Oscars 2020 Nominations: 16 Biggest Shocks, Snubs & Surprises
9. Surprise: Jonathan Pryce (The Two Popes) - Best Actor
Best Actor is certainly one of the least-objectionable categories this year: it's tough to take a look at a single actor and claim that they don't belong, with Antonio Banderas (Pain and Glory), Leonardo DiCaprio (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Adam Driver (Marriage Story), and Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) all having thoroughly earned their place.
And while the fifth slot could've certainly gone to Robert De Niro (The Irishman), Taron Egerton (Rocketman), or Eddie Murphy (Dolemite Is My Name), it was nevertheless a pleasant surprise to see the brilliant Jonathan Pryce nominated for his exemplary work as Pope Francis in The Two Popes.
Pryce was easily the best thing about the movie, and this is also the first-ever nomination for the 70-year-old acting vet.
While he's got zero chance of winning - this is now Phoenix's award to lose - it's still a neat reward for a remarkable and lengthy career full of fine performances.