ALEXANDRIA (WCCO) — His first role was Pig Pen in a school production of What’s New Charlie Brown? However, on Sunday, an Academy Award is on the line for John Hawkes.

Hawkes, who’s nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Winter’s Bone, is a native of Alexandria, Minnesota.

“He really, really liked doing this film,” said Patricia Perkins, Hawkes’ mother, who still lives in Alexandria. “He plays such a dark part, and if you’d ever meet John his personality is totally opposite of what he does.”

Perkins says she talks to her son every week, and that he usually comes back for Christmas and in the summer.

Perkins hasn’t made any big plans for Oscar night. She was recently in a car accident, and she finds it difficult to travel.

WCCO’s Adam Carter talked with Pat Perkins, mother of Oscar-nominated actor and Alexandria native, John Hawkes.