Damien Bichir, whose critically acclaimed lead turn in A Better Life was thought to be largely forgotten, resurfaced with a Best Actor nomination. Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs) rectified a weak precursor showing with a tip of the hat for Best Actress, along with costar Janet McTeer in Supporting.
Speaking of Supporting Actress, Melissa McCarthy, of Bridesmaids' allegedly hilarious cast, continues to have a surprisingly strong precursor season, finding room for a nomination here to compliment her three critics awards and BFCA nomination. More to come for the comedienne? The whole cast also got cited for Best Ensemble.
The real puzzling category is Supporting Actor. With only Albert Brooks of Drive and Christopher Plummer of Beginners winning critics awards so far (and both of them terrific performances, by the way), those other three slots have been ripe for the plucking. Nick Nolte of Warrior follows up his BFCA nod with one from SAG, and surprise nominations went to Jonah Hill for Moneyball and Armie Hammer for J. Edgar. Did not see either of those coming. Nor did I see coming the snub of Albert Brooks, although I remain optimistic of his Oscar chances.
See all the nominees after the cut
Best Ensemble
The Artist
Bridesmaids
The Descendants
The Help
Midnight in Paris
Best Actor
Damian Bichir A Better Life
George Clooney The Descendants
Leonardo DiCaprio J. Edgar
Jean Dujardin The Artist
Brad Pitt Moneyball
Best Actress
Glenn Close Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis The Help
Meryl Streep The Iron Lady
Tilda Swinton We Need to Talk About Kevin
Michelle Williams My Week With Marilyn
Best Supporting Actor
Kenneth Branagh My Week With Marilyn
Armie Hammer J. Edgar
Jonah Hill Moneyball
Nick Nolte Warrior
Christopher Plummer Beginners
Supporting Actress
Berenice Bejo The Artist
Jessica Chastain The Help
Melissa McCarthy Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer The Help
Stunt Ensemble
The Adjustment Bureau
Cowboys & Aliens
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 2
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
X-Men: First Class
