Oscars Predictions 2017: Best supporting actor

Here’s to the gentlemen who left a mark on their films in a supporting role thanks to their superior acting method. The six of us predict who we think was the best of the best in 2016 and who we think will win the Academy Award for Best supporting actor.

Nominees:

Caryn

Mahershala Ali – Moonlight

I am a huge fan of Mahershala Ali and the various roles that he has played – especially over the last year. In his role in Moonlight he managed to steal the screen – even in the brief moments that he was on it, his role commanded the attention of the audience and the way that he portrayed it helped to cement his status as a great actor.

Dean

Mahershala Ali – Moonlight

He absolutely blew up in 2016. He stole the show in Marvel’s Luke Cage and just so happened to star in two Oscar nominated films: Hidden Figures and Moonlight with the latter getting him an Oscar nomination. There are two reasons I think he will win. One, I don’t think any of the other actors in this cateogory – maybe with the exception of Dev Patel – had such an impact in a film, especially in a relatively small role. His calming presence on screen is undeniable and he has to be one of the most well-meaning drug dealers ever. I hope he takes this.

Jeslyn

Dev Patel – Lion

I watched Moonlight first and thought that Mahershala Ali would take this award no problem.  He plays the most well-meaning drug dealer, explaining to a young boy that he may be gay and that it’s just fine. He made one conversation over orange juice encompass an entire life. Also, that proposal in Hidden Figures <insert heart eyes emoji here>. I had to mention him.

Dev Patel gives him a run for his money however, playing a real-life Saroo searching for the biological mother he was separated from. The movie itself is heart breaking, especially the scenes in poverty-stricken India, and Dev Patel perfectly captures the emotion of Saroo’s anguish during the search and the beautiful reunion with his mother.

Stephen

Mahershala Ali – Moonlight

This is a two man race. I know the Academy loves Jeff Bridges about a third as much as they love Meryl Streep (which is still a shit ton more than most actors) but this year has got to see Mahershala Ali win for his role in Moonlight.

He disappears into the character; his performance is understated and he leaves such an amazing impression even though he’s in such a small part of the film. He perfects what this category is all about and provides the ultimate support to the main cast.

Tendai

Mahershala Ali – Moonlight

I only know him as Remy from House of Cards but I cannot take away his performance in Moonlight. It really was an emotional piece and something that makes you believe in humanity again. I really feel he took his acting to another level and really delivered work that is worthy of nomination. A wildcard pick, I must say but this year, it’s go big or go home.

Vernon

Mahershala Ali – Moonlight

My second choice is defs Micheal Shannon because he was absolutely awesome. But I’ve seen all 4 seasons and
House of Cards on Netflix and I think Mahershala Ali is a hell of an actor. Although disappointed with his mere 15 minutes of screen time – he shared it with the lovely Janelle Monae – I’m positive he will be triumphant.

 

What is your prediction for Best supporting actor? Let us know in the comments below:

Check out our previous predictions posts here:

Oscars Predictions 2017: Best Original Screenplay
Oscars Predictions 2017: Best Adapted Screenplay
Oscars Predictions 2017: Best Song
Oscars Predictions 2017: Best Score
Oscars Predictions 2017: Best Visual Effects
Oscars Predictions 2017: Best Cinematography
Oscars Predictions 2017: Best Animated Feature

For more film ramblings, you can follow us on Twitter:

Caryn @carrieanne07

Dean @deeno15

Jeslyn @jeslynczee

Stephen @thesnagel

Tendai @TendaiSibindi

Vernon @VernonKallis

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