All signs at this point are pointing to Jared Leto (Requiem for a Dream) for year’s Best Supporting Actor. Playing Rayon, a real-life transvestite with AIDS, Leto has undergone a serious physical transformation. Having shed 40 plus pounds (he reportedly stopped counting after forty) for the role, Leto has done very little in his acting career for the past ten years, with his last role four years ago.

After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival to rave reviews, much of the love for Dallas Buyers Club was targeted at Leto and his heartbreaking performance. While early prognosticators had Matthew McConaughey secured as a serious contender, many overlooked Leto… until they saw him on screen.

Personally, I’m keeping Leto at my top spot in an otherwise lacking field. Competition is sure to ramp up in the coming Oscar-y months but, for now, that Oscar pretty much belongs to Leto.

Dallas Buyers Club is directed Jean-Marc Vallée and stars Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Jennifer Gardner, Steve Zahn, and Kevin Rankin. It hits theaters November 1, 2013.

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