4. Dwight Henry - Best Supporting Actor (Beasts Of The Southern Wild)
Despite the love for Beasts Of The Southern Wild - three major nominations in Best Film, Best Actress and Best Director - there was no place for Dwight Henry, whose performance as Wink was probably more accomplished, though not quite as affecting as co-star Quvenzhane Wallis's was as Hushpuppy. Henry perfectly captured the plight of his character, wearing physical and emotional wounds with the same importance, and building a relationship with on-screen daughter Hushpuppy that was flawed and defined by its irresistible contradictions. His enormously volatile performance was touched by the perfect wildness, and it is astonishing to think he was a baker before answering a casting call out of a mixture of boredom and curiosity. It is a major shame that Henry wasn't rewarded for his break-out role, but it is good to see the Academy recognising the film it came from. And I wouldn't be all that surprised if Quvenzhane Wallis walked away with a well-deserved win.