Previewing the Oscar Candidates: Best Supporting Actor

I've been watching the Oscars and the movies nominated for Oscars for many years now. It's always fun to see who wins Best Picture and the leading roles but my favorite awards are the supporting awards.  The supporting awards are usually where you see some nobody break through for the first time because they were put on screen with a star and did every bit as good, sometimes even better. This year the possible nominees for Best Supporting Actor look to be a good group once again. These are some of the actors this year that could be an Oscar nominee come next year.

Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Obviously the Best Supporting Actor nominees begin with Heath Ledger. His role in Dark Knight was one of the most hyped performances I can remember and the performance actually lived up to the hype. At this point I'd be surprised if Heath Ledger didn't win the whole thing.

John Malkovich, Burn After Reading
Two Oscar worthy performances before the usual Oscar season? It's hard to believe but John Malkovich could definitely be in the running for this and he also has a role in the Changeling that could add to his momentum.

Josh Brolin, Milk
The year 2007 was a big one for Josh Brolin. His credits include Planet Terror, American Gangster, In the Valley of Elah and No Country for Old Men. Brolin was one of the few people from No Country that didn't get recognized. The Oscar voters may feel like they owe him one but his performance in Milk could be good enough to warrant it without any kind of payback.

Liv Schreiber, Defiance
Defiance is a long shot for the Best Picture award and the Best Leading Actor category is too jam packed for Daniel Craig but Liv Shreiber could come away with an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Michael Sheen, Revolutionary Road
Revolutionary Road is being advertised as Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winlset's reunion but it takes some supporting roles as well to make a good Oscar movie. Early reports are that Michael Sheen gives an Oscar worthy performance in Revolutionary Road.