1. Supporting Actor

Another category this year filled with worthy nominees, but the pick is simple. Is there even a possibility Javier Bardem won’t win? Sure, like 1%. Anton Chigurh is a character for the ages, not to be forgotten. This is just the impression I got from reading the book and screenplay – I cannot even imagine him on screen, Javier’s portrayal must be amazing. Bardem has won so many precursors and the buzz for his win is too strong to ignore. Casey and Hal both gave great, memorable, career defining performances, and them getting nominated leaves me with a great feeling of satisfaction. Tom Wilkinson was good too, very in your face, but he channel that “Shiva”, um sorry,  manic-depressive the best he could, and it paid off. Philip S. Hoffman had such a great year, and he got nominated as a way of saying “thanks for your contribution to cinema this year, you were really outstanding, but you won for your career-best performance just two years ago, so um, no, but enjoy the show.”

Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem – No Country For Old Men
Special Acknowledgement: Casey Affleck – Assassination of Jesse James

2. Supporting Actress

This is the most difficult category to predict this year, and as I type this, I am still not even 50% sure, so take my prediction with a pinch of salt. Out of the five nominees, four could easily win, but I am afraid Saoirse Ronan has no shot this year (as sad as it may be). That means we are left with Blanchett, Dee, Ryan and Swinton. Cate Blanchett and Amy Ryan have dominated the precursor season. Ruby Dee has the actors support, but has limited screen time in a less than well received film. If the votes are split between these three actresses, Swinton could very well pull through and win. I have never seen her as a serious contender in the way I am now. Right now, hair is being pulled out of my aching-head, fyi. I still think Cate gave the most daring portrayal of her character in her film, better than all the other nominees. How do I know this when I’m Not There hasn’t even been released in SA yet? I should just say thanks to who ever the hell sent me that I’m Not There screener with only Blanchett’s performance on the disc, who ever you are, um, thanks. Back to business….Best Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett – I’m Not There
Special Acknowledgement: Tilda Swinton – Michael Clayton