Oscars 2022: Every Acting Nominee Ranked

20. J.K. Simmons - Being The Ricardos

Whilst J.K. Simmons isn't by any stretch bad in Being the Ricardos, his nomination for playing sitcom legend William Frawley feels incredibly hollow.

Though he's quick-witted and commanding enough, the actor seems to have been nominated solely on the strength of his name and recent Oscar success, pushing out more deserving stars Jamie Dornan (Belfast) and Bradley Cooper (Licorice Pizza) so the Academy can heap praise on yet another tired biopic.

Simmons is incapable of phoning it in, and he certainly gives another commendable performance here, but he's ultimately stunted by Aaron Sorkin's self-indulgent script, showy direction, and the overall lack of challenge the role offers.

He gets the job done - as ever - but Oscar-worthy? Definitely not, especially given the competition and his lack of love all award season.