It looks like a head-to-head battle between Kieran Culkin, an actor who has spent years in the industry before finally making his big leap, and Edward Norton—one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces who, surprisingly, has yet to win an Oscar.
For months, Denzel Washington (Gladiator II) seemed like the unstoppable frontrunner in this category, but the collapse of Ridley Scott’s film took him down with it. Now, the race is wide open, with two top contenders for the statue. Kieran Culkin (Golden Globe winner for A Real Pain) looked like he had no real competition, but in recent weeks, momentum has been building around Edward Norton, riding the wave of acclaim for A Complete Unknown.
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Norton’s explosive debut in 1996 with Primal Fear and The People vs. Larry Flynt promised a stellar Hollywood career that hasn’t quite translated into awards. This is his fourth shot at an Oscar, after nominations for Primal Fear, American History X (arguably his most iconic role), and Birdman. He was also a key part of the cult classic Fight Club. There's a lot of excitement about finally seeing him holding an Oscar.
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This would be a first-time recognition for an actor who has been a consistent presence in countless films. After several projects in Australia, L.A. Confidential put him on Hollywood’s radar. Memento, The Time Machine, and Animal Kingdom were among his best works until he stunned audiences with The Brutalist. His most complete performance to date. His nomination is well deserved.
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A familiar supporting presence in many films over the past decade—Zero Dark Thirty, Lincoln, Selma, The Big Short, Detroit, and The Trial of the Chicago 7. Then came his big break with the series Succession, and he seized it. A multiple-time Golden Globe nominee, he’s now one of the most sought-after actors. He absolutely nails his role as a lawyer and mentor to a young Donald Trump in the show.
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He has been working in film for years, ever since starring alongside his brother Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone (playing his cousin) as a child. But it was Succession that truly elevated him, a leap now reinforced by this nomination. Both roles earned him a Golden Globe, and he delivers entirely different performances in each. He’s ready for bigger challenges.
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The Russian actor earns a well-deserved nomination for Anora, marking his first foray outside Russian cinema. Borisov’s presence adds an extra layer to Anora. This film could be the launchpad for his international career. He’s a frequent presence in Russian films, but an Oscar nomination is a different league. Winning seems highly unlikely, but simply attending the ceremony is already a victory for Borisov.
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Kieran Culkin is the strongest contender for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar among the five nominees. His performance in the lighthearted comedy A Real Pain makes him deserving of the award. Giving him the Oscar would also serve as recognition for his outstanding work in the critically acclaimed Succession. A reward for years of solid performances. The surprising omission of A Real Pain from the ten Best Picture finalists has raised some doubts about an easy win for Culkin. Meanwhile, the growing push to secure the award for Edward Norton is fueled by Fox Searchlight’s aggressive campaign to position A Complete Unknown as the film of the year.
