2012 Best Supporting Actor Contenders
Is this the most competitive category of the season?
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Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupJeremy W
November 18, 2011 at 5:54AM EST Reply to CommentNo offense, but I couldn't disagree more. It's been a GREAT year w/ many worthy performances, but this has pretty much been Christopher Plummer's award for awhile. He's a heavy favorite and I'd be shocked if he didn't win.
Jonnybon I'd like Christopher Plummer to get an Oscar before he dies, but it certainly wouldn't be a shock if he didn't win. He's probably favorite at the moment, but not "heavy" by any means.
November 18, 2011 at 8:19AM ESTDanny As Kris and Anne discuss on the podcast, Max von Sydow may be as likely to be nominated for Extremely Loud etc. Then there would be two highly deserving under-nominated veteran acting greats in the mix. I've seen both performances and they are both very good, and both actors so clearly sentimental favorites too, this could be tough.
November 18, 2011 at 10:58PM ESTYani
November 18, 2011 at 6:07AM EST Reply to CommentI wish Benedict Cumberbatch could be nominated. He is truly amazing! But the field is so crouded and the film is a British spy thriller (not a popular choice).
But I certainly hope he'll get the rightfully deserved recognition one day!
G
November 18, 2011 at 6:52AM EST Reply to CommentMeryl Streep didn't help Stanley Tucci get nominated for "Julie & Julia" ... because he wasn't. But he did get a nod for "The Lovely Bones," which was released the same year.
Joel
November 18, 2011 at 7:05AM EST Reply to Commentno mention of Andy Serkis for Rise of the Planet of the Apes? he could be the dark horse
JJ1
November 18, 2011 at 9:38AM EST Reply to CommentNo mention of Tom Hardy in TTSS?
Yani I agree with you. Tom Hardy deserves a nod.
November 18, 2011 at 10:57AM ESTI liked Benedict Cumberbatch more, but the cast is wonderfull all along.
The problem is they'll probably cancel each other out.
Still I would love to see Benedict Cumberbatch be recognised for his fine work. I'm certain it'll happen one day!
DylanS Yeah, that was surprising. And I thought a bit disrespectful since the consensus would agree that he's getting raves in the film every bit as much as Cummberbatch and arguably more than Firth, Strong and Hurt. He should be added.
November 18, 2011 at 11:01AM ESTmay It's his opinion, just because he prefers to emphasize the other performances doesn't mean he is being disrespectful. It's a wonderful ensemble performance all around; if Hardy really does stand out, one critic's opinion is not going to change that.
November 18, 2011 at 12:31PM ESTThat said, kind of bummed out for Mark Strong who keeps getting shafted. Would be cool if Firth had a third consecutive nomination (but it won't happen I know); fantastic career choices and performances since A Single Man.
may By shafted I mean he's getting glossed over by other critics.
November 18, 2011 at 12:33PM ESTHope
November 18, 2011 at 11:51AM EST Reply to CommentGeorge: I respect and trust your hindsight a lot for not dumping Tinker Tailor, Gary Oldman and its supporting actors as strong Oscar contenders like some pundits already did; it is truly one of the best films this year and the ensemble performance is one of its strongest suits. Also, am very glad to see that someone across the pond finally points out the fact that has been circulating among lots of U.K. audiences and pundits: Cumberbatch’s performance in Tinker is possible the standout among the stellar supporting actors. For me, Strong is my second pick, but he and Firth are very close; I do understand your reasoning of putting Firth in the second though. Finally, I’d say that let the ones deserving the Oscar nods get their noms, why wait for “someday”? Cancelling-out each other should not be an issue to begin with.
Yani I wrote those things about "some day" and "cancel each other out". I don't want it to be like this. I agree that it'll be a travesty if Cumberbatch is not nominated. But the awards are not always fair and just. And the academy may feel it's an ensemble piece or the many great performances could split the votes.
November 18, 2011 at 7:09PM ESTThis year in the supporting actor we seem to have a clear winner - Plummer - I haven't seen the film yet, so I don't know if it's the "carrer achievement award". Brannagh seems to be a lock, Sydow and Brooks, too. And that leaves only one spot. for which we have Armie Hammer, Nick Nolte, Hoffman, Clooney, Brad Pitt, Ezra Miller, Jonah Hill, Robert Forster, Serkis, Rickman, Broadbent, Corey Stoll (Allen works miracles for his actors), Tom Hardy, Mortensen, Kingsley, Firth, Strong, Hanks, Giamatti and others and most of them have strong claims. Can magnifecnt Cumberbatch fight all these?
Hope It seems that I can only respond to your comments, instead of responding to YANI's comment, well...
November 18, 2011 at 10:41PM ESTI'd say that it's too early to worry about who will actually win when there are other "contenders" whom we have not even seen.
Hope Oops! I mean I can only respond to "MY" comments. Sorry.
November 18, 2011 at 10:55PM ESTYani I actually agree with you that it's too early. But I often think that the Oscar race is fixed in advance. For example, almost no one has seen Patton Oswalt and Max von Sydow but they are major contenders for the supporting nod. How exactly does this happen?
November 19, 2011 at 4:09PM ESTYes, it's early, but as far as I've read so far, it seems the race has a winner. We haven't seen all the performances, but it looks as if it's already decided. It may be unfair or wrong or weird, but I guess these things work sometimes on early rumours and "it's about time he receives an award".
All we can do is enjoy the superb work of some amazing actors, regardless of what the academy voters think.
Still I wish for Cumberbatch to be nominated.
fsdsfs
November 18, 2011 at 12:27PM EST Reply to CommentIf you'd use logic or went to the FYc site you'd know:
Jeremy Irvine is going to be Campaigned in Lead Actor. War Horse has at least three supporting actor possibilities and has a very strong chance at succeeding everywhere.
marvelfan
November 18, 2011 at 1:01PM EST Reply to CommentCumberbatch is a phenomenal actor. Considering the line up in Tinker Tailor it feels cheeky to say he was the best actor int eh cast but hell he was. He stood out above all of them even Gary!
reynold
November 18, 2011 at 1:06PM EST Reply to CommentCumberbatch gave a far more charismatic performance than Hardy. Hardy really blew it in the scene set in Paris. Very unsubtle.His tone garred with his performance in the rest of the film. Infact as he had the opportunity to film most of his scenes twice you'd have thought he'd have done better.
I'd pick Cumberbatch followed by Strong and Firth. I wouldnt even include Hardy. I get fed up how once youve made your name in fanboy films you can do no wrong.
DylanS That last line was also very disrespectful to Hardy, who's done excellent work as an actor, regardless of whether or not it was in "fanboy films". Also, I'm pretty sure most american audiences recognize Mark Strong from work like "Sherlock Holmes" and "Kick-ass". How would you classify those films?
November 18, 2011 at 1:46PM ESTchi
November 18, 2011 at 2:41PM EST Reply to CommentSupposedly there's a very powerful scene between Cumberbatch and Ciaran Hinds in Tinker Tailor which Gary Oldman wanted to keep in but time constraints meant it had to go. I hoep its on the DVD.
jezzleffezzle
November 18, 2011 at 3:24PM EST Reply to CommentNick Nolte was so heartbreaking in 'Warrior.' I hope he gets acknowledged somehow during awards season.
Elisse Kasick Totally agree - Nolte was truly amazing.
December 7, 2011 at 1:39PM ESTjezzleffezzle
November 18, 2011 at 3:29PM EST Reply to CommentAlso, Greg, I'm confused by your statement about Rickman being better in Part 1. As I recall, he was only in the opening scene. Great restraint in that scene, but still, only one scene.
Danny Yes, that was odd. I could understand if he meant Half-Blood Prince. But still, it is so obviously in DH2 where Rickman gets to shine, relishing Snape's known and newly revealed character facets. I agree with Greg though that Warner Bros. will have to push harder and specifically for Rickman if there is to be a chance in hell.
November 18, 2011 at 11:11PM ESTElevation
November 18, 2011 at 4:30PM EST Reply to CommentWhy do people like Drive so much?
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Cris Because it was a good FUCKING movie
November 21, 2011 at 5:46AM ESTNiles J
November 18, 2011 at 6:05PM EST Reply to CommentBenedict Cmberbatch is so deserving of a nod... He has been absolutely brilliant in every role I have seen him play, and I think highly underrated outside of the UK. Even in this crowded field... For me, this performance was extraordinary.
Would love to see it happen
perelli I have my fingers crossed that Benedict Cumberbatch will be Dr Strange. Then the world will realise what an extraordinary actor he is. I saw him as the creature in Danny Boyle's Frankenstein and he was electric. Just sensational. He's great as Sherlock in the BBC series but his whole back catalogue of work is brilliant. Looking forward to seeing him play Tietjens in BBC>HBO Tom Stoppard adaptation of Parade's End. Its a great role.
November 18, 2011 at 7:50PM ESTDanny
November 18, 2011 at 11:05PM EST Reply to Comment"In his three previous films, director Stephen Daldry has seen six of his actors receive best actress, best supporting actress or best supporting actor nominations."
Not to be picky, but I count "only" 5 actors nominated so far in Daldry's films. Winslet, Kidman, Moore, Harris, Walters. But that list includes two best actress wins. Von Sydow will be a likely sixth. (And Bell shoulda been the first imho)
loveforbuzz
November 23, 2011 at 7:27AM EST Reply to CommentI think Tom Hardy is a good actor. I can't wait to see Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. It looks like it should be a phenomenal film. I hope the actors are considered, along with the film. I know George Clooney has got a lot of frontrunner buzz, but I think Gary Oldman may steal it. I hope so, he's so fantastic.
LJA
November 27, 2011 at 2:02AM EST Reply to CommentRobert Forster was terrific in The Descendants.
Annie
January 1, 2012 at 11:28AM EST Reply to CommentI don't see Jonah Hill's name here. He was superb in Money Ball and deserves the Best Supporting Actor's Oscar.
Annie
January 1, 2012 at 11:30AM EST Reply to CommentJonah Hill was fantastic in Money Ball and deserves the Oscar.