2. Edward Norton (American History X, 1999)
Edward Norton gives a courageous and fierce performance as Derek Vinyard in Tony Kaye's directorial debut American History X. Vinyard is a neo-nazi skinhead who is sent to prison for manslaughter after brutally gunning down two young black men who were stealing his car. The film is an uncompromising study of the realities of racial hatred and violence in America. Norton's portrayal of Derek is forceful and persuasive. While Derek is in prison he gradually befriends a black laundry co-worker named Lamont who makes him question his values and misplaced faith in the white power cause. As loathesome and offensive as Derek is we are forced to pity him as he realises how destructive and useless his life has been. Norton imparts a humanity and futility to his character that makes his struggle to adapt to situations that arise on the outside heartbreaking. It is quite stinging then that Norton left the awards empty handed after Roberto Benigni stole the show for his role in Life Is Beautiful. Benigni was likeable in his soppy role as a father who tries to find a funny side of a Nazi death camp to protect his son yet no match for the blistering Norton performance.