selling non-FDA-stamped medicines, he created a “buyers club,” where his fellow HIV-positive people could access their much needed supplies. In short, he was a savior to those stricken to the immuno-virus, battling the government and fighting for his life.

A true life story, tragic subject material, and a physical transformation to boot all add up to a whopper of a nomination bid so don’t be surprised when McConaughey’s name starts popping over prediction boards the world over. Also, Jared Leto is a transvestite. So there.

Take a look at the trailer and see how serious of a contender you find in McConaughey.

Dallas Buyers Club is directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and stars Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Steve Zahn and Dallas Roberts. It opens December 6, 2013.

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