Keep in mind these are my personal choices for Best Supporting Actors of 2005 and don't reflect anyone else's point of view. I'd be really surprised if any critics group or other organized awards committee selects the same five individuals as the ones who make up my Best Supporting Actors of 2005. There were some great performances by actors in supporting roles this year, but these guys really stood out from the pack.
It took a lot of convincing to name Jake Gyllenhaal in the 'supporting' category. I'm still not sure he didn't deserve lead acting honors for his role in "Brokeback Mountain" since his role shares close to equal screen time with Heath Ledger's character and is no less important in moving the story forward. Gyllenhaal continues to amaze me with his choices, and his performance in "Brokeback Mountain" is the reason I've now sat through the film twice - and I'm considering a third viewing.
Mickey Rourke was so much fun to watch in Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller's "Sin City" and it's a shame he'll probably be overlooked for acting honors. Even under a ton of make-up and band-aids, Rourke's inimitable style and talent made you care for a shady character with leanings toward the darker side of life.
Felicity Huffman's earning praise (not to mention a hefty amount of awards) for her role as a transgender woman in "Transamerica" but it would have been hard for her to shine without her young co-star. Kevin Zegers has the difficult task of working opposite Huffman playing a man who wants to be a woman, and he pulls off a first-rate performance. Who knew the "Air Bud" kid had this in him?
Jared Leto took the role of Nicolas Cage's younger brother in "Lord of War" and used it as an opportunity to steal scene after scene from the older, more established thespian. Leto's gritty, heartwrenching portrayal of a disillusioned, confused young man who reluctantly becomes involved in the world of international arms dealing is one of Leto's best performances and is reminiscent of his work in "Requiem for a Dream."
Val Kilmer plays a gay detective who has to teach would-be actor Robert Downey Jr the tricks of the trade in Shane Black's directorial debut, "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang." Kilmer chews the scenery in this campy buddy comedy and is a blast to watch working off of Downey and femme fatale Michelle Monaghan.