Paul Bettany (Jock)/Mortdecai- Bettany plays the long-suffering manservant/bodyguard to Johnny Depp's dopey, out-to-lunch art dealer. He has by far the funniest moments in the movie as he's shot, beaten, and attacked by a vicious Doberman all in the name of duty. And, he does it with such straight-faced aplomb.
Nicholas Hoult (Nux)/Mad Max: Fury Road- As the somewhat psychotic foot soldier of a cruel despot who later switches sides, Hoult is on this list for me for one main reason. Driving through one of the most ominous sandstorms ever filmed at breakneck speed, he leaves an indelible impression with the following line, "Oh, what a day. WHAT A LOVELY DAY!"
Jason Statham (Rick Ford)/Spy- Who'd'a thunk it? Jason Statham has a few comedy chops in him. As a surly CIA agent who's a legend in his own mind, he bumbles his way through ridiculous situation after ridiculous situation gleefully chewing the scenery every step of the way.
Jude Law (Bradley Fine)/Spy- As a talented, but somewhat clueless, CIA agent, Law would get my nomination for the way he accidentally eliminates his target at the beginning of the film even if that was his only scene.
Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa)/Creed- It's strange to nominate one of the most iconic roles in movie history in a supporting category. But that's exactly what Rocky has become in this latest chapter of the popular boxing series. And, Stallone plays it understated as the lovable lug who has run the gamut in the series from underdog boxer to champion to mentor.
Tom Hardy (John Fitzgerald)/The Revenant- As the opportunist frontiersman in star Leonardo DiCaprio's hunting party, Hardy is a snake. But, like DiCaprio's character, he's a survivor as well. Unlike that character, however, his survival isn't based on sheer force of will. He gets by on deception, practicality, and murder. You're ready for him to get his in the end. The sign of a great villain.
Benicio Del Toro (Alejandro)/Sicario- Del Toro is the poster child of murderous cool as a questionable "consultant" to a drug task force charged with taking down a major Mexican cartel. His character is so slick, so in control at all times. He's on the side of the angels (so to speak) but, has that underlying hint of smoldering evil. It's by far the best performance of the film.
Walton Goggins (Chris Mannix)/The Hateful Eight- Chris Mannix. Former Confederate Renegade and overall racist hatemonger is also a newly appointed sheriff in the town of Red Rock. In a film where most characters have questionable loyalties, Mannix's final decision may not be quite what you believe it will be. Goggins plays the part with his usual brilliance.
Joel Edgerton (Gordo)/The Gift- Edgerton gives a subtle, creepy performance as disturbed man stalking a former classmate and his wife. Befriending the couple in the beginning he gradually becomes more intrusive in their lives pushing his former classmate to his breaking point and beyond. But, is there method to Gordo's madness? Why has he targeted this particular classmate? In this twisty thriller, not all is as it seems. Neither is Gordo.
