Don't get me wrong, I thought both were great in Milk. However, I was more impressed by James Franco's performance. It was understated, but stirring. His very presence energized scenes and he absolutely shone during the pivotal "final phone call" sequence.

Did anyone else prefer Franco? As good as Brolin is in the film, I'm a bit baffled as to how he became the *obvious* Milk supporting-actor frontrunner.

well Franco's very attractive

Franco is my favorite as well, but the character's treatment has to do with that too (Dan is just a bit too... villainy). Hirsch is right up there too

Brolin's nom is sort of a double recognition for his work in W., though. Same with RDJ

Hirsch was better than both Brolin and Franco. Unfortunate that it wasn't a more important/larger role.

i wasnt impressed by either of them personally

Completely agree. He and Penn has an amazing connection in the film and like Penn, its almost impossible to tell that it is Hirsch.

I think Franco's was more surprising, because Brolin has a much stronger dramatic background than Franco, but I thought Brolin's performance contained more depth.

Both are nomination-worthy, but neither are win-worthy, in my opinion.