Johnny Simmons

No one ever really talks about this category. I can't say why. There have been some very good performances here...and here's who I think they are. Here's the nine Supporting Men that make sense as far as I'm concerned...beginning with the Greatest of them all...

                               

This performance would not be out of place in a horror film. It’s not obviously horrifying…it’s the type of clown like performance that becomes more and more horrifying as you go deeper. I know some people have issues with this beating out The Godfather men, but I don’t…obviously. What is it about people hating on the musical performances? Oh well, he’s easily the most memorable supporting actor winner as far as I’m concerned.

                 

When it comes to the actors of this period – DeNiro, Pacino, Hoffman, Voight etc, Walken is my favourite. I haven’t seen him in much but his performance in The Deer Hunter is one of the most chilling screen incarnations. This film is really depressing and a large part of that depends on this performance. He’s not the lead of the film but I feel he’s the most important character. He plays his part just right and as the character loses control of his wits, he never loses control of his character.

                                    

Was this the easiest voting decision in this category recently? Probably. There was no one that could have topped Robbins performance, and there was no one I could have seen winning this Oscar. He goes toe to toe with Bacon and Penn and creates a chilling and complex character. His scenes with Marcia Gay Harden are awesome. Their marriage relationship is a key part of his character’s development, and tit is authentic. But the biggest moment is easily that final breakdown at the eponymous river is terrifying. It’s a pity he doesn’t do more work, he’s really outstanding.

                       

Addison DeWitt, what a cad. Sanders plays a stereotypical reporter who knows everything about everyone. The scene I remember most about him is that big showdown he has with Anne Baxter. We knew he had a hard streak, but we’d never seen it before. The man just may be one of the dirtiest persons in the film…but yet we can’t help but root for him. Eve does deserve what she gets. Right?And he is so good being bad...there's a reason his voice is the first we hear in this iconic film.

                        

I never could warm up to this movie. I always figured that Otto would end up with Wanda so I was not a little miffed when they left Kevin stuck in the cement. Still, this win was totally deserved. He’s the best in show and his over-the-top comedic skills are hilarious. His fake Italian, and his outlandish mannerisms. He and Jamie Lee Curtis really had some great chemistry. Someone needs to give him another leading role, he’s hilarious. And he is easily the best in show in this half and half comedy.

                                

He was not the best in show in his film. He was not even my favourite of the nominees…but yet this win made me particularly happy. You can’t help finding this character cool. His constant foul language is just perfect. Every line reading from his is just spot on. Some characters have the moments when they’re on and when they’re off but his character is just continuously on. It’s just an enjoyable performance. And I remember my jaw dropping [in happy shock] when he won.

                                     

It seems a little unfair that Malden won the Oscar and Brando didn’t. But they were in different categories and Malden did deserve his Oscar. It’s something  of a thankless role but he goes for it well with the wonderful Ms. Leigh. He doesn't try to overplay it; he doesn't turn into a ham. It’s a good performance and that’s all there is.

                            

Yes, Santa Clause. This is probably a WTF nomination and win…but it makes me oddly cheered. Maybe, it’s the presence of Natalie Wood and Natalie O’Hara…perhaps it’s just that old Christmas feeling…but I think this was a good performance. I mean it does seem a little ludicrous, someone winning an Oscar playing Santa Clause but I just can’t resist this. I really, really cannot.

                                

Caine is another actor that I have not seen in much…but I like him fine. Hannah & Her Sisters is one of the more successful of Woody Allen’s films and as the adulterating husband Caine is despicable and endearing all at once. I do wish that Willem Dafoe had an Oscar…but I can’t fault Caine’s performance. I don’t want to. He deserved the Oscar.

                   

 Other respectable winners include

James Dunn in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Ed Begley in Sweet Bird of Youth

Kevin Spaecy in The Usual Suspects

Jim Broadbent in Iris