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:
Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips)
Daniel Bruhl (Rush)
Bradley Cooper (American Hustle)
Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave)
Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)

This category really doesn’t have that many nominees locked up, and I’m sure we’re going to see some unexpected faces. The actor with the best shot is J.K. Simmons (Whiplash), with Edward Norton (Birdman) close behind him. If either of those actors isn’t nominated, this may be the end of the road for them this awards season. Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher) and Ethan Hawke (Boyhood) are both good bets, but they could easily be snubbed and show up closer to the Oscar race. Those who could displace them include Tom Wilkinson (Selma), Robert Duvall (The Judge), Johnny Depp (Into the Woods), and Josh Brolin (Inherent Vice).

Current predictions:
Johnny Depp (Into the Woods)
Ethan Hawke (Boyhood)
Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher)
Edward Norton (Birdman)
J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)