Christoph Waltz as Standartenführer Hans Landa aka "The Jew Hunter"



Amazzzzzzzzzzzing

Really liked the early scene with the father at the farm.

Yeah... what a travesty if he doesn't get in. Then again, Uma Thurman...

I'd argue thats he was the lead actually, but I hope I'm right in assuming they won't go that route.

I think his role is technically lead as well. But Supporting is where he'll probably go.

I would still say Supporting as Brad Pitt had to be the Lead!

Anyway, is Lead or Supporting only determined by time on screen?

No, it depends on how the studio decides to submit it.

Christoph Waltz is my favorite this year.

Supporting is his best chance. Although we may get a Kate Winslet surprise like last year and the membership disregards the campaign and votes him in Lead?

I mean, he was great, but best performance ever in a QT film, or best performance of the year? Hardly. I think he deserves a nomination, and he'll probably get one, but that's about it.

it's hard to know what his competition's going to be, since it's harder to spot great Supporting performances ahead of time... however, I think there's a very good chance Matt Damon could get his first acting Oscar for Invictus, depending on the meatiness of the role and the praise surrounding the film.

Yeahhh....Waltz is in. Definitely. So damn good.

His laugh at the actress' excuse of breaking her leg mountain-climbing was so deliciously evil and hilarious.

I think it'll be hard to ignore him. Could he be a lock at this point since he's the best thing about the movie and has gotten what seems like nothing but praise?

He should be locked up.

But the Kate Winslet case had other things going for it:
- the story of "The Reader" was constructed differently: There are only two major characters in the film: Hanna and the boy. The boy is the protagonist, because we see everything through his eyes, but it's also about their relationship. So it's easy to choose her as a lead. (Also, Inglourious Basterds is full of supporting characters, and "Lead Actor" nominees are often roles that are the hero of the movie, a character that has a journey or changes somewhat. Waltz is the antagonist.)

- The Academy wanted to award Kate Winslet that year. And it's better to award her in the Lead category, more glorious.

Yeah... what a travesty if he doesn't get in. Then again, Uma Thurman...

I'd argue thats he was the lead actually, but I hope I'm right in assuming they won't go that route

If he goes supporting there's actually a chance for him to win, so...

Christoph Waltz is going to win this, no doubt.

Don't see how Christoph Waltz is missing out on a nomination and win so far for this.

Matt Damon "Invictus"
Anthony Mackie "The Hurt Locker"
Alfred Molina "An Education"
Stanley Tucci "The Lovely Bones"
Christoph Waltz "Inglourious Basterds"

The category seems pretty weak aside from Waltz, so he's probably winning.

Locks:
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Alfred Molina, An Education

Very Likely:
Christopher Plummer, The Last Station (I almost considered him a lock, but just want to wait for more reactions of the film; the early words are quite good)
Matt Damon

Other contenders:
Matt Damon, Invictus
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Anthony Mackie, The Hurt Locker

Waltz definitely has a lead on winning, but Plummer could overtake him if The Last Station gets bigger than just an acting juggernaut. Don't see anyone else have much of a chance.

I don't think they are going to award a scene-stealing villain for the third year in a row. Otherwise, Waltz would get it in a walk.

Since this category isn't exactly on fire this year, I'm hoping Woody Harrelson can sneak in for his brilliant performance in The Messenger. Maybe Zombieland's popularity will help him...

Hope Waltz takes it. One of the best performances of the decade.

Waltz vs McKay

McKay might not even get nominated.

If The Messenger can stick around throughout awards season, I think Harrelson might actually win this one. Just...not entirely feeling Waltz yet.