Steve Carell

“Foxcatcher”

Longtime comedy icon Steve Carell received his first nomination for his most serious and challenging role to date. Carrell played John E. du Pont, a reclusive millionaire and heir to the DuPont chemical company fortune. “Foxcatcher” is based around the relationship between du Pont and Olympic wrestlers and brothers, Mark and Dave Schult.

Carell gave the performance of his life, garbed with a prosthetic nose and fake teeth leaving him barely recognizable as du Pont. It is this superb make-up, and Carrel’s nasally, monotone voice work that give the film much of its creepy tone. At first, it was a surprise to hear that Carrell was the choice for such a role, but upon seeing the film, it is hard to imagine someone doing a better job bringing du Pont’s subtle madness to life.

Bradley Cooper

“American Sniper”

Bradley Cooper collects his third Oscar nomination for his role as Navy SEAL Chris Kyle in the Clint Eastwood war drama, “American Sniper.” The film depicts the true story of an American military marksman who struggles with the toll that years of service have had on both him and his family.

“American Sniper” broke box-office records upon its release, making $105 million during its opening weekend. Cooper has been lauded for his role as the troubled, yet staunchly patriotic Kyle, giving the character understated depth. Cooper hopes to change his fortunes at this year’s Oscars after failing to win for 2012’s “Silver Linings Playbook,” and 2013’s “American Hustle.”

Eddie Redmayne

“The Theory of Everything”

Eddie Redmayne procured his first Oscar nomination portraying one of the world’s most famous cosmologists, Stephen Hawking, in “The Theory of Everything.” The film focuses on his relationship with his first wife, Jane Wilding, as well as the onset and subsequent battle with a motor neuron disease.

Unlike the other biographical figures depicted this year, Hawking is a well-known social icon, putting even more pressure on Redmayne to give an accurate performance. He proved more than qualified for the task and is able to embody the character, both physically and emotionally, in this demanding role.

Benedict Cumberbatch

“The Imitation Game”

Benedict Cumberbatch received his first, though likely not his last, nomination for the role of Alan Turing in the historical thriller, “The Imitation Game.” The film followed Turing during his years working for the English government’s top secret code-breaking team during World War II.

Cumberbatch gives a performance similar to his popular Sherlock Holmes portrayal as a socially awkward and often unapproachable genius. The film put less focus on the mathematics of his “Turing Machine,” an invention many credit as the inspiration for the modern day computer, and is instead more of a character study of Turing as a man, allowing for Cumberbatch to shine in the role.

Michael Keaton

“Birdman”

In his role in “Birdman”, Michael Keaton holds the distinction of being the only one of the five best actor nominees to play a fictitious character. The movie is unique in the category, being the only one with even a hint of comedy, although still very serious at times.

The film follows washed-up former superhero actor, Riggan, as he attempts an ambitious comeback in a Broadway play that he writes, directs and stars. Most of the comedy came from the sad, sometimes pathetic nature of Keaton’s character as he tried to write a new chapter in his career, despite all signs he should have quit long ago. The fact that the story loosely mirrors Keaton’s own career as a former superhero actor (Batman) is not lost and adds weight to the character who many cannot help but root for, despite his many flaws. 

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