4. Scott Smith - Milk
In Gus Van Sant's fascinating biopic Milk, Franco plays activist and former boyfriend of the legendary San Francisco politician Harvey Milk. His role is that of Harvey Milk's driving force, the man who encourages him to head out to the west coast city and make something more of his life. Early on, Smith even takes the role of Milk's campaign manager, before leaving him as he felt neglected due to Milk's political obsessions. Franco gives a great performance as Scott Smith, narrowly missing out on an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, an honour many felt would have been well-deserved. And though he was snubbed by the Oscars, Franco got his recognition with an Independent Spirit Award and the much-coveted nomination for the MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss.