Oscar Talk III: Best Supporting Actor

Let's talk Best Supporting Actor. A week ago, this was the most wide open of the acting categories. Today it is down to probably seven men, vying for the top five spots.

George Clooney for Syriana seems to be the sudden frontrunner in the race. He could - in all conceivability - get three nominations this year (Director, Screenplay, Supp. Actor) as well as have one of his films up for Best Pic. The other sure things seem to be Matt Dillon for Crash and Paul Giamatti for Cinderella Man. Giamatti could realistically win too - more for snub-make-up for Sideways than for anything else.

The fourth nominee (at this point) seems to be Bob Hoskins in Mrs. Henderson Presents. I think he is on shakier ground than most do, but I do have in for now. Which leaves that ever-saught after fifth spot, which appears to be the fighting ground for William Hurt (Violence), Gyllenhaal (Brokeback) and Howard (Crash). Gyllenhaal may end up being that inevitable loser from a film that gets snubbed even though the rest of the film gets a buttload of nominations. Howard, on the other hand, if he can sneak in, could be looking at a double nomination (with his lead spot for Hustle & Flow). There is one other scenario though, since there is often a "surprise" nod come Oscar Announcement Morning. Someone who has gotten very little buzz, but comes up with a happy little wake-up call at 5:37am PST. Someone like Keisha Castle-Hughes in Whale Rider or Ethan Hawke in Training Day. This year that nod could go to Frank Langella in Good Night, and Good Luck. Getting a BP nod definately does help a supporting actor/actress.

My guesses right now: Clooney, Giamatti, Dillon, Hoskins & Hurt...but look out for Mr. Langella. Tomorrow comes Best Actress, followed by Director and Picture on Sunday.