The 2027 Oscars Best Supporting Actor race is beginning to take shape, with several acclaimed performers emerging as serious contenders for one of Hollywood’s most competitive awards. From established Oscar winners to actors still searching for their first nomination, this year’s lineup could deliver plenty of surprises before the Academy Awards arrive.
Following Sean Penn’s win for One Battle After Another at the previous ceremony, attention is now turning toward the performances that could define the next awards season. John Leguizamo, Edward Norton, Andrew Garfield, Paul Giamatti, and Sam Rockwell are among the names attracting attention in early predictions.
However, the competition remains far from settled. Several highly anticipated films have yet to reach wider audiences, and upcoming releases could dramatically change the rankings. With awards season gaining momentum, here is an early look at the leading contenders, potential dark horses, and our current prediction for the 2027 Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner.
Best Supporting Actor Nomination Frontrunners for the 2027 Oscars
1. John Leguizamo – The Odyssey
John Leguizamo has emerged as one of the early names to watch in the 2027 Oscars Best Supporting Actor race thanks to his performance as Eumaeus in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Playing a blind servant connected to Odysseus, Leguizamo brings emotional depth to a character who helps ground the film’s larger mythological story.
His performance could become one of the film’s most memorable elements, particularly if audiences and awards voters respond to the emotional weight he brings to the role.
An Oscar nomination would be a significant milestone for Leguizamo, who is looking to secure his first competitive acting nomination from the Academy. With The Odyssey already generating considerable awards-season interest, he has a promising opportunity to enter the final nomination conversation.
2. Edward Norton – The Invite
Edward Norton is another strong contender, with his performance in The Invite potentially putting him back in the Oscar spotlight.
Known for his ability to portray complicated, charismatic characters, Norton reportedly makes the most of the film’s ensemble-driven storytelling. The smaller cast gives his character room to develop, allowing his personality and screen presence to stand out.
Norton has received four Academy Award nominations throughout his career but has yet to win an Oscar. Another nomination would add to his already impressive awards history and could strengthen his position in a category filled with experienced performers.
If The Invite maintains its momentum throughout awards season, Norton could become a serious candidate for a Best Supporting Actor nomination.
3. Andrew Garfield – Artificial
Andrew Garfield could be one of the most intriguing names in this year’s supporting actor competition. In Artificial, directed by Luca Guadagnino, Garfield portrays OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in a film exploring a subject that continues to generate significant cultural and industry debate.
Early reactions to the movie have drawn attention to Garfield’s performance, making him an increasingly interesting contender as the awards season develops.
Garfield previously received Academy Award recognition for Hacksaw Ridge and Tick, Tick… Boom! His ability to bring emotional complexity and intensity to his roles could work in his favor once voters begin evaluating this year’s leading performances.
Beyond the acting itself, Artificial could benefit from its relevance to ongoing conversations about artificial intelligence and the entertainment industry’s relationship with emerging technology.
If the film connects with critics and audiences, Garfield could have a realistic opportunity to move from an early contender to a leading Best Supporting Actor favorite.
4. Paul Giamatti – The Debut
Paul Giamatti is another performer who could make a strong case for the award with The Debut. After coming close to winning for The Holdovers, Giamatti remains a respected figure within the film industry and could benefit from renewed awards-season attention.
His previous performance demonstrated his ability to combine humor, vulnerability, and emotional depth, qualities that often resonate with Academy voters.
Giamatti’s experience and established reputation could make him a formidable competitor, particularly if The Debut delivers a performance that receives sustained critical praise.
At this early stage, he is one of the names most likely to remain in the conversation as the race develops. Whether he can turn that momentum into a win will depend on the film’s reception and the strength of the competition.
5. Sam Rockwell – Wild Horse Nine
Sam Rockwell brings something different to the 2027 Oscar race: the experience of already winning this category.
Rockwell earned the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and could return to contention with Wild Horse Nine, directed by Martin McDonagh.
The collaboration reunites the actor with a filmmaker known for creating distinctive characters and darkly comic storytelling. Their previous work together produced one of Rockwell’s most celebrated performances, making this new project particularly interesting for awards watchers.
Unlike several competitors seeking their first nomination, Rockwell has already demonstrated that he can win over Academy voters. If Wild Horse Nine delivers another standout role, he could become one of the category’s most serious challengers.
Other Actors Who Could Earn a 2027 Oscars Nomination
Although the early frontrunners are attracting much of the attention, the Best Supporting Actor category has several other performers who could enter the race before nominations are announced.
Robert Pattinson – The Odyssey and Dune: Part Three
Robert Pattinson could have multiple opportunities to strengthen his awards-season prospects through The Odyssey and Dune: Part Three.
His role as Antinous in The Odyssey gives him a chance to make an impression in a major ensemble production. Meanwhile, his appearance as Scytale in Dune: Part Three could offer audiences a different side of his screen persona.
The two performances could provide contrasting opportunities for Pattinson to demonstrate his range. However, the strength of his awards campaign will depend on how the films are received and whether either role generates enough momentum among voters.
Pattinson is still seeking his first Academy Award nomination, and a strong year across multiple projects could help bring him closer to that milestone.
Steve Buscemi – Wild Horse Nine
Steve Buscemi remains a respected character actor whose distinctive performances have helped define numerous acclaimed films. His appearance in Wild Horse Nine could provide an opportunity for long-overdue Academy recognition.
Despite his extensive career, Buscemi has not received a competitive acting nomination from the Oscars. A strong reception for the film could bring renewed attention to his work and introduce him to a broader awards-season audience.
His chances will depend on the visibility of the film, the significance of his role, and whether his performance stands out among a crowded group of contenders.
John Goodman – Digger
John Goodman is another veteran performer who could become a surprise nominee with Digger.
Over the years, Goodman has built a reputation for moving comfortably between comedy and drama. His experience and recognizable screen presence make him an interesting name to monitor, especially if the film generates positive reviews.
An Oscar nomination would represent a major career milestone for Goodman, who has yet to receive a competitive Academy Award acting nomination.
Although he faces significant competition, a memorable supporting performance could give him a chance to break through.
Colman Domingo – Michael
Colman Domingo could strengthen his awards credentials with Michael, the biographical film centered on Michael Jackson.
Domingo has already earned significant Academy recognition, and another acclaimed performance could put him back in the conversation for a supporting actor nomination.
Biographical films can create opportunities for performers to attract awards attention, particularly when their roles contribute to a larger story about a well-known public figure. If Domingo’s performance resonates with audiences and critics, he could become a strong contender as voting approaches.
Guy Pearce – Ink
Guy Pearce is another established performer worth watching. In Ink, directed by Danny Boyle, Pearce portrays media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
The role places Pearce in a project with a real-world subject that could generate discussion beyond the film itself. If the movie receives a strong critical response, his portrayal could become part of the broader awards conversation.
Pearce has previously earned Academy recognition, and another nomination would reinforce his standing as a versatile performer capable of taking on complex dramatic roles.
Riz Ahmed, Adam Driver, and Jeremy Strong
Several other accomplished actors could also challenge the early frontrunners.
Riz Ahmed’s work in Digger, Adam Driver’s performance in Paper Tiger, and Jeremy Strong’s role in The Social Reckoning give awards watchers additional performances to consider.
Each actor has demonstrated an ability to deliver compelling dramatic work, but their chances will depend on the reception of their respective films and the visibility of their performances during awards season.
There is also room for unexpected breakthroughs. Guitarricadelafuente could attract attention for La Bola Negra, while James Ortiz may enter the conversation through his work as Rocky in Project Hail Mary.
These potential dark horses illustrate why early Oscar predictions should be treated as a snapshot rather than a final ranking. One widely praised performance or a successful awards campaign could quickly change the direction of the race.
Who Will Win Best Supporting Actor at the 2027 Oscars?
Paul Giamatti has a compelling case for the award. His reputation within the industry, previous Oscar recognition, and acclaimed performance in The Holdovers could make him a popular choice if The Debut delivers the right material.
However, Andrew Garfield is our early prediction to win the 2027 Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
Garfield’s potential advantage comes from the combination of his performance in Artificial and the film’s timely subject matter. The movie explores a topic that continues to influence conversations across technology, business, and the entertainment industry.
If the film receives strong reviews and Garfield’s portrayal becomes one of its most discussed elements, he could gain considerable momentum throughout the awards season.
The film’s broader cultural relevance may also help it attract attention, although the ultimate outcome will depend on the quality of the finished movie, its reception, and the Academy’s response to the performance.
That said, this prediction comes with considerable uncertainty. Paul Giamatti could emerge as the stronger candidate, while Sam Rockwell has the advantage of having won the category before. John Leguizamo could also become a major contender if The Odyssey maintains its awards-season momentum.
The next few months should provide a clearer picture as more films reach theaters, critics publish their reviews, and precursor awards begin to identify the performances with the strongest support.
The 2027 Oscars Best Supporting Actor predictions point toward a competitive category featuring established stars, previous nominees, and performers seeking their first Academy Award recognition.
John Leguizamo, Edward Norton, Andrew Garfield, Paul Giamatti, and Sam Rockwell currently stand out as early contenders, while Robert Pattinson, Colman Domingo, Guy Pearce, and several others could still move into the leading group.
Our current pick is Andrew Garfield for Artificial, but the race remains open. Strong performances, critical reactions, and awards-season momentum will ultimately determine which actors make the final nomination list and who takes home the Oscar.
As more anticipated films are released, these rankings will continue to evolve. For now, Garfield is an exciting early choice, with Giamatti and Rockwell standing out as two potential challengers in what could become one of the season’s most closely watched acting races.
What do you think? Will Andrew Garfield win his first acting Oscar, or could Paul Giamatti or Sam Rockwell take the prize? Share your predictions with the Filmbuzzr community.