Best Supporting Actor
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire
The Academy tends to reward comedic performances in the supporting categories, hence Downey Jr. for his hilarious turn as a “dude disguised as another dude playing another dude.” Joining him is Hoffman as said progressive priest, Shannon as a mentally unstable neighbor and Patel as the wide-eyed but successful game show contestant. But the real shoo-in is the late Ledger, who is not only guaranteed a spot for his turn as the maniacal Joker but who will most likely win the award posthumously. Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan should be polishing his speech now.
Also for your consideration: We know Shannon is a bit of a stretch, since most of the other lists tag Josh Brolin as the fifth nominee for his portrayal as the beleaguered assassin Dan White in Milk. And don’t completely discount Tom Cruise for his fat, balding, foul-mouthed movie mogul in Tropic Thunder.
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