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February 19, 2008
Oscar Countdown: Best Supporting Actor
The big day is just days away and while you finalize your picks, OK!'s here to handicap the Suppporting Actor race.
Best Supporting Actor
Casey Affleck, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Pro: Casey's the "It" boy of the moment with this being his breakout performance as a majorly creepy outlaw. He also earned raves for his role in Gone Baby Gone, which could be enough to persuade voters to check off his name. Plus, for sentimental value, big bro Ben won a decade ago for writing Good Will Hunting.
Con: If you're really jonseing for an awesome villain, look to Javier Bardem.
Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men
Pro: Basically everything -- the glowing reviews, the awards sweep, the hunky looks and, oh yeah, the acting chops.
Con: Um, nothing really. A backlash is possible, but unlikely.
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Charlie Wilson's War
Pro: He's a recent champ (for Best Actor in Capote) and adored character actor who totally brought the funny in this political satire.
Con: There's not enough love for him or the film — he's Charlie's only nomination. Plus, drama trumps comedy at the Oscars.
Hal Holbrook, Into the Wild
Pro: He's an acting vet who just scored his first ever nomination (at 82, he's the oldest nominee in Academy history) as an endearlingly sweet ol' man who befriends Emile Hirsch's character in the coming-of-age drama. The Academy loves their old folk and those "touching" performances. If there's an upset, look to Hal.
Con: AMPAS wasn't feeling the film at all (only two nods), overlooking Emile and director Sean Penn. Also, Hal is lacking in screen time if he wants to compete with the giant that is Javier.
Tom Wilkinson, Michael Clayton
Pro: Menacing and crazy, Tom brought the goods in this George Clooney-led crime thriller
Con: Clayton has three acting nods for three standout performances, and at this point, if they wanted the film to win a statuette, they're more likely to vote for Tilda Swinton.
Prediction
Winner: Javier Bardem
Next in line: Hal Holbrook
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