This Best Supporting Actor Award is one of the most predictable awards, as one actor has swept all the precursor awards and will most likely secure his first Academy Award on Oscar Sunday.

The line-up of nominees this year include three previous nominees, a past winner and a first time nominee. The winner this year will join previous winners Jared Leto ("Dallas Buyers Club"), Christoph Waltz ("Django Unchained"), Christopher Plummer ("Beginners") and Christian Bale ("The Fighter").

Robert Duvall - "The Judge" - For his work on David Dobkin's film, Duvall received his seventh Academy Award nomination. The actor had previously won for his work on "Tender Mercies" and was also nominated for "Apocalypse Now," "The Godfather," "The Apostle" and "A Civil Action." It's been 17 years since the actor was nominated for an Academy Award and his latest comes as no surprise given the fact that competition in the category was so slim. Duvall had previously been a contender in 2010 for his work on "Get Low" but was snubbed. His work on "The Judge" received all the praise because the film was panned by most critics. Duvall's performance received a Hollywood Film Award early on in awards season but after that has not won a single award. As a result, expect the actor to go home empty-handed this year.

Ethan Hawke - "Boyhood" - Hawke received a fourth Oscar nomination for his work on Richard Linklater's "Boyhood." Hawke was previously nominated only once in his acting career for his work on "Training Day." However, last year and in 2004 he was recognized for his collaboration on of the scripts of "Before Sunset" and "Before Midnight." Hawke has been present throughout awards season and has been nominated for virtually every award. His 12-year performance has been hailed throughout by critics but he has unfortunately been overshadowed by his co-star Patricia Arquette, who has won the majority of the acting awards for the film. Unless the Academy really falls for "Boyhood," Hawke will like lose this award.

Edward Norton - "Birdman" - Norton received his third nomination at the Oscars for his work on "Birdman." The actor was previously nominated 17 years ago for his work on "American History X" and in 1996 for "Primal Fear." Norton has been on the campaign trail all season and at one point he was the big front-runner for the award. He won awards at the National Board of Review and Boston Online Film Critics. However, his failure to win the Golden Globe, the SAG and Critics' Choice hurt his Oscar chances. Norton could easily surprise if the Academy intends to give "Birdman" Best Picture. However, if the film does not register with the Academy, it is unlikely Norton has a chance.

Mark Ruffalo - "Foxcatcher" - Ruffalo received his second nomination at the Academy Awards for his work on "Foxcatcher." The actor was previously nominated in 2010 for "The Kids Are All Right." Throughout awards season, Ruffalo's performance has been hailed as his finest work to date, but unfortunately the film itself has not registered as most would have expected. Ruffalo has not attended many awards shows and has been absent from campaigning. While he has been nominated for the Golden Globe, the SAG and the Critics' Choice, he has lost every single major award. His performance is also not what the Academy usually awards as it is subtle and lacks the showiness of some of the other performances in this category. Ruffalo's win this year is being alongside the nominees.

J.K. Simmons - "Whiplash" - The big front-runner of the category is Simmons, who is nominated for the first time at the Academy Awards. Although he has not campaigned throughout the season, Simmons' performance has registered with organizations. He has swept all critics' circles and won the Golden Globe, the SAG and the Critics' Choice and will likely take home the BAFTA. The performance is also a mix of comedy and drama and has the showy elements that the Academy loves. Additionally, it helps that the film is nominated for Best Picture.

Predictions: Simmons is the absolute favorite to win the Academy Award. No other actor has the same buzz at the moment.

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