Colleagues say Native actor Adam Beach could earn his first Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Ira Hayes in "Flags of Our Fathers."

Beach nearly lost the part of Hayes, the Pima man who helped raise the American flag at Iwo Jima in World War II. Director Clint Eastwood thought Beach, 33, was too old to play the part.

But after sending an audition tape while recovering from the flu, Beach won the role. Eastwood tells The Winnipeg Sun "he turned out to be even better than I expected him to be."

The movie opens October 20.

Get the Story:
Oscar Beach party? (The Ottawa Sun 10/10)

Relevant Links:
Flags of Our Fathers - http://www.flagsofourfathers.net

Related Stories:
Adam Beach plays Ira Hayes in 'Flags of Our Fathers' (10/6)