The Oscars 2009: Best Actor Nominees

For anyone that saw the Hollywood bad boy's Bafta acceptance speech, a win for Mickey would be a big ratings boost. His raw honesty and liberal use of swear words would definitely keep the staid Academy on their toes.

However he deserves the spotlight thanks to a tragic, deeply emotional performance as a washed-up Lycra wearer in The Wrestler. He's the man to beat, after the well received Golden Globe/Bafta double whammy of recent weeks.

Mickey has stated that he's got no problem with his old rabble-rousing friend Sean pipping him to the post, as Penn played a part in keeping Rourke's life going further down the pan.

The consumate pro can already count one Oscar on his mantelpiece, thanks to Mystic River, together with three other noms so don't be surprised to see another win. His vivacious portrayal of gay activist Harvey Milk is, without doubt, something to savour.

You've got to hand it to Frank, he's come a long way since starring as Skeletor in Masters of the Universe. The veteran character actor was principly known for being Whoopi Goldberg's other half, but can now speak from the rafters on the back of his nomination.

Having acted up a storm opposite Michael Sheen in the West End and Broadway Frost/Nixons, it was a no-brainer to let him loose on film. An early front runner, Frank has dropped off people's radars but don't count him out.

It looks like the world's most paparrazied actor will miss out on the golden guy, despite The Curious Case of Benjamin Button racking up one less nomination than awards behemoth Titanic did back in 1998. He missed out himself in the 1995 Supporting category for his wacky Twelve Monkeys scene stealing.

His detractors will say there is a fair whack of CGI involved in his performance, but it's still Brad underneath who needs to hit all the right notes. A far better actor than people give him credit for, expect this to be the second of several noms.

Long considered one of the most versatile character actors in Tinseltown, Richard got his big leading break finally with Thomas McCarthy's beautifully paced The Visitor. It allowed him the chance to build on his Six Feet Under TV rave reviews of recent years.

Jenkins plays a college professor in the arthouse hit, who must deal with two lively illegal immigrants that have mistakenly squatted in his New York apartment. A sentimental vote from the luvvies will not be enough for him to win, but it's great to see him get the exposure he deserves.