One of the biggest contenders for Best Supporting Actor at the 2015 Oscars is Johnny Depp. The actor will star in "Into the Woods" as the Wolf. Depp has a track record with the Academy and has been nominated for three Oscars. Depp has two very promising films this year and after a number of flops, this may be his resurgence year.
Christoph Waltz has proven to be a draw with the Academy, winning two Oscars for his roles in Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained" and "Inglorious Basterds." This year he stars in "Big Eyes" with Amy Adams and considering the film is based on a real-life story and is directed by Tim Burton, his chances at a nomination look very promising. Also, with the Weinstein Company distributing the film, that may give the film an even bigger draw with the Academy.
Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo may be back in the awards race for his role in "Foxcatcher." Ever since last year this film has received a lot of buzz and Ruffalo was rumored to give a great performance; the Academy may nominate him a second time. However, he could be overlooked if Steve Carrell overshadows the rest of the actors in the film.
Robert Duvall was thought to be a guaranteed nominee in 2009 for his role in "Get Low." However, he was snubbed. This year he may have yet another juicy role in the film "The Judge." While the movie does not have buzz for best picture, the performances are receiving enough attention and this could help Duvall get a nomination.
J.K Simmons has been known for his comic timing through his career. However, this year the actor had a standout performance in the Sundance winner "Whiplash." While the film may be too small for the Oscars, Sony Classics Pictures is sure to campaign the actor's role.
A few years ago Albert Brooks was thought of as the front-runner for the category for his work in "Drive." However, the Academy snubbed him. This year he will star in the highly anticipated film "A Most Violent Year." The film, directed by J.C Chandor, will be released by A24 and having already had experience with Oscar campaigning, the company may lead a stronger campaign next year.
"Inherent Vice" has buzz allover as it is directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Josh Brolin may get his second Oscar nomination after receiving one in 2008 for "Milk." With a lot of hype and a good campaign from Warner Bros., Brolin could easily be a lock. However, Benicio del Toro and Owen Wilson could overshadow him in the movie and steal his thunder.
James Franco has proven his transformative qualities in film and this year he will be playing a murderer in "True Story." The film was produced by the team behind "12 Years a Slave" and with Franco's charisma in the industry, the Academy may want to recognize him.
Other contenders include Kyle Chandler for "Carol," Martin Sheen for "Trash," and Matthias Schoenaerts for "Suite Francaise," "A Little Chaos" and "Far From the Madding Crowd."
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