You don't have to be the star of the show to make the greatest impact on a film. Several of my favorite supporting actors this year prove it! While they might play second fiddle to the lead actor, these guys all still brought their "A" game and helped to leave a lasting impression with their memorable characters.
Favorite Supporting Actor Nominees:
Edward Norton | as Mike Shiner in Birdman |
 | Given Edward Norton's reputation for being difficult to work with, some think his character Mike Shiner is a parody of the actor himself. I would certainly hope not! Shiner's kind of an a-hole. Love him or hate him, I couldn't get enough him. His intense avant-garde style of acting is as comical as it is intriguing. When it comes down to it, this is a guy who, like Norton himself, is hard not to appreciate. |
Ethan Hawke | as Mason Evans Sr. in Boyhood |
 | As far as I'm concerned, Ethan Hawke is the best thing about Boyhood. He gives a really genuine and poignant performance as Mason's father, and his character proves himself to be one of the coolest movie dads ever. Him and his wife may be divorced, and he might not be around all the time, but he cares deeply about his children and makes a respectable effort to love them and instill them with important values. |
Josh Brolin | as Detective Christian F. "Bigfoot" Bjornsen in Inherent Vice |
 | Who knew Josh Brolin could be so hysterical? His stern, off-kilter, bully of a character steals the show in Inherent Vice. His serious demeanor and daunting appearance serve to hilariously contrast his oddball behavior. I don't know how Brolin was able to play this part with a straight face. Any time he was on screen, it was hard to hold back the laughter. He made Bigfoot into one of the most unforgettable characters of the year. |
Antonio Banderas | as Galgo in The Expendables 3 |
 | Here's one that might surprise you! Antonio Banderas reunites with his Assassins' co-star Sylvester Stallone in The Expendables 3 and he is fantastic! With Galgo, Banderas brings a whole lot of enthusiasm to the team, but he also adds some much-needed sensitivity. He knows the horror of battle, but he doesn't let it bring him down. Instead, the fast-talking Galgo flirts with danger and playfully boosts morale. |
Jon Bernthal | as Grady "Coon-Ass" Travis in Fury |
 | With a nickname like "Coon-Ass", it's not too hard to figure that Jon Bernthal's Grady Travis is mostly a prick. Throughout most of Fury, he presents himself as being vulgar, uncouth, and largely despicable. However, Bernthal adds great depth to his character, making him someone you reluctantly sympathize with, knowing that war has taken its toll on him, and try as he might, he'll never be able to escape what he has become. |
And the Winner Is...
Ethan Hawke
(boyhood)
Favorite Supporting Actor
There was no performance in 2014 that touched me quite like Ethan Hawke's in Boyhood. His portrayal as Mason's dad really resonated deeply with me. I found it to be remarkably touching and honest. This is a father who, despite being challenged by the circumstances of divorce, desperately wants to make sure that his kids are raised well and know that they are loved. He may not be the most accomplished individual, but he sees his two children as his own greatest accomplishment and he dedicates himself to preserving their good nature and integrity. He wants to show them the best things in life, through his own understanding of happiness, and guide them along as they grow into being good, responsible people. He's a father who swallows his pain and puts on a smile whenever he's with his kids, because he wants nothing more than for them to be happy. Ethan Hawke, I thank you for your moving performance, for your passion, and your dedication. You treated this 12-year-long movie as if it was your own child, and it shines through beautifully. You may not have won the Oscar, but you still scored yourself a 5MMG Award, and if I do say so, that's pretty rad!
| Tell me what you think! Do you agree or disagree? Vote for which nominee is your Favorite Supporting Actor! Share your own choices in the comments below! | |
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