OSCARS 2020 – Best Supporting Actor

I think acting categories brought the most disappointments as far as Oscar nominations go this year. The Best Supporting Actor might actually be the least problematic (I’m not sure if there were any glaring snubs here) but, let’s be honest, it’s not exactly exciting. Still, here is my ranking.

5. Anthony Hopkins, The Two Popes

I am mostly unimpressed by The Two Popes, I think maybe a harsher look at the Catholic Church would be more appropriate in 2019. Anthony Hopkins is fine but does not exactly showcase anything you could not get from any other role of his. You know he’s fine even without watching the film and watching it does not bring much more.

4. Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood

Brad Pitt is most likely going to win this award and I am okay with that. In „Hollywood” he’s charismatic, he’s fun, he’s handsome… The only reason he is so low on this list is because I am biased towards one of my favourite films of the year…

3. Joe Pesci, The Irishman

…The Irishman. And let it be known that the person I would most like to see with an award for the film is Robert De Niro. Alas, we know this I not going to happen. Still, both Pesci and Pacino are in their element here. For all three of those man The Irishman feels like a culmination of their career (I am not saying the END of their career). They all seem like living, breathing gangsters and are a perfect representation for what all three – and Scorsese – gave to cinema throughout the decades.

2. Al Pacino, The Irishman

See above. (BTW, am I the only person putting Pacino ABOVE Pesci?)

1. Tom Hanks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

A surprising choice, I think. Honestly? I am surprised myself. Here’s the thing: I do not know much about Mr. Rogers. As a European, I did not grow up with his show. I did grow up with Tom Hanks, though. Maybe he is my Mr. Rogers? Hanks brings a wonderful, gentle performance full of tenderness. The film did not necessarily work for me but his role touched my heart. And in a year that mostly felt cynical and sad, I appreciated that immensely.