MillionDollarBaby_FreemanM.jpgBest Supporting Actor

Alan Alda, The Aviator
Thomas Haden Church, Sideways
Jamie Foxx, Collateral
Morgan Freeman, Million Dollar Baby
Clive Owen, Closer

 

Will Win: Morgan Freeman
Sure, it's Jamie Foxx's year - just not in this category. Here's hoping that his nom for Collateral will convince producers that it is actually worth it to cast thier potential summer blockbusters with stars that can actually act. Owen has recieved a number of prizes already, including the Golden Globe, but I'mnot exactly hearing a lot of positive buzz around the film. Alda's work in The Aviator is phenomenal, but he shows up two-thirds of the way through the film and probably doesn't have enough screen time to be considered a serious contender. Haden Church's nomination *is* the reward - it's simply enough that he's no longer "the guy from Wings." Morgan Freeman, meanwhile, is on his fourth career nomination and has never won. Doesn't it just seem like it's about time?

paul_giamatti7.jpgShould Win: Thomas Haden Church

Actually, Jamie Foxx *should* win - his work in Collateral would have been shoo-in-able had he not also palyed Ray Charles this year. But if I was voting, I'd give it to Haden Church, as a show of faith towards the second half of his career. Also,I would like to see Sideways win an acting award, because as far as I'm concerned, the performances are the real triumph of the film. And, you know … I just always really liked Wings.