Best Supporting Actor 1977: Results

5. Mikhail Baryshnikov in The Turning Point- This nomination is really almost an insult to the other nominated actors, since Baryshnikov gives a terrible performance. His performance does not have a single impressive or convincing moment. He in fact can barely get past his own accent when saying his lines.

4. Maximilian Schell in Julia- Schell has a very short performance in which he comes in a does what he needs to do and than leaves. Schell gives a fine performance, but barely anything is required of him.

3. Peter Firth in Equus- Firth puts a lot of passion into his performance showing both the obsessions as well as the pain his character feels quite well. Unfortunately it never becomes compelling.

2. Jason Robards in Julia- Robards gives an effective performance having the right chemistry with Jane Fonda, as well as being able to create fine portrait of the aged Dashielle Hammett, although limited by the film.

1. Alec Guinness in Star Wars- Alec Guinness does not have the biggest challenge in his career but he certainly handles it with an complete ease and grace. He makes his character memorable, and fully realizes each aspect of Obi-wan Kenobi.

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Best Supporting Actor 1977: Maximilian Schell in Julia

Maximilian Schell received his third Oscar nomination for portraying Johann in Julia.

Julia depicts the relationship of playwright Lillian Hellman and her childhood friend Julia who has troubles in Nazi Germany.

Maximilian Schell has an extremely small role that I doubt would have every been nominated if it had not been played by Maximilain Schell. Johann is a man working for an anti-Nazi underground who acts as the liaison for Julia to Lillian. He gives Lillian a letter from Julia, than gives her some information on their organization, and a plan for Lillian to smuggle in money into Germany for the movement.

Johann acts a man to move forward the plot, and that is it. There really is nothing to the man other than what he says. Schell adds nothing more than would or should expect frankly from this sort of role. He says his lines as he should, he is as he should be but there is nothing remarkable about how he does any of it. The role of Johann could have easily been played by any competent character actor.

The simple truth is this character never should have been nominated there simply is not anything special about it. There is not a single memorable aspect, or notable aspect of Johann he just does his part and leaves never to be scene again. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Schell's performacne, but there is not any reason it deserved recognition.

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Best Supporting Actor 1977

And the Nominees Were:

Peter Firth in Equus

Maximilian Schell in Julia

Jason Robards in Julia

Alec Guinness in Star Wars

Mikhail Baryshnikov in The Turning Point

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