Go with the long shot for best supporting actor

Four of the five names in this year's race for the supporting actor Oscar are immediately recognizable to most Americans. As for the one that's not, well, place your money on him.

WHO Woody Harrelson

MOVIE "The Messenger"

THE DEAL Harrelson was terrific as a damaged soldier in this war drama, but a certain Austrian seems certain to edge him out.

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WHO Matt Damon

MOVIE "Invictus"

THE DEAL This would be Damon's first acting Oscar (he won for the screenplay for "Good Will Hunting," with Ben Affleck). But although Damon's face is big on the posters for "Invictus," his role is oddly small.

 
WHO Christopher Plummer

MOVIE "The Last Station"

THE DEAL Amazingly, this is Plummer's first nomination (he plays an aging Leo Tolstoy). But the 80-year-old actor may have to wait for his first win.

 
WHO Stanley Tucci

MOVIE "The Lovely Bones"

THE DEAL Tucci plays a terrific creep in this chiller, but this nomination (his first) was the wrong one: He was far better as the elegant Paul Child in "Julie & Julia."

 
WHO Christoph Waltz

MOVIE "Inglourious Basterds"

THE DEAL This 53-year-old unknown (outside his native Austria, at least) completely stole this movie as the world's cheeriest Nazi. Conventional wisdom, and a Golden Globe, says he's the shoo-in.

PHOTOS: Best supporting actor nominees

VOTE: Who should win an Oscar for best supporting actor?

VIDEO: Watch trailers for Oscar-nominated movies

MORE: Complete guide to the Academy Awards