Best Supporting Actor
Another category where there seems to be no point in discussing because Heath Ledger has won nearly every award for his powerful performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight. Expect the Academy to make history as they honor the second posthumous acting winner (the first being Peter Finch’s for Network). If anyone can overtake Ledger, it won’t be Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road), as his nomination was a surprise and will no doubt help his career more than actually winning the race. Likewise, Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder) and Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt) as their nominations were more for having a fantastic year (Downey Jr.) and adding another notch on a respected actor’s nomination belt (Hoffman). Which leaves Josh Brolin (Milk) as the only possible contender to upset Ledger. Brolin’s won accolades from the National Board of Review and the New York Film Critics Circle, plus still has some leftover goodwill for his work in last year’s best picture winner (No Country for Old Men) and his other biopic this year (W.). In short, Shannon, Downey Jr., and Hoffman should sit comfortably in their seats at the Kodak, Brolin should scribble something down (just in case) and Heath Ledger’s family better prepare themselves for an emotional night.
Final Predictions and Ranks:
1. Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
2. Josh Brolin, Milk
3. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
4. Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
5. Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road
Who Should Win: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Who Should Have Been Nominated: James Franco, Milk or Pineapple Express; Emile Hirsch, Milk and Bill Irwin, Rachel Getting Married