Golden Globe Musings: Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
Christian Bale (The Fighter)
Michael Douglas (Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps)
Andrew Garfield (The Social Network)
Jeremy Renner (The Town)
Geoffrey Rush (The King’s Speech)

This category is really tough because it’s hard to tell what contenders will actually make it to the final stretch without some of the films having been released yet, considering that hyped-up roles with notable actors often end up being smaller than initially reported. Christopher Plummer (Beginners), nominated in this category two years ago, is perhaps the best bet and only sure thing. Kenneth Branagh (My Week with Marilyn) is a likely nominee for his portrayal of Laurence Olivier. Armie Hammer (J. Edgar) should make it in, given this organization’s love for Clint Eastwood and all of his films. Category placements are iffy, but 2009 winner Christoph Waltz (Carnage) may find himself with a nomination. Some films have a slew of contenders in this category, like “The Ides of March” and “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,” with George Clooney and Philip Seymour Hoffman, both from the former, at the head of the pack. Brad Pitt (The Tree of Life)’s chances will depend on how his film is received, and I think that’s true also for Albert Brooks (Drive), and Viggo Mortensen (A Dangerous Method), and Max von Sydow or Tom Hanks (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close). Rounding out the category, watch out for Jonah Hill (Moneyball), who would be a fun choice from an easy-to-like movie.

Current predictions:
Kenneth Branagh (My Week with Marilyn)
George Clooney (The Ides of March)
Armie Hammer (J Edgar)
Christopher Plummer (Beginners)
Christoph Waltz (Carnage)