Very few of the 20 actors nominated for Oscars this year (if any) feel like egregious calls. As usual, the lead actor race is the most impressive, but the Best Supporting Actor slate isn’t too shabby, either. Each performance is masterful in its own way, and each serves its respective narrative to the fullest.
Two of the nominees this year are depictions of real life individuals and three are complete manifestations. But all five of the below actors owned their roles and then some, finding the right flow of eye-catching showmanship without dominating the narrative arc. And though some might argue, I’d say each is perfectly representative of “supporting” in the truest sense of the word.
The nominees are:
Christian Bale, “The Fighter”
John Hawkes, “Winter’s Bone”
Jeremy Renner, “The Town”
Mark Ruffalo, “The Kids Are All Right”
Geoffrey Rush, “The King’s Speech”
Four of this year’s supporting actors were from Best Picture nominees, not that that necessarily means anything. Though I do feel like the odd man out in that scheme is pulling up the rear here. Regardless, like I said, great slate.
There are those who seem to think the frontrunner in this field is ripe for an upset from a contender featured in the Best Picture frontrunner…but come on. Is there anything less debatable this year than the finely tuned and focused performance Christian Bale gave in “The Fighter?” Honest question. He did a great job of taking most of the precursor awards, which mean little until it comes around to the SAG vote (which he also won). He’s in the middle of headlining one of the biggest Hollywood franchises to date and continues to show the kind of versatility that lands him high praise for work like this. As Dicky Ecklund, he owned the screen, acting every colleague right off of it. He created a vibrant character that will most certainly endure, perhaps more than any other this year. It’s his to lose.
The awards circuit really began for John Hawkes this year with that unexpected SAG award nomination. Sure, he had some critical notices earlier in the season, but that tip of the hat from his fellow actors was the first sign of industry approval for “Winter’s Bone.” And it lasted him all the way up to an Oscar nomination that, despite my misgivings of the film, I couldn’t possibly begrudge him. Hawkes is a talented character actor who has been working for years, in many ways the template of a supporting actor nomination (that will certainly lead him to even greener pastures). He’ll do best to sit back in the Kodak, relax and just watch it all unfold rather than get worked up about potentially winning. But he created a dynamic, magnetic character in the film, one of its saving graces.
At the end of the day there just wasn’t enough focused passion behind “The Town” to get it across the finish line with nominations for Best Picture or Best Adapted Screenplay. One contender did hold on, though, and that was Jeremy Renner, whose unsettling portrayal of a firecracker persona channeled James Cagney and brought him his second Oscar nomination in as many years. Not too shabby at all. He’s doing well by finding a perfect rhythm in the business, getting groomed to take over the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, heading for a fat pay day in that and the upcoming cross-over flick “The Avengers.” Plus, if you talk to him, you can tell he’s having fun with it all. He’ll win one day, I think. But this year he’s probably just lucky to have survived this long, given the ultimate Oscar fate of his film.
The most engaging and spirited element of Lisa Cholodenko’s “The Kids Are All Right,” for me, was the return of Mark Ruffalo. Okay, he hadn’t really gone anywhere, but in this viewer’s opinion, he hasn’t crafted a character this authentic and organic in a decade, going all the way back to his coming out party in “You Can Count on Me.” The performance reminded of the charisma he effortlessly displays and deeper elements of emotion and frailty he can tap into if need be (even when oppressed by narrative choices that make the uphill climb as steep as humanly possible). It’s a fine piece of work to put him back on the prestige map, and it’ll be interesting to see what path catches his eye now. He’s very much at a point in his career when the next big step is imminent.
Finally, the spoiler possibility — if there’s going to be one — is Geoffrey Rush. In Academy-favorite “The King’s Speech,” Rush reminds (as he consistently does) why he ought to be considered a treasured modern actor. Sparks fly on screen between Rush and his co-star, Colin Firth. It’s a delight to watch the two talented sparring thespians at work, and sometimes, even if you already have an Oscar on your mantle (as Rush does), that can be enough to pull out a surprise. And much like, say, Juliette Binoche in 1996, this would make perfect sense as yet another place for the Academy to reward the film. But Rush never quite turned the corner this season, nor did he turn up the heat on the frontrunner (who himself hasn’t screwed up yet). So in all likelihood, he’ll remain merely a fair alternate choice.
Will win: Christian Bale, “The Fighter”
Could win: Geoffrey Rush, “The King’s Speech”
Should win: Christian Bale, “The Fighter”
Should have been here: Colin Farrell, “The Way Back” (in lieu of Niels Arestrup in “A Prophet,” who wasn’t eligible)
Check out my current rankings for this race at its dedicated Contenders page here.
Who do you think deserves to win the award for Best Supporting Actor? Have your say in today’s sidebar poll!
[Photos: Warner Bros. Pictures, Paramount Pictures]
Comments
65 responses to “OSCAR GUIDE: Best Supporting Actor”
I think it’s Christian Bale all the way. It would have been nice if Pete Postlethwaite in “The Town” could have slipped in for a last nomination as he did for BAFTA, but it would have been a very long shot.
If anyone deserves an award for anything this year, it’s Christian Bale. I really, really don’t see Geoffrey Rush happening. If there was an upset, I could see (and would be content with) it being John Hawkes. It’s the only win Winter’s Bone has any chance of getting.
Its interesting to note that NONE of the Big 3 Critics majors voted for Christian Bale.
Three of the nominated performances are great. Rush is magnificent, one of our very finest actors, to watch him is to get your faith restored in old-fashioned acting royalty, John Hawkes gives a superb macho performance as the one savior of a troubled girl in a tense landscape and Ruffalo achieves perhaps the best spin on his easy going on screen persona.
I think Bale & Renner are the weak links here. Renner while good did nothing extra-ordinary for me. Whereas I found Bale to be extremely corny and unbelievable.
Will win: Christian Bale, “The Fighter”
Could win: Geoffrey Rush, “The King’s Speech”
Should win: Geoffrey Rush, “The King’s Speech”
Should have been here: Filippo Timi, “Vincere” (still debating if it qualifies as lead or supporting) & Michael Fassbender, “Fish Tank”
Though I too think Niels Arestrup in “A Prophet” should ideally have won this walking away.
I think Rush or Renner (seems SO well-liked) are the spoilers, but really hoping it’s Bale. Should have been here was Garfield or maybe Matt Damon.
Should be Hawkes, I think … but this is a great lineup.
There is no race here; Bale has already won. No need beating a dead horse.
Boy, I sometimes feel like if it’s about Nolan, Bale, or anything remotely related, red_wine can’t stand it.
I agree with your Bale pick. If anyone from The Fighter is going to ride their Momentum Train to Oscar gold, it’s going to be Bale. He’s as much a lock as a lock can be when it comes to these things.
As for John Hawkes, I have no doubt we’ll continue to see great work from him. I remember his performance as Bugsy in The Perfect Storm. Pitch perfect and heartbreaking and heralding him as one to watch. And that was, it seems, a lifetime ago!
In light of Melissa Leo’s recent ad buy (and the subsequent head scratching around town because of it), don’t be surprised if Helena Bonham Carter — who’s been giving memorable, unique, interesting performances for 26 years (since 1985’s A Room with a View) — sneaks in and scores a shocking upset.
As much as I like Geoffrey Rush, if anyone from TKS is going to go home with the gold in the Supporting Category, it may end up being HBC.
What more needs to be said than Christian Bale?
Except Andrew Garfield, of course, whose not being here is one of the biggest jokes of the year.
Yeah, there’s not much room for error with these nominees. Bale’ll win.
Though there’s plenty of “Should have been here” roles I’d consider: At least one from “The Social Network” supporting actors (Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer), Guy Pearce for “The King’s Speech” or “Animal Kingdom”, Ewan McGregor for “I Love You Phillip Morris”, and Vincent Cassel for “Black Swan”. Plenty of good stuff it could have made it.
Kris, you say that Bale hasn’t screwed up yet. I’d agree (it seems like he’s been unimaginably charming the last few weeks), but would not showing up yesterday count as a minor screwup? Sure, dedication to the craft and prior commitments and all, but you finally get your first Oscar nomination, and you can’t be bothered to attend the luncheon? Don’t get me wrong; I’m just exaggerating here to play devil’s advocate.
Joe, as it’s been pointed out in the other thread, Bale is filming in China. Not exactly the shortest flight to catch.
Oh! I forgot to mention Sam Rockwell for “Conviction” and Matt Damon for “True Grit”. Again, this was a very open field for me this year. ☺
Additionally, it’s not even a minor screw-up. Nominees miss the luncheon every year.
Speaking English
Speak (English) for yourself. I personally thought Garfield is overrated in TSN. In fact, I thought Justin Timberlake delivered a more solid performance and anyone who knows me in real life knows that I absolutely LOATHE Timberlake.
p.s
I couldn’t resist the “Speak (English) for yourself” joke. It was too tempting ;-)
Hawkes gives a frightening performance. Then I saw him in Wristcutters, which was such a different role. I saw these two before I knew his name.
How you could watch WB for Lawrence and not notice Hawkes mystifies me. No wonder he got in, and it’s well deserved. The supporting performance of the year for me.
I’m pulling for Geoffrey Rush. TKS is a great movie and I believe he’s the best thing in it.
Matt Damon was unfairly overlooked for his hilarious performance in True Grit.
Bale was great in The Fighter and will probably win. Anyone who thinks he was over-the-top probably doesn’t have an Irish-American family ;)
“Boy, I sometimes feel like if it’s about Nolan, Bale, or anything remotely related, red_wine can’t stand it.”
Was just about to post this, but you beat me to it!
Bale is the frontrunner, yes, but Rush could be coming on strong if a TKS sweep is imminent. It is far from impossible. Sasha Stone, for one, has been advocating this notion for a while and I tend to agree with her on this matter: Rush is a very possible upset option!
I know this site and every other movie site is a Christian Bale love fest. I’m glad I didn’t fall under the magic spell that’s conveninced eighty precent of the male movie going populuation of the world that Christian Bale is an acting God.
I’m rooting for anyone to upset him – particularly Jeremy Renner. Since Rush has an Oscar for Best Actor and Mark Ruffalo winning for TKAAR doesn’t feel right to me for some reason. I hope he earns another nomination soon enough. Coupled with a sure thing in Firth – I think this year’s cermormony should be about who could’ve won last year.
More like should have won last year, Firth knocked it out of the park in “A Single Man”, while the movie itself had some flaws, he was impeccable…but I guess its always tough to beat the career achievement award.
On the other hand, I’m praying Christian Bale wins, or maybe John Hawkes…anything is better than Geoffrey Rush and his over the top theatricality in what seems like every performance he puts on. Everything just feels like “ACTING!!!” with him.
Yet you don’t see Bale “acting” – he underlines everything he does.
I understand he’s fiming overseas, but that Zhang Yimou must be a real toughie to not let him come over for this. (Was it Ruffalo that joked about the free lunch?) I know I’d want to if I were nominated. And of course it’s not a big deal; just trying to stir something up in a race that’s already been decided. (Now, if Andrew Garfield were nominated on the other hand…)
Bale’s slapstick parts (the one picture above) were effortless and hilarious.
Mark Ruffalo was in his comfort zone, too.
Yeah I hope this doesn’t end up like 1999’s Supporting Actor race. AMPAS had the chance to give the statue to one of two Hollywood heartthrobs giving career-best performances, an 11-year-old child, or an off-beat performance from an African-American actor (which, back in 99, rewarding Black actors was still extremely rare), and they gave it to…Michael Caine, an already Oscar-winning Brit in a Weinstein flick (sound familiar?).
Re: Ruffalo–I agree what you say about his performance. He hasn’t had a part this meaty on screen for a while. I am very curious to see what he does with the Hulk.
Bale is going to win. Rush already has an oscar and Bale is clearly well liked by his peers…this isn’t an Eddie Murphy situation.
Hans-the comp to 1999 doesn’t work very well. Caine won the SAG award that year. The only thing Cruise won was the Golden Globe (which we all know-means nothing beyond generating some buzz). Cidar House Rules had 7 nominations-including picture and director (sound familiar). Caine was the only major win for the film. Cruise, if I’m not mistaken, was the only nomination for Magnolia.
Joe-if Bale headed back to LA for every Oscar related event, they would never have time to film his part. A flight from China is easily 15-20 hours. So every time he comes to LA, he looses probably 3 days of work. As it is, filming started early January and Bale just reported to set, meaning they probably condensed his filming schedule to allow him to make the January award shows.
Mike
I agree but who is going to be the Eddie Murphy of 2011? Natalie Portman? one can only hope
^^um, no? If you’re going for the No Strings Attached/Norbit comparison…yeah, thats definitely not a problem.
“I know this site and every other movie site is a Christian Bale love fest. I’m glad I didn’t fall under the magic spell that’s conveninced eighty precent of the male movie going populuation of the world that Christian Bale is an acting God. ”
What a pointless comment. To equate one thing with the other. Not even worth addressing…
I took a friend to see ‘The Fighter’ last weekend and she was amazed by Bale. He deserves this win. And my appreciation of that film grows with each day.
I also just took my mom to ‘The King’s Speech’ (my 2nd time seeing the film). Rush is absolutely fantastic. If Bale/Fighter weren’t around, he’d be a 2-time Oscar winner. I must say … though I really, really like TKS on my first go around, I kinda fell for it hard this 2nd time around (don’t know if my mom loving it helped my cause). But I even appreciated all the small things which makes up stellar directing/editing/cinematography all the more, as well.
I think TSN is exciting, has stellar performances, & offers bravura filmmaking, but I still “feel” more from ‘The Fighter’ and ‘The King’s Speech’.
All great. Apples and Oranges for me.
Just FYI, Magnolia was also nominated for Original Screenplay and Original Song in 1999, but you’re right, it wasn’t a Best Picture nominee and Michael Caine had the SAG, so it’s not like Cruise was sweeping the precursors that year (like Bale is this year). And, Cider House Rules also won Best Adapted Screenplay.
For my money, John Hawkes’ line reading of “Is this going to be our time?” is the best of the year. I would love to see him score an upset in this category.
***Caine was the only major win for the film.***
Nope, it also won Best Adapted Screenplay.
***Cruise, if I’m not mistaken, was the only nomination for Magnolia.***
Wrong again. ;) It was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Song (“Save Me”).
Wow. Drats. Isaac beat me to it.
Isn’t there anyone left feeling sorry for poor little Andrew Garfield? Hell I was even hoping for a surprise nod for Timberlake here.
Bale is co-lead in The Fighter. The character of Dicky is certainly a supportive one, but that doesn’t change the fact that he has tons of screen time and the film is about his relationship with his brother.
That being said, my vote would go to John Hawkes.
Honestly, this is an excellent lineup, and I agree with most of what you wrote, Kris.
Bale and Rush are leads in my book, but it’s debatable so I don’t really mind their placement. Bale was uncanny as Dickie Eklund, mixing twitchy enthusiasm with crushing personal disappointment to create the most compelling character in the film (no small praise), and Rush – usually a very selfish and hammy actor – commendably played off of Colin Firth and created great chemistry between the two.
Pretty much everyone here knows by now how gaga I am for Hawkes’ performance, and it’s great to know that even one who disliked Winter’s Bone appreciated his tremendous contribution. And Mark Ruffalo, what can I say? You pretty much expressed my feelings on his nod perfectly. So great to FINALLY see him in the spotlight. Even the weak link of this bunch – Renner – was still pretty damn entertaining in The Town.
Of course, which is why I mentioned him! “The Social Network” wouldn’t have worked nearly as well without Garfield’s beautifully human core at its center, and it wouldn’t have been even close to as successful as it is with critics and audiences. He’s the one who ultimately pulls us in and makes us care. Years down the road we’ll still be flabbergasted as to how they could overlook him.
Oh, I feel awful for Garfield. I thought he was a shoe-in for a nom back when I saw TSN in October. Obvious love for Winter’s Bone (in the Academy) pushed him out. But I really feel that BFCA, GG, BAFTA had him close in 6th.
Matt Damon could have been 6th, but I didn’t feel the heat (or precursors) there.
If I ran the Oscars…
1. Christian Bale, The Fighter
2. John Hawkes, Winter’s Bone
3. Matt Damon, True Grit
4. Andrew Garfield, The Social Network
5. Nigel Lindsay, Four Lions (he was so damn funny)
I honestly thought Garfield would win the damn thing after I saw the movie, and before anyone saw “The Fighter.” Shame.
This is the best lineup this category has served up in recent memory. Even my personal fifth-place nominee, Geoffrey Rush, is still the MVP of his film. Frankly, I’m surprised Kris thinks Best Actor is the strongest field — I think it trails all three other acting categories.
Anyway, I can only Xerox Kris’s will/could/should picks, but my “should have been here” pick goes easily to Michael Fassbender for Fish Tank.
Fish Tank REALLY needs to come to dvd and arrive at my house via netflix. Grr.
Like Speaking English said, I totally thought Garfield would be contending for the win 3 months ago. Naivety.
Will: Bale
Should: Bale
Could: Rush*
Snubbed: Rockwell
*If Melissa Leo’s antics cause serious damage and/or TKS sweeps…
Not that I don’t think it’s an excellent performance, but whatever made you think Garfield would win the Oscar? So not their style.
I guess his final scenes with Eisenberg just sealed the deal for me. The emotion, the body language, the palpable pain of someone just betrayed by a friend – he was totally convincing.
As for the best acting line-up this year, it’s gotta be Lead Actress (even without Manville). I don’t know why you’re so over-the-moon with the Supporting one. I feel 2002 and 2007 were stronger as far as recent years go.
I don’t disagree with anything in your first paragraph, but this is the Academy we’re talking about here. Too low-key for them by half.
And I agree that Best Actress is the cream this year.
People always say that Andrew Garfield sealed the deal for them in the final scenes with Eisenberg, but that was where he totally lost me. It screamed, “I’M GIVING A HEARTFELT AND EMOTIONAL PERFORMANCE BITCHES, YOU NEED TO RECOGNIZE!”
I always kind of hoped he would miss out on a nomination, although when he ended up actually missing out, I felt bad for him because he seems like such a pleasant person. I have such a soft spot for nice people.