SUPPORTING ACTOR

Mahershala Ali, “Green Book” Adam Driver, “BlacKkKlansman” Sam Elliott, “A Star Is Born” Richard E. Grant, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” Sam Rockwell, “Vice”

Winner: Ali

Possible alternative: Grant

Analysis: Ali won at the Globes and the

SAG Awards and has vacuumed up countless other prizes during the last two months.

Even the “Green Book” haters give him his due for his nuanced, controlled portrayal of pianist Don Shirley in the film. After winning for “Moonlight” two years ago, it appears that a second supporting actor Oscar is one of the night’s biggest locks.