2011 OSCARS: Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor

I might be one of the only entertainment writers who actually believes that these two categories are fairly wide open. Yes, Christian Bale and Melissa Leo from The Fighter have a leg up on the competition, but I don’t think everyone is ga-ga over both those choices. If there is going to be some upsets on Oscar night, look toward the supporting categories.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

• Amy Adams — The Fighter
• Helena Bonham Carter – The King’s Speech
• Melissa Leo — The Fighter
• Hailee Steinfeld — True Grit
• Jacki Weaver — Animal Kingdom

Thoughts: Although I love that Jacki Weaver, a relatively unknown Australian actress, is competing in this category, I’m going to have to eliminate her from the get-go. That leaves four other contenders. Melissa Leo is the favorite, though her recent controversy over ads taken out in industry magazines and newspapers may hurt her chances (read more here). Plus, she could split the vote with Amy Adams who is equally as good. Helena Bonham Carter feels like she needed one more standout scene in The King’s Speech to be a lock, but she could go all Tilda Swinton on us and win anyway. Hailee Steinfeld may have this one.

Who Will Win: Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit

Who Should Win: Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

• 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

Thoughts: I can safely say that each and every one of these performances I immensely enjoyed. Christian Bale has the edge, but don’t be surprised if Geoffrey Rush sneaks in at the last moment, especially if it’s a big night for The King’s Speech. Jeremy Renner is becoming the Hollywood “It” guy, now that he has received back-to-back nominations (the other one was for last year’s The Hurt Locker). Mark Ruffalo is great in The Kids Are All Right, though my pick is for John Hawkes in Winter’s Bone, a superb character actor who came to scary life in that role.

Who Will Win: Christian Bale, The Fighter

Who Should Win: John Hawkes, Winter’s Bone

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

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