In the 2020s, that trend has continued.

In a fair world,Al PacinoorJoe Pesciwould’ve won for their far superior work in Martin Scorsese’sThe Irishman.

The film chronicles the career ofJ.

Robert Downey Jr. wins Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Image by Jefferson Chacon

Robert Oppenheimer(Cillian Murphy), including hiscontentious relationship withLewis Strauss(Robert Downey Jr.).

Downey Jr. has some standout scenesinOppenheimer, especially in the middle and in the electrifying third act.

Still, Downey Jr. deliversa fine and suitably unlikable performancethat givesOppenheimera worthy villain to root against.

cliff booth laying in a golf cart in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Was he worthier of the Oscar than an absurdMark RuffaloinPoor Thingsor a hilariousRyan GoslinginBarbie?

Its wings might’ve not melted, but the flight up sure was turbulent.

What Kotsur achieves inCODAis emotional,simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming.

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Kaluuya is tremendous as Hampton, deliveringa true tour-de-force that gives the film all its drive and impact.

However,his win has only aged better over time.

It’s a sentimental performance without an ounce of cynicism that never becomes too broad or absurd.

Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey Jr.), upset, sits at a table in a tux & argues about the nuclear bomb

Image via Universal Pictures

NEXT:Every Best Actor Oscar Winner of the 2020s, Ranked

Oppenheimer Poster

Frank Rossi looking intently at something off-camera in CODA

Image via Apple TV+

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Fred Hampton surrounded by a crowd while looking intently at something off-camera in Judas and the Black Messiah

Image via Warner Bros.

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Ke Huy Quan