Note: I have covered all four acting categories in depth here.

The Nominees:

• Robert Duvall — The Judge
• Ethan Hawke — Boyhood
• Edward Norton — Birdman
• Mark Ruffalo — Foxcatcher
• J.K. Simmons — Whiplash

Will Win: J.K. Simmons

Could Win: Edward Norton

Should Win: J.K. Simmons

This will ultimately come down to J.K. Simmons’ explosive performance in Whiplash and Edward Norton’s nuanced performance in Birdman. If I had anything to say about it, Mark Ruffalo would be in the race as well, but he is a far-off dark horse. J.K. Simmons will win this award. I would be shocked at any other outcome. Simmons in Whiplash is my personal favorite performance by an actor all year. He deserves the recognition, having never been nominated before, and his success this award season shows that he is the favorite to take home the Oscar.